Why Correct: James Augustus Hicky started the Bengal Gazette, also known as Hicky's Gazette, in Calcutta on January 29, 1780, making it India's first newspaper. Distractor Analysis: Parthenon was a later English weekly started in Madras in 1808. Digdarshan began in 1818 as a Bengali monthly magazine. Samachar Darpan was a Bengali weekly started by missionaries in 1818. Takeaway: The first Indian-language newspaper was the Bengali weekly 'Bangadoot' started by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1822.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.2
WBCS Prelims 2022
‘Navjivan‘ was edited by
A.Mahatma Gandhi
B.Vallabhbhai Patel
C.Jawaharlal Nehru
D.Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Explanation
Why Correct: Mahatma Gandhi founded and edited the Gujarati weekly newspaper 'Navjivan' (meaning 'New Life') starting in 1919, using it to communicate his ideas on independence and social reform. Distractor Analysis: Vallabhbhai Patel was India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister who integrated princely states. Jawaharlal Nehru edited the 'National Herald' newspaper. Bal Gangadhar Tilak edited 'Kesari' in Marathi and 'The Maratha' in English. Takeaway: Gandhi also edited 'Young India' in English and 'Harijan' in multiple languages, using newspapers as tools for mass mobilization during the independence movement.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.3
WBCS Prelims 2021
Who was the editor of the nationalist newspaper ‘Sandhya’ ?
A.Satish Chandra Mukhopadhyaya
B.Brahmabandhab Upadhyay
C.Sisir Kumar Ghosh
D.Bhupendranath Datta
Explanation
Why Correct: Brahmabandhab Upadhyay founded and edited the Bengali nationalist newspaper 'Sandhya' in 1906, which promoted revolutionary ideas and Hindu nationalism. Distractor Analysis: Satish Chandra Mukhopadhyay edited the journal 'Bangadarshan'. Sisir Kumar Ghosh founded and edited the newspaper 'Amrita Bazar Patrika'. Bhupendranath Datta edited the revolutionary journal 'Yugantar' and was the younger brother of Swami Vivekananda. Takeaway: 'Sandhya' was known for its militant nationalist stance and was frequently prosecuted by the British government under the Press Act, reflecting the growing radical press in Bengal during the Swadeshi Movement.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.4
WBCS Prelims 2020
In which newspaper ‘Boycott’ was first declared?
A.Sanjiboni
B.Hitawadi
C.Yugantar
D.Amrita Bazar
Explanation
Takeaway: The boycott movement gained momentum during the Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908), but its first formal declaration in print media occurred in 1883.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.5
WBCS Prelims 2020
Who started the first English Newspaper in India ?
A.Bal Gangadhar Tilak
B.Raja Rammohan Roy
C.J. A. Hickey
D.Lord William Bentinck
Explanation
Why Correct: James Augustus Hickey launched 'The Bengal Gazette' or 'Hickey's Gazette' in 1780, making it India's first English-language newspaper. Distractor Analysis: Bal Gangadhar Tilak edited 'Kesari' and 'Maratha' in Marathi and English during the late 19th century. Raja Rammohan Roy founded 'Sambad Kaumudi' in Bengali and 'Mirat-ul-Akhbar' in Persian in the 1820s. Lord William Bentinck served as Governor-General from 1828 to 1835 and implemented social reforms but did not start newspapers. Takeaway: The first vernacular newspaper in India was 'Samachar Darpan' in Bengali, started in 1818 by missionaries at Serampore.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.6
WBCS Prelims 2020
Who was the first editor of the Amrita Bazar Patrika?
