Draft:Proscribed Print in Colonial India

Proscribed Print in Colonial India

"Proscribed print" in colonial India refers to books, pamphlets, and other printed materials that were banned or censored by the British colonial government. The British authorities introduced several laws to curb publications that they deemed dangerous or inflammatory, particularly those criticizing colonial rule, promoting nationalist ideas, or encouraging dissent. Some key aspects of proscribed print in colonial India include:

1. Vernacular Press Act (1878)

This was one of the first significant attempts by the British to control the press in India. The law targeted publications in Indian languages (vernacular languages) and empowered the government to censor and confiscate any publication that was seen as seditious or a threat to British rule.

2. Press Act of 1910

This act extended the powers of the government to control all types of publications, including those in English. Publishers had to provide security deposits, which would be forfeited if the publication printed seditious material. Many nationalist newspapers and journals suffered under this act.

3. Proscribed Literature

The government often proscribed (banned) books, pamphlets, or journals that were considered a threat to British authority. Nationalist leaders, like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi, were often targeted, and their writings were proscribed. The "Hind Swaraj" by Gandhi, for example, was banned for advocating self-rule and opposing British colonialism.

4. Role of Nationalist Press

Despite strict laws, many Indian newspapers, such as Kesari, Amrita Bazar Patrika, and The Hindu, played a crucial role in disseminating nationalist ideas. They often used indirect language or subtle techniques to evade censorship, becoming powerful tools of resistance against colonial rule.

5. Impact on Freedom of Speech

These laws and proscribed prints significantly restricted freedom of speech and expression. The censorship was not only aimed at nationalist writings but also at literature that promoted social reform, critiqued British economic policies, or exposed the exploitation of Indian resources.

The exploration of proscribed literature in the post-colonial context, particularly regarding Hindi-Urdu writings from 1850 to 1947, provides rich insights into the dynamics of colonial oppression and resistance. This literature often reflects the voices of marginalized communities and critiques the injustices of colonial rule, making it a crucial area of study for understanding Indian history and literature.

Banned or Proscribed literature serves as a lens through which we can examine the socio-political climate of the time. Works that were suppressed or censored reveal the anxieties of colonial authority and the courage of writers who dared to speak out. These texts not only document the struggles for independence but also articulate a broader resistant consciousness that transcends mere political dissent.

The joint research project between the Hindi Department of Hyderabad University and CSDS in Delhi is particularly significant.[1]  By focusing on the censorship faced by Hindi-Urdu writers, the project aims to unearth texts that have been largely inaccessible to scholars and the general public. This effort is essential for recovering lost narratives and providing a more nuanced understanding of the cultural and historical context of the time.

Through studying banned literature, we gain a deeper appreciation of the ways in which literature can challenge dominant narratives and foster a sense of identity and agency among oppressed communities. Furthermore, it allows us to reassess the impact of colonialism on literary expression and the evolution of Indian literature in the face of systemic repression.

Overall, the investigation of banned literature within this framework not only enriches our understanding of post-colonial studies but also highlights the enduring power of literature as a tool for resistance and social change.

Literature and history, while interconnected, serve different purposes: literature captures the emotions and sentiments of a particular time, reflecting the cultural and social fabric, whereas history focuses on factual events and occurrences. In the context of India, proscribed and seized documents—often literary works or political writings—are especially significant because they reveal the complexities of the colonial experience.

During British colonial rule, the government imposed various press laws to control what could be published. These regulations aimed to suppress dissent and maintain authority. However, the burgeoning press in India simultaneously became a vehicle for resistance. Writers and journalists used their platforms to challenge injustices, document abuses, and articulate the aspirations of the people.

The history of literature is incomplete without including writings published in Indian languages, which were outlawed during colonial control. Unfortunately, the history of Hindi and other Indian literatures has not included banned literature. Professor Manager Pandey says in this context: "This banned literature has been ignored in Hindi in various respects. This is not the case throughout the world; for example, in Hindi, banned literature has not been adequately identified in both history and literature, nor have the authors gotten proper respect".

In this way, proscribed literature can be seen as a powerful expression of defiance. While the colonial authorities sought to silence these voices, the very act of censorship often highlighted the urgency and importance of the issues being addressed. Thus, examining banned literature not only enriches our understanding of literary movements but also provides critical insights into the historical struggles for freedom and justice in India. This interplay between literature and history underscores the role of written expression in shaping societal change.