what were the effects of the spread of print culture for poor qpeoples 19th century in India
Answers
As the literacy rate improved in India, printed materials, especially for entertainment began to reach even the poor in the nineteenth century.
publisher started producing small and cheap books. These books were sold at crossroads.
public libraries were set up by the Christian missionaries and the rich people. Those who could not read, could listen to stories and folklore. These could be read out to them by others.
Books could be hired on a nominal fee from some book owners. Many writer started writing about the issue of class distinction.
The writing of these writer were read by people allover india. local protest movement and sects also created a lot of popular journals and tracts critizing ancient scripture with a view to creating a new and just future.
Very cheap small books were brought to markets in 19th century Madras towns and sold at crossroads, allowing poor people to buy them. Issues of caste discrimination began to be written and discussed. Kashibaba, a Kanpur mill worker wrote on caste and class exploitation.Bangalore cotton mill workers set up libraries to educate themselves. Local social workers used books and journals to eradicate superstition and social evils. This was also used to propagate message of nationalism.