A.Sambhu Chandra Mukhopadhyay
B.Sisir Kumar Ghosh
C.Grish Chandra Ghosh
D.Robert Knight
Explanation
Why Correct: Sisir Kumar Ghosh and his brother Motilal Ghosh founded the Amrita Bazar Patrika in 1868, with Sisir Kumar serving as its first editor. Distractor Analysis: Sambhu Chandra Mukhopadhyay was a prominent Bengali writer and journalist who edited other publications. Grish Chandra Ghosh was Motilal Ghosh's son who later became involved with the paper. Robert Knight founded The Statesman newspaper in 1875. Takeaway: The Amrita Bazar Patrika started as a Bengali weekly but switched to English in 1878 to avoid the Vernacular Press Act, becoming one of India's most influential nationalist newspapers.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.7
WBCS Prelims 2020
Neel-Darpan' by Dina Bandhu Mitra portrays the plight of
A.Bengali Artisans
B.Indigo Planters
C.Landless Labourers
D.All of them
Explanation
Why Correct: Neel-Darpan (The Indigo Mirror) dramatizes the exploitation of indigo planters by British indigo planters in Bengal, highlighting forced cultivation, low wages, and brutal oppression during the Indigo Revolt (1859-60). Distractor Analysis: Bengali artisans faced exploitation during colonial deindustrialization but were not the focus of this play. Landless laborers suffered under various zamindari systems but Neel-Darpan specifically targets indigo cultivation. 'All of them' is incorrect because the play centers exclusively on indigo planters' suffering. Takeaway: The play's publication in 1860 coincided with the peak of the Indigo Revolt, and its English translation by Michael Madhusudan Dutt helped mobilize public opinion against the indigo system.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.8
WBCS Prelims 2018
Who was the editor of the ‘Hindoo Patriot’?
A.Surendranath Banerjee
B.Motilal Ghosh
C.Sisir Kumar Ghosh
D.Harish Chandra Mukherjee
Explanation
Why Correct: Harish Chandra Mukherjee founded and edited the Hindoo Patriot, a weekly English newspaper that became a prominent voice against British policies in 19th-century Bengal. Distractor Analysis: Surendranath Banerjee edited The Bengalee and founded the Indian Association. Motilal Ghosh edited Amrita Bazar Patrika. Sisir Kumar Ghosh founded and edited Amrita Bazar Patrika with his brother Motilal. Takeaway: The Hindoo Patriot played a crucial role in exposing the oppression of indigo planters, leading to the Indigo Revolt (1859-60).
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.9
WBCS Prelims 2016
Who started the newspaper Shom Prakash ?
A.Dayananda Saraswati
B.Raja Rammohan Roy
C.Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
D.Surendranath Banerjee
Explanation
Why Correct: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar started the Bengali weekly newspaper Shom Prakash in 1858, with Dwarakanath Vidyabhusan as its first editor. Distractor Analysis: Dayananda Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 and started the newspaper Satyarth Prakash. Raja Rammohan Roy started the Persian newspaper Mirat-ul-Akhbar and the Bengali weekly Sambad Kaumudi. Surendranath Banerjee started The Bengalee newspaper in 1879 and was a prominent moderate nationalist leader. Takeaway: Vidyasagar also started other publications like 'Bodhoday' and was a key figure in social reforms including the Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act of 1856.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.10
WBCS Prelims 2014
The first National News Agency India was
A.The Indian Review
B.The Free Press of India
C.The Hindustan Review
D.The Associated Press of India
Explanation
Why Correct: The Associated Press of India, founded in 1920 by Swaminathan Sadanand, was India's first national news agency. Distractor Analysis: The Indian Review was a monthly magazine published from Madras. The Free Press of India was a news agency founded in 1927 by S. Sadanand. The Hindustan Review was a monthly journal published from Allahabad. Takeaway: The Press Trust of India (PTI), established in 1947, succeeded the Associated Press of India and remains India's premier news agency.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.11
WBCS Prelims 2014
Which one of the following newspapers/journals was from Maharashtra ?
A.Kranti
B.Atmasakti
C.Sarathi
D.Sandhya
Explanation
Why Correct: Kranti was a Marathi weekly newspaper published from Maharashtra in 1927, associated with the revolutionary movement. Distractor Analysis: Atmasakti was a Bengali revolutionary journal published from Calcutta. Sarathi was a Bengali newspaper published by Chittaranjan Das. Sandhya was a Bengali nationalist newspaper edited by Brahmabandhab Upadhyay. Takeaway: Other important Marathi newspapers include Kesari (edited by Bal Gangadhar Tilak) and Maratha, while Yugantar was a key Bengali revolutionary paper.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.12
WBCS Prelims 2014
Which one of the following was a mouthpiece of the Liberals ?
