Question Q.14DiscussGS1GS1
Discuss the role of the press in spreading nationalist ideas and sentiments during the freedom struggle. What challenges did the press, particularly the vernacular press, face during this period? (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Introduction
Press during freedom struggle was not a mere profit making business but it led to increase in national consciousness and unified Indians as single political entity.
26 words
Main Body
ROLE OF PRESS IN SPREADING NATIONALIST IDEAS
1Spread of western ideas like equality, liberty and fraternity.
2Propagation of economic policies of British and their widespread impact (e.g.) Dadabhai Naoroji in Poverty and Un-british rule <-> Drain of wealth theory.
3Spread of Revolutionary ideas by extremists to arouse masses against British (e.g.) Kesari and Maharatta by Tilak.
4Catered to local mass and encouraged grassroots participation by using local languages (e.g.) Marathi Newspapers by Tilak.
5Spread of vernacular languages.
6Led to Socio-Religious Reforms by speaking against caste discrimination (e.g.) Harijan by Gandhiji.
7Led to Political Empowerment of marginalised and encouraged their participation (e.g.) Mook Nayak.
8Spread Idea of Swaraj and self-rule (e.g.) Bande Mataram by Ghosh.
9Found Innovative ways to bypass British oppressive laws (e.g.) Quoting Irish views instead of direct criticism.
CHALLENGES FACED BY PRESS
1British colonial Regulations to curb freedom of press (e.g.) 1823: Adam Regulations.
2Excess powers given to District magistrate based on trivial rules like possession (e.g.) Press Restrictions during 1878.
3Racial discrimination towards Indian Press as most regulations were against local, vernacular press (e.g.) Vernacular Press Act 1878.
4Wartime efforts to curb criticism and dissent as tool for law and order (e.g.) Defence of India Rules.
5Arrest of major leaders due to press violations <-> Left movements leaderless (e.g.) Arrest of Tilak after 1897 Chapekar case and negative impact on Swadeshi movement.
239 words2 paragraphs
Conclusion
Despite numerous efforts by British to suppress freedom of press, it found its own niche in unique forms like underground radio by Usha Mehta and eventually led us to path of 'free India'.
33 words
- Good use of concrete examples with names
- Clear thematic structuring
Topper
MONIKA SRIVASTAVA
AIR 162025
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
The Freedom Struggle
Role of Press
Nationalist Ideas through Press
Writing Stats
298
Total words
2
Paragraphs
analytical, structured
Tone