• Dr. C.Godwinsam

The period between 1858 and 1919 thus witnessed not merely the nascence but also the vigorous adolescence of Indian nationalism. The press played a significant role in initiating socio-religious reform movements in an organized form. Moreover, it was this very class that provided the pioneers of political awakening that finally resulted in the emergence of nationalism and national movement. As the most effective mass media, the press performed a significant role in the formation and promotion of political organizations in this regard. The press has its origins in the ancient spy and communication systems. Before the invention of ink and paper, the importance of News was clearly understood. The ancient rulers were curious about gathering news as it was essential for administration and for the people it was a means of obtaining information. The Indian press, undoubtedly acted as a vehicle of propaganda for radical ideas and helped to be the formation of a growing body of reformist and nationalist ideas and kept alive a debate on issues like the female infanticide, widowhood, the child marriage expensive marriage system, prostitution, untouchability, superstition and issues such as an official extravagance, taxation, racial arrogance of the British Government and European community, the Indianization of services and Indian representation in the legislative institution. Several newspapers, magazines and journals made their appearance. The 18th and 19th century became prominent because of the emergence of socio-religious, politico-economic and intellectual activities in various parts of the country, especially in Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Through the press there emerged the concept of economic awakening which ultimately became a challenge to the colonial government in the country. Thus press at one stage became a mighty weapon in the hands of Indian nationalists, particularly the youth of the country to integrate individuals of all the provinces for the national cause.

Indian nationalism - Socio-religious - Reform movements - Political awakening - Political organizations - Communication systems – Administration – Propaganda – Indianization - British Government - European community – Vernacular Press

"ROLE OF PRESS IN THE INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 5, page no.714-721, May-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1905W52.pdf

"ROLE OF PRESS IN THE INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 5, page no. pp714-721, May-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1905W52.pdf