What is the Role of the Press in the Freedom Struggle?

By Balaji

Updated on: February 24th, 2023

The Press played a Crucial Role in the Freedom Struggle because they helped the general populace comprehend the colonial government’s harsh policies, which sparked more unrest and acts of revolution against the British. These periodicals reached remote communities as well, where every editorial and article was attentively read and discussed in local libraries, demonstrating that this movement did not just affect cities and towns.

Table of content

1. Press in the Freedom Struggle
2. Role of Press in the Freedom Struggle
3. What is the Role of the Press in the Freedom Struggle?

Press in the Freedom Struggle

James Augustus Hickey is credited with beginning printing in India. In 1780, he founded the Bengal Gazette. It was seized in 1872 though because it was critical of the British government. As the number of newspapers rose, the government assumed the responsibility and took a number of steps to restrict the press.

The press’s efforts significantly aided the fight for independence.
They helped revolutionary ideas propagate, which stoked hostility to the British authorities.
Since the press was a powerful tool for the dissemination of political ideals, freedom of the press was essential.

Role of Press in the Freedom Struggle

The public’s needs were these newspapers’ top priority, not making money. These periodicals still managed to reach a sizable audience and ignite the growing need for public libraries. These periodicals reached remote communities as well, proving it did not just affect cities and towns.

Political engagement and education were thus made possible by libraries.
Newspapers also helped spread awareness of the brutal measures the colonial government had implemented, which sparked protests and acts of rebellion against the British.
In other words, despite British attempts to douse the flames of the Indian independence movement, the press kept them ablaze.
Due to the Swadeshi and Boycott campaigns as well as the rise of militant nationalist ideas, several repressive legislation was passed.
The First and Second World Wars severely restricted not just political and human rights but also freedom of speech.

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