Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Contents
James Silk Buckingham________________________________________________________ 1
Contribution to Indian Journalism ________________________________________________ 2
Buckingham vs. Hickey ________________________________________________________ 6
Buckingham vs. Raja Ram Mohan Roy ____________________________________________ 8
References _________________________________________________________________ 9

Pg. 01

James Silk Buckingham

James Silk Buckingham

The newspapers came to India as an alien product, as one the benefits of
British colonialism. The initial strength and power for launching of newspapers
was directly fostered in England. James Augustus Hickey has the distinction of starting
the press in India. Later, James Silk Buckingham got the title for being called as the
Pioneer of true Indian Journalism. He infused a new light to Indian Journalism. He was
the trailblazer among the Europeans who fought for liberal Press in India.
James Silk Buckingham

In 1821, his Travels in Palestine were published, followed by Travels Among the
Arab Tribes in 1825. After years of wandering he settled in India, where he established
a periodical, the Calcutta Journal, in 1818. This venture at first proved highly
successful, but in 1823 the papers outspoken criticisms of the East India Company
led to the expulsion of Buckingham from India.
Buckingham continued his journalistic ventures on his return to England. He started
the Oriental Herald and Colonial Review (1824) and Athenaeum there. He was a
prolific writer. He travelled in Europe, America and the East, and wrote many useful
travel books, as well as many pamphlets on political and social subjects.
At the time of his death in London, Buckingham was at work on his autobiography, two
volumes of the intended four being completed and published.

Pg. 02

Contribution to Indian Journalism

Contribution to Indian Journalism

On September 22,
1818 the prospectus
of a newspaper was
published.

Buckingham was born in 1784 near Cornwell in England. Son of Christopher

Buckingham, his was a chequered career-- as a jailor, printer, book-seller,
mariner and editor. In 1813 he offered his services to the Pasha of Egypt to explore
the Isthmus of the Suez to trace as far as possible the course of ancient canal.
Thereafter he was given a commission by the Pasha to establish a trade between India
and Egypt. But the venture did not succeed owing to unwillingness of the Bombay

The Calcutta Journal

appeared as biweekly with eight
pages on Oct 2, 1818.

merchants. In June 1818 he commanding the Humayoon Shah when he was asked
to sail to Madagascar coast for the purpose of giving convoy to some ships carrying
slaves. Rather than embark on such an obnoxious quest, he surrendered his
command. This gesture, widely applauded in Calcutta, did not escape the notice of the
Company authorities and the other leaders of the society in Calcutta. It inspired the
public to read the journal in which he had recorded some impressions of his travel in
Palestine. His literary ability caught the imagination of John Palmer, head of the wellknown mercantile house of that name, palmer felt that the merchants of the city should

The motto of the

newspaper was
stated as, A forward
retention of custom is
as turbulent a thing as
innovation and they
that reverence too
much old times are

have their own paper to air their problems. He requested Buckingham to accept the
editorship of the newspaper. Buckingham gave his consent. On September 22, 1818
Buckingham published a prospectus of a newspaper to be entitled the Calcutta
Journal or Political or Literary Gazette.
The prospectus announced: The state of the Press has been a subject of surprise, of
disappointment, and of regret to all strangers on their first arrival in India: and the

but a scorn to the

impression of its imperfections gradually loses its force after a long residence in the

new.

country, yet some of its ablest apologists and most zealous supporters acknowledged
its reform to be desideratum.
The Calcutta Journal appeared as bi-weekly with eight pages on Oct 2, 1818. The first
issue came out with a quotation from Bacon in bold letters, which was declared to be
the motto of the paper. It stated, A forward retention of custom is as turbulent a thing
as innovation and they that reverence too much old times are but a scorn to the new.
The paper was presented a wide selection of news and drew the attention of the

Contribution to Indian Journalism

Pg. 03

people and the authorities to such prevailing grievances as the insufficient state of the
As an editor,
Buckingham
considered it his
Sacred right to
admonish Governors
of their duties, to
warn them furiously of
their faults and to tell
disagreeable truths
through his
newspaper.

