Set of Four Vintage Newspapers / Two each of Bengal Hurkaru and John Bull
a) Bengal Hurkaru, Volume 48, Number 50, Monday, February 28, 1825 - 4 pages, 49 x 35.5 cm
b) Bengal Hurkaru, Volume 48, Number 53, Thursday, March 3, 1825 - 4 pages, 49 x 35.5 cm
Printed and Published at the Bengal Hurkaru Press, by Samuel Smith and Co., No 1, Hare Street, Tank Square
The bustling streets of Calcutta (now Kolkata) in British India witnessed the birth and long life of a significant newspaper - The Bengal Hurkaru (1795-1866) (often shortened to Bengal Hurkaru). It was one of the first English-language newspapers published in Calcutta and established on 19 February 1795 by Hugh Boyd, this publication served as a vital source of information for over seven decades, chronicling the events that shaped British India and offering a unique perspective on the colonial experience.
Originally launched as a weekly, The Bengal Hurkaru lived up to its name, "Hurkaru" being derived from the Bengali word for "messenger." It catered primarily to the British population in Calcutta, including the military, merchants, and civil servants. News from Britain, Europe, and the wider world found its way onto the pages, keeping the expatriate community informed about happenings beyond the Indian subcontinent. Local and regional news also featured prominently, providing insights into the political, economic, and social landscape of British India.
The Bengal Hurkaru's significance grew steadily. On 29 April 1819, it transitioned to a daily newspaper, becoming a constant companion for the British residents. Through mergers and acquisitions, it further solidified its position. In 1825, it absorbed the Scotsman in the East, followed by The Bengal Chronicle in 1827. Following its merger with the latter, the newspaper’s title became The Bengal Hurkaru and Chronicle, which subsequently merged in 1834 with Dwarkanath Tagore’s India Gazette. This not only expanded its reach but also enriched its content with diverse perspectives.
By 1833, The Bengal Hurkaru had a circulation of approximately 882 copies. Statistics based on subscriptions show that most subscribers in 1833 were part of the British military (308), Civil (136), Legal (24), Clerical (3), Medical (51), Mercantile (206) and Miscellaneous (154).
While the primary audience remained the British in India, The Bengal Hurkaru wasn't entirely exclusive. Some members of the Bengali community also subscribed, offering a glimpse into the circulation of ideas and information exchange across the social divide. However, it's important to remember that the news presented likely reflected a perspective shaped by the British colonial experience.
The Bengal Hurkaru ceased publication in 1866, leaving behind a rich legacy. In its final issue in December 1866, the following statement proclaimed the end of its run: “We hope that the announcement will cause as much regret to our readers and the Public as it does to ourselves, that with this issue, the Hurkaru, which first solicited public favor on the 19th February 1795, will disappear from the rolls of the Indian Press.”
c) John Bull, Volume V, Number 1, 243, Tuesday, February 22, 1825 - 4 pages, 52.5 x 35.5 cm
d) John Bull, Volume V, Number 1, 248, Monday, February 28, 1825 - 4 pages, 52.5 x 35.5 cm
John Bull, founded in 1821 was a newspaper published by the "Proprietors" under George Pritchard at the Hindoostanee Press in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, during the colonial era. Originally it was owned by John Trotter, Esq., Opium Agent, R C Plowden, Esq., Salt Agent, T Lewin, Clerk of the Crown in the Supreme Court, C B Greenlaw and J P Larkins, two Covenanted servants of the E I Company.
Just as The Bengal Hurkaru offered a fascinating glimpse into the British perspective of the time. John Bull itself was a popular caricature representing Britain. The newspaper's title suggests it aligned with traditional British values and perhaps served as a mouthpiece for the British community in Calcutta. This was a common stance among British publications in colonial India.
The newspaper served as a conservative publication explicitly opposing the Calcutta Journal of John Silk Buckingham. It was established in 1821, likely in response to the growing influence of the Calcutta Journal, which advocated for reform and had liberal sympathies. John Bull in the East positioned itself as a conservative newspaper, standing in opposition to the reform-oriented views of the Calcutta Journal. The editors of John Bull in the East and the Calcutta Journal were often engaged in heated exchanges, effectively being "at war" with each other. This suggests a competitive atmosphere between the two newspapers.
Given the large number of soldiers stationed in India, both the Calcutta Journal and John Bull in the East aimed to establish themselves as the military publication of choice. They were not hesitant to accuse each other of publishing libels on the army, indicating a focus on military affairs in their coverage.
Today, for scholars and history enthusiasts, these papers serve as a valuable primary source. Delving into its pages allows us to understand the daily lives of the British in India, their concerns, their perspectives on the local population and events, and the broader context of British colonial rule. It offers glimpses into trade, politics, social life, and the evolving relationship between the British Raj and the Indian people.
The importance of The Bengal Hurkaru and John Bull lies not just in the factual accounts it presented, but also in the silences and biases it reveals. By critically analysing its content, we gain a deeper understanding of the power dynamics and ideologies at play during the British Raj in India. It's a crucial piece in the puzzle of piecing together a comprehensive picture of that era.
(Set of four)
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