Question

Read the following source and answer the questions that follow:

Print and Censorship The power of the printed word is most often seen in the way governments seek to regulate and suppress print. The colonial government kept continuous track of all books and newspapers published in India and passed numerous laws to control the press. During the First World War, under the Defense of India Rules, 22 newspapers had to furnish securities. Of these, 18 shut down rather than comply with government orders. The Sedition Committee Report under Rowlatt in 1919 further strengthened controls that led to imposition of penalties on various newspapers. At the outbreak of the Second World War, the Defense of India Act was passed, allowing censoring of reports of war-related topics. All reports about the Quit India Movement came under its purview. In August 1942, about 90 newspapers were suppressed.

1. What method did the colonial government employ to keep track of Indian newspapers?     1
2. How did the colonial government's laws affect the press?     1
3. Analyse the impact of 'Sedition Committee' on Newspapers.     2

Answer 1

1. The colonial government enacted various laws to regulate the press, reflecting a systematic strategy for overseeing and controlling newspaper publications in India.
2. Many Newspapers were shut down during World War first and second due to the government's laws.
3. Rowlatt's Sedition Committee Report of 1919 increased press censorship, resulting in sanctions for numerous newspapers. The report sought to stifle dissent and prevent antigovernment activity.