‘Hicky's Bengal Gazette': India's First Newspaper

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13 May 2024

‘Hicky's Bengal Gazette' was the first newspaper ever published in India, with its inaugural edition released on January 29, 1780

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It was an English language weekly that was started by Ireland-born James Augustus Hicky. He served as the paper's writer, editor and publisher

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The newspaper, largely meant for the European community in Calcutta, initially adopted a neutral editorial policy 

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The newspaper was printed once a week on Saturday, and retailed for Rs 1

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But after Mr Hicky learned that competitors with ties to the East India Company (EIC) were intending to launch a rival newspaper, he took a strong anti-Company stance

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The newspaper delved into broader societal concerns, including government corruption, inefficiency and civic issues, and criticised the EIC

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Due to constant criticism of EIC and its officials, the paper came under the radar of British authorities 

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As a result, The Gazette faced legal challenges, including multiple libel lawsuits filed by prominent figures such as Governor General Warren Hastings

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Mr Hicky was found guilty on some of the libel counts and jailed. Two years into its publication, the newspaper ceased publication in March 1782

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Even though short-lived, Hicky's Bengal Gazette provided inspiration for educated Indian reformers to start their own newspapers

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