Question

write short note on freedom of press after the revolt of 1857...

Answer 1

In the annals of our freedom struggle, the 1857 War of Independence represents a bold and desperate attempt of the people of the Sub-Continent to wrest freedom from foreign rule. Wearied of the inexorable, ruthless and predatory domination of the East India Company for over 100 years, they resolutely plunged in the move to throw off the yoke of the alien rulers. However, when the armed struggle failed, not only the soldiery but the press which had made a significant contribution in it inevitably bore the brunt of
British vengeance.
During the critical days of the War of Independence, the press supported the freedom fighters, although by no means it was free. Indeed, with the advent of the Company rule, it lost all the freedom and independence it had enjoyed during the Mughal rule.
Before analyzing the role of journalism in the War of Independence, we will see first the characteristics of press during the 1857 War of Independence which are following :

1. Hold of Britishers Over the Press :
The English newspapers published in the Sub-Continent were both, weekly and daily. But these English newspapers were owned by “Anglo-Indians” or Britishers. So naturally, they supported British government on "every-national or international issue. They opposed the British government only if they'had any personal problem with the British government. Otherwise, they were the supporters of the British government.

2. Local Newspapers :
All the local newspapers which were published in the local languages of Sub-Continent were weekly newspapers, published round about 6,000 and 30 to 40 thousand readers.

3. Non-Muslim Majority :
Urdu local newspapers were owned mostly by non-Muslims. It was the reign of Bahadur Shah Zafar. So in Delhi, all the newspapers were owned by Muslims but these papers were very few although they were the supporters of the Muslim King.

4. Balanced Muslim Majority :
Muslim newspapers were very reserved in their attitude towards “British-government”. They presented their views very carefully without using any harsh words. On the other side, whenever Muslim newspapers criticized the British government then their criticism was compensated with the flattering of East India Company which continued for many weeks. Because it was the fact that economically, the Muslim empire
was weaker and it was not in the condition to support the Muslims and their newspapers while many newspapers even were given the financial aid by British government so they could not displease the British government.

Answer 2

The British government consistently followed a policy of repression after the revolt of 1857 , against the rising nationalist movement . Many measures of government provoked widespread agitation . One of them was Vernacular Press Act 1878 . It banned publishing any vernacular press to write against the government .

hope it helps........