Why did some people fear the effect of easily available printed books. Choose one example from Europe and one from India?
Answers
AnswerSome people especially from upper class and powerful class feared the effect of easily available printed books. Their cause of fear was that due to the spread of literacy among the common people they may loose their position or authorities. Some people feared that this may lead to the spread of rebellions and irreligious thoughts. For example:-
Some people especially from upper class and powerful class feared the effect of easily available printed books. Their cause of fear was that due to the spread of literacy among the common people they may loose their position or authorities. Some people feared that this may lead to the spread of rebellions and irreligious thoughts. For example:-In Europe, the Roman Catholic Church tried to curb the printed books through the Index of Prohibited Books.
Some people especially from upper class and powerful class feared the effect of easily available printed books. Their cause of fear was that due to the spread of literacy among the common people they may loose their position or authorities. Some people feared that this may lead to the spread of rebellions and irreligious thoughts. For example:-In Europe, the Roman Catholic Church tried to curb the printed books through the Index of Prohibited Books.In India, the Vernacular Press Act imposed restrictions on Indian press and various local newspapers.
Answer:
Many people feared that if there was no control over what vyas printed and read, rebellious and irreligious thought might spread. If that happen ‘valuable’ materials and texts might lose their values.
Example from Europe - Erasmus, a Latin scholar in Europe and a Catholic reformer expressed deep anxiety about printing.
Example from India - British government favoured censorship of press and passed law to hinder free circulation of newspaper and journals. Vernacular Press Act provided the government with extensive rights to censor reports and editorials.