Subcontinent's first newspaper published 245 years ago today

Today marks the 245th anniversary of the publication of the first newspaper in the Indian subcontinent. On this day, in 1780, James Augustus Hicky launched the weekly Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, making a significant contribution to India’s journalistic history. The first issue, published on a Saturday, bore the masthead “Or the Original Calcutta General Advertiser”. It was the first printed newspaper in the Indian subcontinent.

The Bengal Gazette measured 12 inches long, 8 inches wide, and contained two pages, each divided into three columns. Initially, 200 copies were printed per issue. In its first edition, the newspaper proudly declared: “This is a political and commercial weekly, open to all parties but not influenced by anyone.”

The story of the Bengal Gazette is quite remarkable. Its founder, James Augustus Hicky, launched the paper with a determined spirit. Before starting the newspaper, Hicky was imprisoned, and at the time, prisoners had to cover their own expenses. While in jail, Hicky worked at a printing press, producing advertisements, legal documents, and calendars.

Eventually, realizing the limited profits from printing, he decided to publish a newspaper. In 1780, Hicky’s Bengal Gazette was born, printed from 67 Radha Bazar in Kolkata.

Hicky’s effort received indirect support from Sir Philip Francis, a member of the Governor General’s Council, who helped Hicky obtain permission to launch the paper. Hicky’s Bengal Gazette was particularly critical of Governor Warren Hastings.

Hicky’s readership consisted mainly of private Englishmen and Europeans doing business in India. These readers frequently sent letters to the paper, reporting on government corruption, complaints, and issues. The newspaper covered a range of topics, including illegal court activities, problems caused by the cancellation of coinage, and various other administrative wrongdoings. As Hicky’s objective journalism attracted supporters, it also earned him numerous enemies.

Governor Hastings and Chief Justice Elijah Impey were particularly enraged by Hicky’s outspoken criticism. Hastings filed multiple lawsuits against him, and both Hastings and Impey looked for ways to silence him. In 1782, just two years after its launch, Hicky’s Bengal Gazette was seized and shut down under Hastings’ orders.

Hicky remained steadfast in his advocacy for freedom of expression. He refused to be influenced by others' opinions, publishing his independent views and policies without yielding to external pressure. He frequently published critical editorials, articles, and satirical writings, challenging government actions and policies. While one might debate the ethical and public value of his writing, the threats from the ruling power did not deter him. In that sense, Hicky was undeniably a courageous, independent, and combative journalist.

Margarita Barnes , in her book The Indian Press: A History of the Growth of Public Opinion in India, states, “Hicky had immense courage and lost a lot, but still, his name remains.”

It is important to note that only four complete copies of Hicky’s Bengal Gazette have survived to this day.