A History of the Calcutta Press- The Beginnings By P. Thankappan Nair

About the Book

A significant moment in history occurred on September 12, 1768, followed by another on January 29, 1780, when Hicky, from Calcutta Jail, published a Gazette. What led to the tumultuous life of this spirited Irishman? Did Gladwin follow in Hicky's footsteps on March 4, 1784? Why was Duane, the first American in Calcutta, deported? Remarkably, from 1780 to 1800, a total of twenty-eight journals emerged in Calcutta within just twenty years!

Calcutta is known as the birthplace of journalism in India and continues to host South-East Asia's oldest journal. In A History of the Calcutta Press: The Beginnings, P. T. Nair focuses on the print media from 1780 to 1800 and the individuals behind these publications. He concludes his exploration with the imposition of press censorship for the first time on May 13, 1799—yet another dramatic twist in the narrative.

About the Author

Mr. P. Thankappan Nair, often referred to as "Calcutta's barefoot historian" (Telegraph, cover story, December 21, 1986), has traversed the streets of Calcutta to uncover its rich history. In this volume, he delves into the early years of the Calcutta Press (1780-1800), aiming to highlight the stories of Hicky, Gladwin, Bolts, Duane, and others who faced persecution for their publications.

With a deep commitment to Calcutta, Mr. Nair has authored eight books and is currently working on a multi-volume Tercentenary History of Calcutta. This study represents the third installment in his series, offering a glimpse into the formative years of the Calcutta Press as he prepares to explore another intriguing period in the city’s history.