police and the allegations that certain persons in European dress were making the
streets of Calcutta unsafe at night. The correspondence columns were thrown open to
any who had grievances to air.
As an editor, Buckingham said, he considered it his Sacred right to admonish
Governors of their duties, to warn them furiously of their faults and to tell disagreeable
truths. He courageously faced all odds, followed the motto scrupulously and
performed his duties fearlessly. The paper was the success from its very first issue.
The paper, well conducted, independent and cleaver, become a talk of the town
in no time. Buckingham was a Whig and most of his reprints from the British papers
were in condemnation of the Tories. He also gave a proof of his literary bent of mind
by introducing Byrons Childe Harold and Don Juan and Scotts Ivanhoe to
Calcutta readers1. As a sailor he was interested is development of new means of
communication. He drew attention in his columns to the North-west passage, Red sea

On May1, 1819 the

route, steam navigation, and the possibility of a voyage by air from Bombay to London.

Calcutta Journal was

A champion of free trade, Buckingham campaigned for the abolition of East India

converted in to the

Companys monopoly. In his view the whole continent of Asia should be opened to the

First Daily of
Calcutta.

unrestricted competition of whoever was willing to risk his health and fortune.
The government and the papers which he criticized in his prospectus now joined
hands to crush him. Undaunted, Buckingham soon converted his bi-weekly into the
first daily of Calcutta on May1, 1819 under all the disadvantages of a combined
opposition.

Modern History of Indian Press, p 42 (Sunit Ghosh)

Contribution to Indian Journalism

Pg. 04

Quite expectedly, the existing newspapers in Calcutta received this newspaper with
violent opposition. Rev Samuel James Bryce, who owned the Asiatic Mirror, openly

cast doubts on the moral standard of the new editor. His allegations were based on
the fact that Buckingham had demonstrated the steps of a quadrille on Sundayapparently a heinous offence against Bryces ideas of Sabbath. But the counter
statements given by Buckingham resulted the death of Asiatic Mirror.
The financial success of the journal enabled it to have its own building constructed, a
new improved Columbian Press imported from England together with English, Greek,
Hebrew and Arabic fonts. The value of the enterprise in 1822 was estimated at 40,000
pounds. According to Margarita Barns, Buckinghams yearly income was about eight
thousand pounds, he may be called on of the leading pioneers of modern journalism
in India.2
Buckingham late emphasized on news of local conditions rather than talking about
fashion, social elites or criticism of popular people. He was fearless in writing against
certain Indian customs like Sati system. Parda and child marriages. He started giving
prominence to news and views published in Bengali and Persian and started printing
the summary into Calcutta Chronicle. He advocated the policy of freedom press &

The Indian Press, p 96 (Barns)

Contribution to Indian Journalism

Pg. 05

expression. He was of an opinion that free press is required to keep a check on the
working of the government.
In 1819 he again targeted corrupt system of East India Company by making adverse
comments on the appointment of Hugh Elliot as the Governor of Madras. An infuriated
Elliot asked the Calcutta authorities to punish the editor. The Government at Fort
William sent a warning to the editor with which was enclosed a copy of Press Rules of
1818. But Buckingham carried on his tirade and spared none in his attacks. Not even
the Chief Justice, the Governor of Madras or the Lord Bishop of Calcutta.
Libel suits were filed against him. He was also threatened and physically assaulted.
Despite heavy odds Buckingham had so long held aloft his ideal of press freedom. But
In 1823,

his fortune suffered a jolt after Hastings regime came to an end. John Adams became

Buckinghams license

the officiating Governor- General on January 13, 1823. He was also against the

to stay in India was

Buckingham and his newspaper. He revoked Buckinghams license to stay in India.

revoked and he was

And, finally, he was deported back to England in 1823. In England he filed a case

deported back to

against East India Company and was awarded 500 pounds as a compensation every

England.

year in 1834.

Pg. 06

Buckingham vs. Hickey

Buckingham vs. Hickey

James Silk Buckingham versus James Augustus Hickey
James Augustus Hickey

James Augustus Hickey was an Irishman who is considered as the birth giver
of Indian press. He is the person who started a newspaper which was called
as Hickeys Gazette or Bengal Gazette; even it was aliased as Calcutta General
Advertiser which came into being on January 29th 1780. It declared itself as weekly
Political and commercial paper open to all parties but influence by none. It is very
important to observe the statement which implicates that the newspaper was not
influenced by the Government or other party, but to the interest of people, which
although proved to be a tool used by James Augustus Hickeys personal contention
with the British rule or its representative- East India Company.

