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Vernacular Press Act (1878) – Notes and MCQs

The Vernacular Press Act of 1878, enacted by Lord Lytton, aimed to suppress Indian-language newspapers criticizing British policies. It imposed severe censorship, barred appeals, and disproportionately targeted vernacular press. This oppressive law incited anti-British sentiments, catalyzing resistance among Indian nationalists and leading to its repeal in 1882 under Lord Ripon.

The Vernacular Press Act (1878) was a repressive law. Lord Lytton, the then Viceroy of India, enacted it. The aim was to curb the growing influence of the Indian press. It was primarily aimed at controlling vernacular (local language) newspapers, which were critical of British policies.

1. Background of the Act

✔ Growing Nationalism:

  • By the late 19th century, Indian newspapers in regional languages (Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Urdu, etc.) started criticizing British policies.
  • They exposed British exploitation, raised political awareness, and supported anti-colonial movements.

✔ Aftermath of the 1877 Famine:

  • The Great Famine of 1876–78 caused widespread suffering, killing millions.
  • The Indian press criticized the British government’s indifference and failure in relief measures.
  • Lord Lytton, known for his reactionary policies, passed the Vernacular Press Act (1878) to suppress this criticism.

2. Key Provisions of the Act

✔ Censorship on Vernacular Press

  • The Act empowered the British government to control vernacular newspapers.
  • Allowed district magistrates to confiscate printing presses if newspapers published “seditious material.”

✔ No Right to Appeal

  • If a newspaper was penalized or shut down, it could not appeal to a court.
  • The government had absolute power in this matter.

✔ Discriminatory Nature

  • The law applied only to Indian language newspapers, not to English newspapers.
  • This showed British bias and fear of growing Indian nationalism.

✔ License and Security Deposits

  • Indian vernacular newspapers had to submit proofs of their articles for government approval.
  • Publishers were required to deposit security money, which was forfeited if they criticized the British government.

3. Impact of the Act

✔ Suppression of Indian Press

  • Many newspapers were shut down, and editors were arrested or fined.
  • Censorship discouraged free speech.

✔ Rise in Anti-British Sentiments

  • The law angered Indian nationalists and strengthened the freedom movement.
  • It became a symbol of British oppression.

✔ Resistance from Indian Editors

  • Editors like Surendranath Banerjee (Bengali newspaper “The Bengalee”) and Bal Gangadhar Tilak (newspaper “Kesari”) opposed the Act.

✔ Repeal of the Act (1882)

  • Under Lord Ripon (Lytton’s successor), the Act was repealed in 1882 due to strong opposition.

4. MCQs on Vernacular Press Act (1878)

  1. Which Viceroy introduced the Vernacular Press Act (1878)?
  2. What was the main objective of the Vernacular Press Act?
    • (a) Promote Indian literature
    • (b) Censor Indian newspapers
    • (c) Encourage local journalism
    • (d) Provide funds for newspapers
    • Answer: (b) Censor Indian newspapers
  3. Which newspapers were affected by the Vernacular Press Act?
    • (a) Only English newspapers
    • (b) Only government-run newspapers
    • (c) Only Indian-language newspapers
    • (d) All newspapers in India
    • Answer: (c) Only Indian-language newspapers
  4. In which year was the Vernacular Press Act repealed?
    • (a) 1878
    • (b) 1881
    • (c) 1882
    • (d) 1885
    • Answer: (c) 1882
  5. Who was a prominent Indian leader opposing the Vernacular Press Act?
    • (a) Mahatma Gandhi
    • (b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
    • (c) Subhas Chandra Bose
    • (d) Rabindranath Tagore
    • Answer: (b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

5. Subjective Questions

  1. Why was the Vernacular Press Act (1878) introduced?
  2. How did the Vernacular Press Act affect Indian journalism?
  3. Discuss the role of the Indian press in opposing British policies.
  4. What were the major provisions of the Vernacular Press Act?
  5. Why was the Vernacular Press Act repealed in 1882?

Conclusion

The Vernacular Press Act (1878) was one of the most repressive laws in colonial India. It was designed to silence Indian voices that criticized British rule. However, it backfired by strengthening Indian nationalism and increasing opposition to British policies. The repeal of the Act in 1882 under Lord Ripon was seen as a victory for the Indian press and freedom of speech.

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