India’s First Newspaper and the Role of the Press in Freedom
India’s journey towards freedom was not just fought on battlefields or in political assemblies—it was equally fought through the power of words, printed ink, and fearless journalism. The press played a vital role in awakening national consciousness, challenging colonial narratives, and uniting people across language, region, and class. The roots of this movement can be traced back to India’s very first newspaper—Hicky’s Bengal Gazette.
The Birth of Indian Journalism
India’s first newspaper, Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, was published in 1780 by James Augustus Hicky, an Irishman. It was a weekly English-language paper printed in Calcutta (now Kolkata), which was then the capital of British India. Though initially meant to provide general news and commercial updates for the European community, Hicky soon began using it as a platform to criticize the British East India Company and its officials.
His bold journalism—exposing corruption, favoritism, and injustice—did not sit well with the British authorities. Eventually, the newspaper was banned, and Hicky was jailed. But his paper had already sown the seeds of independent journalism in India. It proved that the press could be a powerful tool to question authority and amplify the voice of the people.
Expansion of the Indian Press
By the 19th century, Indian-run newspapers began to emerge. Reformers, intellectuals, and freedom fighters recognized the power of the printed word to awaken people’s minds. Newspapers like The Hindu (founded in 1878), Amrita Bazar Patrika, Kesari (run by Bal Gangadhar Tilak), and Bande Mataram (edited by Aurobindo Ghosh) became platforms for nationalistic ideas, reform movements, and public debates.
These papers were often written in English, Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Urdu, and other Indian languages. They reached both the educated elite and the common man. Through essays, reports, and editorials, they exposed British exploitation, raised awareness about civil rights, and celebrated Indian heritage and unity.
Voice of the Freedom Struggle
One of the most iconic examples of journalism aiding the freedom movement was Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s newspaper Kesari. His famous line, “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it,” became a rallying cry for Indians. Through his editorials, Tilak fiercely criticized British policies, supported revolutionary activities, and advocated for self-rule.
The British often responded by censoring these newspapers, arresting editors, and imposing strict press laws. For instance, the Vernacular Press Act of 1878, passed by Lord Lytton, aimed to muzzle the Indian-language press. However, this only strengthened the resolve of Indian journalists, who continued their work despite the risk of arrest or shutdown.
Mahatma Gandhi, too, recognized the power of the press. He launched Young India and Harijan, through which he communicated his ideas of nonviolence, swaraj (self-rule), and social reforms. These publications became essential tools for spreading the message of civil disobedience and uniting people in peaceful protest.
Press as a Tool of Unity and Resistance
The Indian press played multiple roles during the freedom struggle. It informed the masses, united them, inspired them, and at times, guided the movement itself. Newspapers became the medium through which people learned about British atrocities in different parts of the country, the success of satyagrahas, or the arrest of national leaders. The press turned into a binding force that helped shape a collective national identity.
Though the nature of media has changed in the digital age, the courage and commitment of early Indian journalists remain an inspiration. From Hicky’s rebellious paper in 1780 to the fiery publications of the 20th century, the Indian press helped lay the foundation for a democratic India. Today, when we enjoy freedom of expression, it is worth remembering that this right was won through struggle, sacrifice, and the unstoppable voice of a free press.