A.New India
B.Leader
C.Young India
D.Free Press Journal
Explanation
Why Correct: The Leader was an English newspaper founded in 1909 that served as the official mouthpiece of the Liberal Party in India, advocating for moderate constitutional reforms within the British colonial framework. Distractor Analysis: New India was a newspaper started by Annie Besant in 1914 that became a voice for the Home Rule Movement. Young India was a weekly journal edited by Mahatma Gandhi from 1919 to 1932 that promoted his philosophy of non-violence and swaraj. Free Press Journal was founded in 1928 in Bombay and became known for its nationalist stance and criticism of British policies. Takeaway: The Leader was edited by N. N. Gupta and represented the moderate faction of the Indian National Congress, contrasting with extremist publications like Bande Mataram and nationalist organs like The Hindu.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.13
WBCS Prelims 2012
Which newspaper regularly highlighted the Indigo Revolt of 1859 that began in Chaugacha, Nadia?
A.Hindoo Patriot
B.Times of India
C.Statesman
D.Englishman
Explanation
Why Correct: The Hindoo Patriot, edited by Harish Chandra Mukherjee, extensively covered the Indigo Revolt of 1859-60, exposing the exploitation of indigo cultivators in Bengal. Distractor Analysis: The Times of India, founded in 1838, focused primarily on commercial and political news from a British perspective. The Statesman was established in 1875, well after the revolt had concluded. The Englishman was a pro-colonial newspaper in Calcutta that generally supported planter interests. Takeaway: The Indigo Revolt (1859-60) was a significant peasant uprising in Bengal against forced indigo cultivation, leading to the formation of the Indigo Commission in 1860 and eventual decline of the indigo plantation system.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.14
WBCS Prelims 2012
Which revolutionary figure was responsible for editing the journal 'Bande Mataram' from Paris in 1909?
A.Madame Cama
B.Shyamaji Krishnavarma
C.Lala Hardayal
D.Bhupen Datta
Explanation
Why Correct: Bhikaiji Cama (Madame Cama) edited and published the journal 'Bande Mataram' from Paris in 1909 through the Paris Indian Society to advocate for Indian independence. Distractor Analysis: Shyamaji Krishnavarma founded the Indian Home Rule Society in London and published 'The Indian Sociologist'. Lala Hardayal founded the Ghadar Party in San Francisco in 1913. Bhupen Dutta was a revolutionary associated with the Jugantar group in Bengal and brother of Swami Vivekananda. Takeaway: Madame Cama also designed an early version of the Indian national flag with green, saffron, and red stripes, which she displayed at the International Socialist Congress in Stuttgart in 1907.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.15
WBCS Prelims 2012
Who was the Editor of 'Hindu Patriot' ?
A.Harischandra Mukherjee
B.Krishna Mitra
C.Bipin Chandra Pal
D.Shivnath Shastri
Explanation
Why Correct: Harischandra Mukherjee edited the Hindu Patriot from 1855-1861, taking over after Girish Chandra Ghosh's initial editorship from 1853-1855. Distractor Analysis: Girish Chandra Ghosh founded and first edited the paper but left in 1855. Krishna Mitra was a social reformer and journalist but not editor of Hindu Patriot. Bipin Chandra Pal was a nationalist leader and journalist who edited other publications like Bande Mataram. Shivnath Shastri was a social reformer and writer associated with the Brahmo Samaj. Takeaway: The Hindu Patriot was an influential English weekly published from Calcutta that strongly criticized British policies, particularly during the 1857 Revolt and the Indigo Revolt.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.16
WBCS Prelims 2010
Who founded the newspaper 'Amrita Bazar Patrika'?
