Published on 03 Oct 2025
The printing press was brought to India by the Portuguese and was primarily meant for printing the Bibles used for missionary activities. The development of the Indian press can only be partially attributed to the Europeans, as they restricted its growth when it proved to be a direct attack on the British stronghold and a useful tool to mobilise public opinion against the crown.
Contributions of Press to the Colonial India
Popularisation of Vernacular languages: The early 19th century witnessed a significant expansion of the vernacular press, which allowed wider readership across different strata of society.
Example: Amrit Bazaar Patrika in Bengali and later in English, Kesari in Marathi.
Socio-Religious Reform: The Indian reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar used newspapers to advocate for social changes, which led to sensitisation and awareness among people.
Example: The abolition of practices like Sati and child marriage.
Political Education of Masses: Newspapers evolved into forums for nationalist discourse which Indian leaders and intellectuals used to promote political awareness and discuss issues related to colonial rule.
Resurgence of Nationalism: Indian press played a great role in the growth of Nationalistic sentiments among the people which was the keystone behind the freedom struggle.
Example: The popularisation of Vande Mataram and Amar Sonar Bangla was primarily due to the efforts of media.
Voice against British exploitation: The British colonial authorities were often wary of the growing influence of the press and imposed various restrictions and censorship to restrict its growth.
Example: Dadabhai Naoroji used media to expose the economic drain of Indian wealth by the British
Geographical Outreach: The inclusion of farther villages into freedom movement as well as the recognition and acknowledgement of British Oppression internationally was primarily due to media.
Press regulations during Colonial Period
Pre-1857
Censorship of Press Act, 1799: (Lord Wellesley)
Pre-censorship is required on all newspapers anticipating a French invasion,
Extended in 1807 to include all kinds of press publications, newspapers, magazines, books and pamphlets.
Restrictions were relaxed in 1818 under Lord Hastings.
Licensing Regulations, 1823: (by John Adams)
Primarily focussed on Indian language newspapers owned or managed by Indians.
Starting or using a press without a license was made a punishable offense.
Press Act of 1835 or Metcalfe Act: (by Lord Metcalfe)
It repealed the 1823 ordinance, which earned Metcalfe the title 'Liberator of Indian press",
Government to reserve rights to stop publication and circulation of a newspaper, book or any other print material.
Post-1857
Licensing Act, 1857 (by Lord Canning): Imposed licensing restrictions for print publications due to the tumultuous scenario after the mutiny.
Registration Act, 1867 (by Lord John Lawrence): It replaced the Press Act of 1835 and made it mandatory for each book/publication to print the name of the publisher and address.
Vernacular Press Act 1878 (by Lord Lytton): It discriminated between English and Vernacular publications. Also known as the Gagging Act.
Reason: To suppress public opinion against poor administrative choices and to choke public opinion against the obnoxious extravagance of Delhi Durbar when many parts of the country were reeling under famine.
Features:
Press control: District Magistrates were given authority to require publications to pledge against causing disaffection or antipathy, entering into a bond with the government. The decision of the magistrate was final and non-appealable.
Licensing Requirement: Publishers were mandated to obtain a government license to operate.
Security Deposits: The Printer and Publisher could also be required to pay a deposit which would be forfeited in case of infringement of regulation.
Censorship Powers: Authorities were granted the power to confiscate printing equipment and take legal action against publications for content deemed seditious or offensive.
Freedom of the Press Restrictions: The act severely curtailed freedom of the press, limiting the expression of dissent and criticism against colonial policies.
Newspaper (Incitement to Offences) Act, 1908 (by Lord Minto): Aimed at extremist national activity.
It empowered the magistrate to confiscate press property that published objectionable material likely to cause acts of violence.
Indian Press Act, 1910 (by Lord Minto):
To check the emerging Freedom Struggle given the possibility of World War I. Extremely restrictive in nature.
The local government was empowered with the right to demand scrutiny at the registration of a press/publication of newspapers and forfeit or deregister the offenders.
History & Culture
Development of Indian Press
printing press
Contributions of Press to the Colonial India
Amrit Bazaar Patrika
kesari
marathi
Press regulations during Colonial Period
Censorship of Press Act 1799
Licensing Regulations 1823
Press Act of 1835 or Metcalfe Act
John Adams
Lord Wellesley
Licensing Act 1857
Registration Act 1867
Vernacular Press Act 1878
Lord Lytton
Lord John Lawrence
Lord Canning
Newspaper (Incitement to Offences) Act 1908
ndian Press Act 1910
lord minto
General Studies Paper 1
Modern Indian History
Related Articles