How did print culture contribute to the growth of nationalism in India?
Explain with examples.
Answers
(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.
Explanation:
The print culture had a significant impact on the
growth of nationalism in India.
(i) Inspite of passing a Vernacular Press Act,
nationalist newspapers grew in numbers.
(ii) They reported on colonial misrule and
encouraged nationalist actvities.
(iii) The British Government tried to put down
the criticism but there were more protests.
(iv) Punjab revolutionaries were deported,’ Tilak
wrote in Kesari.
(v) It led to his imprisonment in 1908 provoking
large protest.
Gandhiji spread his ideas of Swadeshi in a
powerful way through newspapers. Many Ver-
nacular newspapers came up in India to spread
nationalism.