A.Surendra Nath Banerjee
B.Barindra Ghosh
C.Krishna Kumar Mitra
D.Sisir Kumar Ghosh
Explanation
Why Correct: Sisir Kumar Ghosh founded Amrita Bazar Patrika in 1868 in Jessore, now in Bangladesh. Distractor Analysis: Surendra Nath Banerjee founded The Bengalee newspaper. Barindra Ghosh was a revolutionary journalist associated with Jugantar. Krishna Kumar Mitra edited the Bengali weekly Sanjibani. Takeaway: Amrita Bazar Patrika started as a Bengali weekly but switched to English in 1878 to evade the Vernacular Press Act, becoming a prominent nationalist voice.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.17
WBCS Prelims 2009
Name the first Bengali newspaper
A.Samachar Darpan
B.Samvad Kaumudi
C.Samvad Prabhakar
D.Tattvadohini Patrika
Explanation
Why Correct: Samachar Darpan, published in 1818 by the Baptist Mission Press in Serampore, was the first Bengali newspaper. Distractor Analysis: Samvad Kaumudi was a Bengali weekly started by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1821. Samvad Prabhakar began in 1839 under Ishwar Chandra Gupta. Tattvadohini Patrika was founded by Debendranath Tagore in 1843. Takeaway: The first newspaper in any Indian language was the Bengali weekly Bengal Gazette (also called Hicky's Gazette) in 1780, but it was in English.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.18
WBCS Prelims 2005WBCS Prelims 2008
Who served as the first editor of the revolutionary newspaper 'Yugantar'?
A.Barindra Ghosh
B.Bipin Chandra Pal
C.Jatindra Nath Mukherjee
D.Ullaskar Dutta
Asked 2 times in WBCS. High priority question.
Explanation
Why Correct: Barindra Ghosh, brother of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, founded and edited the Bengali revolutionary newspaper 'Yugantar' in 1906 to advocate armed resistance against British rule. Distractor Analysis: Bipin Chandra Pal edited nationalist newspapers like 'Bande Mataram' and 'New India'. Jatindra Nath Mukherjee (Bagha Jatin) led the Jugantar revolutionary group but wasn't the newspaper's editor. Ullaskar Dutta was a revolutionary involved in the Alipore Bomb Case who manufactured explosives. Takeaway: Yugantar newspaper played a key role in the Alipore Conspiracy Case (1908-1909), where many revolutionaries including Barindra Ghosh were tried.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.19
WBCS Prelims 2007
Which one of the following was an emigre Communist journal of M. N. Roy?
A.Kishan Sabha
B.The Worker
C.Vanguard
D.None of the above
Explanation
Why Correct: M. N. Roy founded the emigre Communist journal 'Vanguard' in Berlin in 1922, which served as the organ of the Communist Party of India abroad and later evolved into 'Advance Guard' and 'Masses of India'. Distractor Analysis: Kishan Sabha refers to peasant associations in colonial India, not a journal. The Worker was the official newspaper of the Communist Party of Great Britain, unrelated to Roy's emigre publications. Takeaway: M. N. Roy also co-founded the Mexican Communist Party in 1919 and participated in the Second Congress of the Communist International in 1920, where he drafted the colonial theses.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.20
WBCS Prelims 2007
Who founded All India Harijan Sevak Sangh?
A.B. R. Ambedkar
B.Gandhiji
C.Jayprakash Narayan
D.Raj Narayan
Explanation
Why Correct: Mahatma Gandhi founded the All India Harijan Sevak Sangh in 1932 to eradicate untouchability and uplift the Harijan (Dalit) community. Distractor Analysis: B.R. Ambedkar led the Dalit movement and founded the Independent Labour Party and Scheduled Castes Federation. Jayprakash Narayan was a socialist leader and founder of the Congress Socialist Party. Raj Narayan was a socialist politician and co-founder of the Janata Party. Takeaway: Gandhi also started the Harijan newspaper in 1933 and undertook fasts for Harijan temple entry rights.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.21
WBCS Prelims 2006
‘Digdarshan’ monthly was published by
A.Marshman
B.Rammohan Roy
C.Sisir Kumar Ghosh
D.Dwarakanath Tagore
Explanation
Why Correct: Joshua Marshman, a Serampore missionary, started Digdarshan in 1818 as the first monthly magazine in Bengali. Distractor Analysis: Rammohan Roy published Sambad Kaumudi, a Bengali weekly, in 1821. Sisir Kumar Ghosh founded Amrita Bazar Patrika in 1868. Dwarakanath Tagore was a prominent entrepreneur and supporter of social reforms. Takeaway: The Serampore Mission Press, established by William Carey, Marshman, and Ward, printed Digdarshan and other early Indian periodicals.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.22
WBCS Prelims 2006
The Times of India was first published in
A.1875
B.1861
C.1862
D.1838
Explanation
Why Correct: The Times of India was first published under its current name in 1861, after being renamed from The Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce. Distractor Analysis: 1875 marks the founding of The Indian Express, 1862 saw the establishment of The Statesman, and 1838 is the original publication year under a different name. Takeaway: The Times of India is India's oldest English-language newspaper still in circulation, originally serving the British business community in Bombay.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.23
WBCS Prelims 2006
Who published the journal 'Bharat Mata' in 1906?
