Question

How did the colonial administration respond to the growing importance of regional newspapers in the 19th century?

• A. By appointing British editors to supervise all local publications
  
• B. By recognising English as the only language for the press
  
• C. By passing the Vernacular Press Act to curb nationalist criticism
  
• D. By organising a boycott of all vernacular newspapers
  

Answer 1

The correct option is C By passing the Vernacular Press Act to curb nationalist criticism


The 19th century witnessed a massive growth in the number of vernacular newspapers in India. Educated Indians used these newspapers as a medium to criticise the exploitative policies of the British government. To counter this, the Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878, which allowed the government to control and punish any 'seditious' writing.