Approach to the answer: 

Understanding the question: The question has two main headings 1) How Indian press was important for political education of masses 2) How Indian press laid a solid foundation for an active National Movement in future. 

Introduction: We can introduce the answer by either stating the origin of the Indian press or we can also state a few prominent newspapers which aided in the freedom struggle.

Body: The directive used in the question is ‘elucidate’, thus, we must explain the topic in detail. There are 2 headings: 

Heading 1: Role of Indian press in political education of masses.

Heading 2: Role of Indian press in laying a solid foundation for the national freedom movement.

Conclusion: We can conclude by either summarizing the arguments of the body section or the overall significance of the press in India’s freedom struggle.

Answer: The British East India Company set up its first printing press in Bombay in the year 1674. Later on James Augustus Hickey started ‘The Bengal Gazette’ also known as ‘Calcutta General advertiser’ in 1780. This was the first newspaper published in India which was later stopped because it carried critical articles against the company. The same medium of press became instrumental in making Indians aware about the oppression of British rule and united the people of the country to fight against them.

The Role of Indian Press for Political education of the masses:

Created Awareness: Early nationalist movements placed more of an emphasis on indoctrinating, developing, and spreading nationalist ideology as well as rousing, educating, mobilizing, and establishing public opinion. The media supported the decision.

For instance, the Indian National Congress in its early days relied solely on the press to propagate its resolutions and proceedings.

Wide Reach: Because they were published in vernacular language, the newspapers and magazines had a broad audience and helped to popularize libraries. These publications reached the far-off village and thus their influence was not restricted to cities and towns.

For instance, ‘local libraries’ were set up in which news items and editorials would be read and discussed thoroughly.

Oneness and Unity: The press exposed the exploitative nature of British policies. This united people against the enemy (British), who abused every Indian irrespective of his religion, caste or color.

The Role of Indian Press for Laying a solid foundation for an active National Movement:

National Service: The second half of the nineteenth century saw the rise of the press, which was primarily for national service and not for financial gain.

For instance, every national leader headed/wrote a newspaper like the Bengalee under Surendranath Banerjee, Voice of India under Dadabhai Naoroji, Amrita Bazar Patrika under Sisir Kumar Ghosh and Motilal Ghosh etc.

Tool for Opposition/Dissent: Government Actions and policies were subjected to critical examination in newspapers and periodicals. They served as a group that was opposed to the government.

For instance, B.G. Tilak in his publication, Kesari, wrote against the mismanagement of plague by the British.

Internationalize Indian Cause: Newspapers and magazines reported the British oppression in India and highlighted the Indian cause globally.

For instance, newspapers like Payam-e-azadi, Bangadoot, Samachar Sudhavarashan and Rastiguftar highlighted Indian causes internationally.

Impact on British: British imposed severe restrictions against press in the form of various legislations like Censorship of Press Act (1799), Licensing Regulations (1823), Vernacular Press Act (1878), Newspaper (Incitement to Offences) Act (1908) etc. This made leaders and masses resolution even stronger.

Use of Stratagems: Due to severe restrictions, Indian journalists adopted several clever stratagems and evolved a distinctive style of writing to remain outside the reach of the law. This approach by early journalists allowed nationalists to carry forward their cause in future struggles.

For instance, Section 124A excluded writings of persons whose loyalty to the Government was undoubted, thus Indian journalists invariably prefaced their vitriolic writing with effusive sentiments of loyalty to the Government and the Queen.

The press had an important role since it served as a fertile ground for Indian discontent voices who perceived the dominant narrative of colonial rulers as wrong and wanted to express their opposition. Alongside, they also used the medium to f

ight against the British Raj.