A.Ajit Singh
B.C.R. Das
C.B.C. Tilak
D.S.N. Banerjee
Explanation
Why Correct: Surendranath Banerjee (S.N. Banerjee) published the journal 'Bharat Mata' in 1906 as part of his nationalist efforts. Distractor Analysis: Ajit Singh was a revolutionary associated with the Ghadar Movement in Punjab. Chittaranjan Das (C.R. Das) was a prominent leader of the Swaraj Party and Indian National Congress. Bal Gangadhar Tilak (B.C. Tilak) published newspapers like 'Kesari' in Marathi and 'Maratha' in English. Takeaway: 'Bande Mataram' was another influential nationalist journal started by Aurobindo Ghosh and Bipin Chandra Pal in 1905.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.24
WBCS Prelims 2006
Who published the newspaper 'Marhatta'?
A.B. G. Tilak
B.M. G. Ranade
C.V. D. Savarkar
D.G. H. Deshmukh
Explanation
Why Correct: Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded and published the English newspaper 'Mahratta' (often spelled 'Marhatta') in 1881 to advocate for Indian self-rule and social reforms. Distractor Analysis: M. G. Ranade was a social reformer and founding member of the Indian National Congress who focused on women's rights and economic reforms. V. D. Savarkar was a revolutionary who wrote 'The Indian War of Independence' and led the Hindu Mahasabha. G. H. Deshmukh, known as Lokhitwadi, was a social reformer who wrote extensively on education and social issues in 19th-century Maharashtra. Takeaway: Tilak simultaneously published the Marathi newspaper 'Kesari', making him one of the most influential journalist-politicians of India's freedom movement.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.25
WBCS Prelims 2006
Who wrote the article 'New Lamps for Old' in 1893?
A.Arabinda Ghosh
B.B.G. Tilak
C.S.N. Banerjee
D.J.N. Banerjee
Explanation
Why Correct: Arabinda Ghosh (later known as Sri Aurobindo) authored 'New Lamps for Old' in 1893, a series of articles critiquing the moderate politics of the Indian National Congress. Distractor Analysis: B.G. Tilak led the extremist faction and popularized Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. S.N. Banerjee was a moderate leader and co-founded the Indian National Congress. J.N. Banerjee is not a historically significant figure in this context. Takeaway: Sri Aurobindo later founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry and developed Integral Yoga philosophy.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.26
WBCS Prelims 2005
Who founded the newspaper 'Amrita Bazar Patrika' in 1868?
A.Surendranath Banerjee
B.Barindra Ghosh
C.Krishna Kumar Mitra
D.Sisir Kumar Ghosh
Explanation
Why Correct: Sisir Kumar Ghosh founded 'Amrita Bazar Patrika' in 1868 as a Bengali newspaper, which later became an influential English-language publication. Distractor Analysis: Surendranath Banerjee founded 'The Bengalee' newspaper. Barindra Ghosh was a revolutionary journalist associated with 'Yugantar'. Krishna Kumar Mitra edited 'Sanjibani' and was a moderate nationalist leader. Takeaway: 'Amrita Bazar Patrika' switched from Bengali to English in 1878 to evade the Vernacular Press Act, becoming one of India's oldest English newspapers.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.27
WBCS Prelims 2004
‘Samachar Darpan’ Was published by
A.Bhabani Charan Bandyopadhyay
B.Tarachand Datta
C.Hansh Chandra Mukherjee
D.J.C. Marshman
Explanation
Why Correct: Joshua Marshman published Samachar Darpan in 1818 as the first Bengali-language newspaper, operating from the Serampore Mission Press. Distractor Analysis: Bhabani Charan Bandyopadhyay edited Sambad Kaumudi, a Bengali weekly started in 1821. Tarachand Datta was a social reformer and prominent member of the Young Bengal movement. Hansh Chandra Mukherjee edited the Hindu Patriot newspaper during the 1857 Revolt and advocated for Indian rights. Takeaway: Samachar Darpan initially faced censorship under John Adam's press regulations in 1823 but continued as a bilingual (Bengali-English) periodical until 1852, influencing early Indian journalism.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.28
WBCS Prelims 2004
What was the name of the first Bengali Newspaper?
