From 1780, James Augustus Hickey began to edit the Bengal gazette, a weekly magazine that described itself as “a commercial paper open to all but influenced by none”. So, it was private English enterprise proud of its independence from colonial influence. That began English printing in India. Hickey published a lot of advertisement including those that related to the import and sales of slaves. Based on the above extract, which of these best describes the nature of Bengal gazette?
The correct option is (a). The Bengal Gazette was unbiased in nature. It was India’s first English weekly newspaper, free from colonial influence. It aimed to share commercial, social and political information independently, giving voice to diverse opinions and reflecting early freedom of expression.
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The Bengal Gazette, edited by James Augustus Hickey, was unbiased as it described itself as “open to all but influenced by none.” It marked the beginning of English printing in India and represented independent journalism. The paper carried advertisements and public opinions freely, maintaining neutrality and independence from colonial authority, promoting early press freedom. The correct option is (a).