JOURANALISM IN BRITISH ERA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE INDIAN SPECTATOR (1884-1885)

Rise of British Period in India was an outcome of Political disunity among Indian states. Lack of economic
sufficiency, social distinctions and rivalry, faith in out dated practices and non-availability of scientific and rational
approach were the other factors lead to establishment of foreign rule in the country. Initially British traders and
administrators of the British East India Company carefully expanded their field of activities. Early Governors like
William Bentinck, Thomas Munro, Mount Stuart Elphinstone tried to secure support of locals and extended the rule.
They realised the need of spread of education, scientific approach and train people to run administration. Therefore
English education is introduced, Press is started to form and educate public opinion which will be helpful for them
to consolidate the rule. In course of time Indians enlightened with the new scientific education and new language
and literature started writing. Establishment of various press houses at Calcutta and publication of newspapers
mostly weekly’s in English and later in Persian and Bengali brought the freedom of expression forefront. Several
Newspapers started coming up in Bombay... next to Bengal. Along with British Parsi and Hindu publications
emerged and started publishing papers in Gujarati, Marathi and English. Indian Spectator was one well known
weekly started publishing from 1880 and rose to prominence shortly. It has initiated social awakening along with
political in Bombay and other parts of the country. Mr. Behramji M. Malabari an editor of The Indian Spectator
raised the prominent issue of Child marriage and wanted to bring reform in the same by passing of legislation. He
used Spectator as a medium to create awakening among the masses. This paper is an attempt to show how journalism,
introduced by the British proved successful in social and political awakening.