A.Sambad Kaumudi
B.Samachar Darpan
C.Tattabodhini Patrika
D.Sambad Prabhakar
Explanation
Why Correct: Samachar Darpan, started by missionaries including William Carey in 1818, was the first Bengali-language newspaper. Distractor Analysis: Sambad Kaumudi was a Bengali weekly started by Raja Rammohan Roy in 1821. Tattabodhini Patrika was founded by Debendranath Tagore in 1843. Sambad Prabhakar began in 1839 under Ishwar Chandra Gupta. Takeaway: The first newspaper in India was Hicky's Bengal Gazette (1780) in English, while the first vernacular newspaper was Samachar Darpan in Bengali.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.29
WBCS Prelims 2004
Which Bengali journalist is most renowned for advocating on behalf of indigo cultivators?
A.Harish Mukherjee
B.Sisir Kumar Ghosh
C.Iswar Chandra Gupta
D.Shibnath Sastri
Explanation
Why Correct: Harish Mukherjee edited the newspaper 'Hindu Patriot' and used it to expose the oppression of indigo planters, significantly influencing the Indigo Revolt (1859-60). Distractor Analysis: Sisir Kumar Ghosh founded the newspaper 'Amrita Bazar Patrika'. Iswar Chandra Gupta was a poet and editor of 'Sambad Prabhakar'. Shibnath Sastri was a social reformer and writer. Takeaway: The Indigo Revolt, also called the Nil Bidroha, was a major peasant uprising in Bengal that led to the formation of the Indigo Commission in 1860.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.30
WBCS Prelims 2004
Who served as the editor of the newspaper 'Hindoo Patriot' during the 19th century?
A.Harish Chandra Mukherjee
B.Sisir Kumar Ghosh
C.Madhusudan Datta
D.Rajnarayan Bose
Explanation
Why Correct: Harish Chandra Mukherjee edited 'Hindoo Patriot' from 1853 until his death in 1861, establishing it as a prominent voice against British policies. Distractor Analysis: Sisir Kumar Ghosh founded and edited 'Amrita Bazar Patrika'. Madhusudan Datta was a pioneering Bengali poet and playwright. Rajnarayan Bose was a writer and nationalist, but not editor of 'Hindoo Patriot'. Takeaway: 'Hindoo Patriot' was founded by Girish Chandra Ghosh in 1853, but Harish Chandra Mukherjee made it influential through his editorial leadership during the Indigo Revolt and other movements.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.31
WBCS Prelims 2004
Who was the founder and editor of the weekly Urdu newspaper 'Al-Hilal'?
A.Altaf Husain Hali
B.Muhammad Ali Jinnah
C.Abul Kalam Azad
D.Choudhry Rahmat Ali
Explanation
Why Correct: Abul Kalam Azad launched 'Al-Hilal' in 1912 to promote Indian nationalism and critique British policies, making it a key instrument in the Indian independence movement. Distractor Analysis: Altaf Husain Hali was a poet and biographer known for his work 'Musaddas-e-Hali'. Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the Muslim League and became Pakistan's first Governor-General. Choudhry Rahmat Ali coined the name 'Pakistan' in a 1933 pamphlet. Takeaway: The British government banned 'Al-Hilal' in 1914, after which Abul Kalam Azad started another newspaper called 'Al-Balagh' in 1915.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.32
WBCS Prelims 2003
The first Bengali newspaper is
A.Samachar Darpan
B.Samachar Chandrika
C.Sambad Provakar
D.Banga Darshan
Explanation
Why Correct: Samachar Darpan, launched in 1818 by missionaries at the Serampore Mission Press, was the first regularly published Bengali-language newspaper. Distractor Analysis: Samachar Chandrika began in 1822 as a conservative Hindu newspaper opposing social reforms. Sambad Provakar started in 1831 and was edited by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Banga Darshan was a literary magazine founded by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1872. Takeaway: The first Indian-language newspaper was the Bengali weekly Digdarshan (1818), while the first English newspaper in India was Hicky's Bengal Gazette (1780).
