Consider the following statements about the press and literature in Colonial India : 1. The print media enabled the nationalists living in different parts of the country to exchange views with one another. 2. The British rulers were prepared to tolerate the nationalist criticism of their rule. 3. The Vernacular Press Act (1878) evoked a nationwide protest against the encroachment on freedom of expression. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct ?

Statement 1 is correct as the print media served as the primary instrument for nationalist-minded Indians to spread patriotism and create an all-India consciousness, facilitating the exchange of views across different regions [2]. Statement 2 is incorrect; the British were not prepared to tolerate criticism. Following the 1857 revolt, the colonial government became increasingly hostile toward the 'native' press, viewing it as seditious and seeking to clamp down on nationalist expression [4]. Statement 3 is correct because the Vernacular Press Act of 1878, which allowed for the seizure of presses and censorship, evoked massive nationwide protests [4]. This public outcry was so significant that it eventually led to the Act's repeal in 1882 [4]. The Indian Association and other early nationalist groups were pivotal in opposing this encroachment on freedom of expression.

Sources

1. [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 10: Beginning of Modern Nationalism in India > Role of Press and Literature > p. 241
2. [4] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 12: Growth of New India—The Nationalist Movement 1858—1905 > The Role of the Press and Literature > p. 201
3. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 27: Survey of British Policies in India > Restrictions on Freedom of the Press > p. 535