Madras Courier
 | |
| Owner(s) | Richard Johnson |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Richard Johnson |
| Founded | 12 October 1785 |
| Language | English |
| Ceased publication | 1821 |
| Headquarters | Madras,Madras Presidency,British India |
TheMadras Courierwas an IndianEnglish languagenewspaper that ran between 1785 and 1821.[1]It was the first newspaper to be published inMadras,Madras Presidency,British India.It was the leading newspaper of its time and was the officially recognized newspaper for printing government notifications.[1]
History
[edit]Madras Courierwas found on 12 October 1785 by Richard Johnston, aBritish Armyofficer turned printer.[1]The transition in career path led him to establish the first newspaper in theMadras Presidency,following theBengal Gazette,India's first newspaper, which was launched in Calcutta in 1780.[1]Hugh Boyd was its first editor.[2][3][4][5][6]
Functioning as a weekly publication, theMadras Couriergained official recognition for publishing government notifications.[1]It enjoyed the patronage of theBritish East India Companyin its initial years.[1]The newspaper, according to Henry Davison Love'sVestiges of Old Madras(1640-1800), benefited from privileges such as postal waivers within the presidency and exemptions on freight charges for importing printing equipment.[1][7]
In contrast to theBengal Gazette,which was critical of the East India Company and faced suppression, theMadras Courieravoided offending the company.[1]Nonetheless, it encountered controversies, such as debates over the legality of lotteries for public projects and accusations of libel.[1]The paper faced challenges with the rise of competitors such as theMadras GazetteandGovernment Gazette,leading to its closure in 1821.[1]
Contents
[edit]The newspaper typically encompassed four to six pages and featured a Latin motto, "Quicquid agunt homines" ( "Whatever people do" ).[1]Its content included British news, letters to the editor, local Indian news, poetry, and advertisements. It initially released issues on Wednesdays, later switching to Thursdays.[1]
References
[edit]- ^abcdefghijklB.A, Pon Vasanth (24 November 2022)."The first newspaper of Madras Presidency had a 36-year run".The Hindu.
- ^"Memories of The Mail".The Hindu.11 June 2003. Archived fromthe originalon 24 October 2003.Retrieved27 August2012.
- ^"A look at the changing scene".Press Trust of India.Archived fromthe originalon 12 April 2015.Retrieved12 April2015.
- ^A. Ganesan (1 January 1988).The Press in Tamil Nadu and the Struggle for Freedom, 1917-1937.Mittal Publications. pp. 4–.ISBN978-81-7099-082-6.
- ^"The English Press in Colonel India".S.M.A. Feroze.The Dawn. 22 April 2017.Archivedfrom the original on 28 December 2019.Retrieved12 May2020.
- ^Gillies, Stewart."Early Indian Newspapers".www.bl.uk.Archivedfrom the original on 11 August 2018.Retrieved21 August2018.
- ^Henry Davidson Love.Indian Records Series Vestiges of Old Madras.Mittal Publications. pp. 359–. GGKEY:GE1U0JNYH0Q.Retrieved30 June2016.