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.33
WBCS Prelims 2003
Who edited the journal 'Maratha'?
A.Bal Gangadhar Tilak
B.Gopal Krishna Gokhale
C.Bhau Daji Indraji
D.R.G. Bhandarkar
Explanation
Why Correct: Bal Gangadhar Tilak edited the English-language newspaper 'Maratha', which he launched in 1881 to advocate for nationalist causes and social reforms. Distractor Analysis: Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a moderate leader who edited the journal 'Sudharak'. Bhau Daji Indraji was an archaeologist known for his work on ancient Indian inscriptions. R.G. Bhandarkar was a scholar who contributed to Indology and Sanskrit studies. Takeaway: Tilak also edited 'Kesari', a Marathi newspaper that became a powerful tool for mobilizing public opinion against British colonial policies.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.34
WBCS Prelims 2002
Which is the first Bengali Newspaper in this country?
A.Samachar Darpan
B.Sambad Koumbdi
C.Sambad Prabhakar
D.Jugantar
Explanation
Why Correct: Samachar Darpan, started by missionaries in Serampore in 1818, was the first Bengali newspaper in India. Distractor Analysis: Sambad Koumbdi was an early 19th-century Bengali periodical but not the first newspaper. Sambad Prabhakar began in 1831 and was influential in the Bengal Renaissance. Jugantar was a revolutionary newspaper started in 1906. Takeaway: The first newspaper in any Indian language was the English-language Bengal Gazette (1780), while the first vernacular newspaper was the Urdu-language Jam-i-Jahan Numa (1822).
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.35
WBCS Prelims 2001
Which newspaper was particularly known for advocating on behalf of indigo cultivators during the indigo revolt in colonial India?
A.Sambad Prabhakar
B.Amrita Bazar Patrika
C.Hindu Patriot
D.Indian Mirror
Explanation
Why Correct: The Hindu Patriot, edited by Harish Chandra Mukherjee, actively championed the cause of indigo cultivators during the indigo revolt (1859-1860), highlighting their exploitation by British planters. Distractor Analysis: Sambad Prabhakar was a Bengali newspaper founded by Ishwar Chandra Gupta that focused on social reform. Amrita Bazar Patrika began as a Bengali weekly in 1868 that later became an English daily and nationalist voice. Indian Mirror was an English daily newspaper published from Calcutta that represented moderate nationalist views. Takeaway: The indigo revolt (1859-1860) was a peasant movement in Bengal against forced indigo cultivation, with Dinabandhu Mitra's play 'Nil Darpan' exposing the system's brutality and Reverend James Long facing prosecution for its English translation.
Answer or skip previous question to unlock.
Q.36
WBCS Prelims 2000
Which was the first newspaper in Bengali?
A.Sambad Kaumudi
B.Sambad Prabhakar
C.Samachar Darpan
D.Tatwabodhini Patrika
Explanation
Why Correct: Samachar Darpan, launched by missionaries at Serampore in 1818, holds the distinction of being the first Bengali-language newspaper. Distractor Analysis: Sambad Kaumudi began in 1821 under Raja Ram Mohan Roy's editorship. Sambad Prabhakar started in 1839 as a daily under Ishwar Chandra Gupta. Tatwabodhini Patrika commenced in 1843 as the organ of the Tattwabodhini Sabha, promoting Brahmo Samaj ideas. Takeaway: The first Indian-owned newspaper was the English-language 'Bengal Gazette' (also called 'Hicky's Gazette') in 1780, preceding vernacular journalism by decades.
Sign in to save progress
Sign in to Papersetters
Save your progress, unlock Smart Review, and track your performance.