Question

Explain how the print culture assisted
the growth of nationalism in India

Answer 1

(i) By the end of 19th century a large number of newspapers in Indian vernacular languages were published.
(ii) These newspapers published articles written by national leaders. Their ideas were communicated to people through these newspapers.
(iii) The people of different communities and places were thus connected by print media. Newspapers conveyed news from one place to another creating pan-Indian identities.
(iv) The nationalist newspapers exposed the colonial misrule and encouraged nationalist activities. As these were written in spoken languages of various regions common man could easily understand the content.
(v) When Punjab revolutionaries were deported in 1907, Balagangadhar Tilak wrote articles sympathising with them. He was arrested which provoked protest among masses.
Thus it is clear, print culture assisted the growth of nationalism in India.

Answer 2

The print assisted the growth of nationalism in India.

-Impact of debates : Print helped create and shape public opinion on religious and social issues like widow marriage, sati , female infanticide , polygamy , education of women and untouchability. These opinions and debates finally resulted in abolition of certain practices.

-New ideas and clashes : print not only spread new ideas but enabled wider participation of people in public on various colonial policies. New ideas emerged through clashes of opinions on important issues like equality before law , freedom of speech,the illbert bill and vernacular press act.

-Pan Indian identities: Newspapers conveyed news from one place to another creating pan Indian identities. By highlighting the sufferings and discriminatory policies of the colonial power against the peasants, artisans, workers, etc printed culture connected the communities and thus assisted the spirit of nationalism in the people