The content was mainly for criticizing the East India Company. But to make it more
catchy and readable, Hickey added other things four page Gazette, like a Gossip
column, a poets corner, news related the European scandals and most importantly
the advertisement. The thing to be noted here is that the content was used to more
emphasis on criticizing the men in power like Warren Hastings and even people related
to the rulers like Lady Hasting. The content of Hickeys Gazette was used more for
acting as a tool of criticism and not for the benefit of the general masses and public. A
severe criticism can be done to Hickeys Gazette as it lacked the ethics of Journalism

Buckingham vs. Hickey

Pg. 07

and was more slang-using nicknames of people, and also wasnt a benefactor to the
common public.

If we compare and set a contrast between Hickeys contribution to the contribution of

James Silk Buckingham; there is no doubt that Hickey provided and initiated a platform
for Indian press, but we cant deny and defy the fact that Buckinghams contribution is
more legendry and praise worthy. Buckingham was an Anglo-Indian who is titled as
the Father of true Indian Journalism. He in true sense can be termed as pioneer of
ethical Journalism of India. It is said that in the early years of 19 th century, Calcutta
saw the emergence of a first real and outstanding journalist. Jawaharlal Nehru has
described him as the earliest champions of the freedom press in India and one who
is still remembered in this country.
Although, he came to India as an editor of the Calcutta Chronicle, which was started
by the Calcutta merchants to safeguard their vested interested, but Buckingham laid
more emphasis and meant his content for uplifting the issues of common public, news
of local conditions and purified his content from making criticism, fashion,
advertisement, gossip and Anglo Social Scandals. He was more concerned about the
social reforms and that is the reason, he was more liked by the public. He was also
coordinate by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, as he became a pioneer of not only the freedom
of speech and expression but a social reformer as well. The reason can be drawn as
for he was more accustomed to the rituals, cultures, beliefs and values of Indian
masses in particular and world in general. He was a prolific writer and was more
successful in influencing the hearts of suppressed people of British India.
In conclusion, it can be said that James Augustus Hickey is the pioneer of Indian press;
but the title of Pioneer of True Indian Journalism, must be given to James Silk
Buckingham.

Pg. 08

Buckingham vs. Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Buckingham vs. Raja Ram Mohan Roy

James Silk Buckingham versus Raja Ram Mohan Roy
In late 18th century two eminent personalities appeared in the field of journalism
in Calcutta. They were James Silk Buckingham, an Englishman and Raja Ram
Mohan Roy. Both fought energetically against any bureaucratic encroachment on
freedom of press and suffered for it but left the impress of their vision and character
on contemporary journalism. Both played a significant role for the freedom of the press.
Both attracted the staunchest supporters from among their countrymen and at the
same time provoked bitterest antagonism. Ties of friendship and mutual admiration
brought them closer and they waged relentless fights for the right of the press
simultaneously in England and in India.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Raja Ram Mohan Roy was on Indian scene from 1772-1823. He was born in a Brahmin
family. Raja Ram Mohan Roy was also credited for laying the foundation of Indian
Journalism. He was perhaps the first Indian journalist. He remembered for bringing in
social change in India. He brought a renaissance in Hindu society. The prime focus of
Buckingham was to promote open trade across the Middle East whereas Roy wanted
to eradicate the social evils from Indian society. Buckingham started Calcutta Journal
with a motive to promote trade and was fully devoted to mercantile class. Roy started
Sambad Kamumdi (moon of intelligence) and Mirut-ul-ukbar to bring a social change
in the Indian society. Later on, they both fought for the freedom of the Press.
Buckingham also published some articles against Hindu costumes like Parda system,
Sati System and Child Marriages.

References

Pg. 09

References
Textual Books
1. Modern History of Journalism
(Sunit Ghosh)
2. Handbook of Journalism & Mass Communication
(Vir Bala Aggarwal & VS Gupta)
3. History of Press, Press Laws and Communications
(B.N. Ahuja)

Electronic Books & Websites

1. History of Media and Media Legislation in India
2. Blogger
3. Media in India
(N Ananth Padmanabha)

Photographs
1. Google images