Question

Write a short note on the significance of Print in creation of a modern world.

Answer 1

The earliest print technology was developed in China, Japan and Korea. From 594 AD onwards, books were printed in China by rubbing paper against the inked surface of woodblocks. The traditional Chinese ‘Accordion Book’ was folded and stitched at the side because both sides of the thin, porous sheet could not be printed.

For a very long time, the imperial state of China was the major producer of printed material. The Chinese bureaucratic system recruited its personnel through civil services examinations. The imperial state sponsored the large scale printing of textbooks for this examination. The number of candidates for the examinations increased from the sixteenth century, and this increased the volume of print.

Answer 2

Print or printing press played an important role in the creation of modern world. It was a very important factor for the spread of Renaissance and its ideas. The spread of original knowledge became easy, dependable, less costly and accessible to common man which played an important role in fostering modern ideas and shunning the useless traditions and rituals. It also increased and improved the education system which widened the mental horizon of people. More importantly the print played a major role in social reform movements and in reforming the society.