The history of journalism in Uttarakhand is deeply rooted in the state’s social, cultural, and political evolution. From the early days of handwritten newsletters and small presses in the hills, to the rise of modern digital news portals, Uttarakhand journalism has played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, raising socio-political awareness, and amplifying the voice of the people in this Himalayan region.
History of Journalism in Uttarakhand – From 1842 to 1947
The history of journalism in Uttarakhand is a remarkable journey that reflects the social awakening, freedom struggle, and political consciousness of the Himalayan region. The growth of newspapers and journals in Garhwal and Kumaon provided a voice to the people against British colonial rule, feudal systems, and social exploitation.
Scholars generally divide the history of journalism in Uttarakhand into three phases:
First Phase of Journalism in Uttarakhand (1842–1870)
This was the early phase of journalism, marked largely by English-language newspapers run by the British. Most publications during this time reflected colonial policies and were government-supportive. However, this period also saw the emergence of the first Hindi newspaper from Uttarakhand.
1. The Hills (1842)
-
Published by John Mackinnon in 1842.
-
Considered the first newspaper of Uttarakhand and North India.
-
Initially printed in Ghaziabad, later shifted to Mussoorie where Mackinnon set up the region’s first printing press at the Mussoorie Seminary School.
-
Covered issues of Anglo-Irish conflicts.
-
Temporarily closed in 1849–50, revived in 1860 by Dr. Smith, and finally shut down in 1865.
2. Mephistopheles Light (1845)
-
Edited by John Legge, who was also the lawyer of Rani Lakshmi Bai.
-
Published in Mussoorie in English.
-
Unlike most English papers, it criticized British policies.
-
In 1857, Lord Dalhousie declared it an “anti-Empire newspaper.”
3. Samay Vinod (1868–1878)
-
Founded by Jai Dutt Joshi in Nainital.
-
First Hindi newspaper of Uttarakhand.
-
A fortnightly publication printed in both Hindi and Urdu.
-
Started with only 32 subscribers (17 Indians, 15 Europeans).
-
Shut down in 1878.
4. Mussoorie Exchange (1870)
-
Short-lived publication, little influence.
5. Almora Akhbar (1871)
-
Founded by Budhhi Vallabh Pant.
-
Edited later by Sadanand Sanwal, Munshi Imtiyaz Ali, Jeevanand Joshi, and Vishnu Dutt Joshi.
-
Initially pro-British, but after Badri Datt Pandey became editor in 1913, it became a powerful nationalist weekly.
-
Published strong editorials against “Kuli Begar” system and forest policies.
-
Faced repeated bans by the British due to its bold writings.
6. Mussoorie Season (1872)
-
Published by Coleman and Northam, ran only 2 years.
7. Himalaya Krantikaal (1875–1876)
-
Edited by John Northam, short-lived.
8. The Eagle (1878–1885)
-
Edited by Morton, published from Mussoorie.
Second Phase of Journalism in Uttarakhand (1900–1939)
This period marked the golden era of Uttarakhand journalism, when newspapers actively supported the Indian freedom struggle and awakened political consciousness in the region. Several weeklies, monthlies, and fortnightlies emerged.
Important Newspapers:
-
Riyasat Tehri Garhwal (1901) – Published by King Kirti Shah of Tehri; purely administrative in nature, not public-centric.
-
Garhwal Samachar (1902) – Started by Girija Datt Naithani from Lansdowne.
-
First Hindi newspaper from Garhwal.
-
Naithani is called the Father of Garhwal Journalism.
-
Revived in 1913 from Dugadda; criticized British atrocities and addressed social issues.
-
-
Garhwali Samachar (1905) – Published by Garhwal Union with major contributions from Pt. Vishwabhardatt Chandola.
-
Initially fortnightly, later weekly.
-
Raised issues like Kuli Begar, women’s movements, road movements, etc.
-
-
Cosmopolitan (1910) – English weekly, started in Dehradun by Barrister Bulaki Ram.
-
First English weekly from Dehradun.
-
-
Nirbal Sewak (1913) – Weekly newspaper, edited by Maharaja Mahendra Pratap from Dehradun.
-
Vishal Kirti (1913) – Monthly, edited by Sadanand Kukreti from Pauri.
-
Purusharth (1917) – Monthly, edited by Girija Datt Naithani.
-
Shakti (1918) – Founded by Badri Datt Pandey after Almora Akhbar was banned.
-
Played a key role in national and local struggles.
-
-
Kshatriya Veer (1922) – Edited by Pratap Singh Negi.
-
Kumaon Kumud (1922) – Edited by Basant Kumar Joshi from Almora.
-
Tarun Kumaon (1922) – Edited by Barrister Mukundi Lal from Lansdowne.
-
Abhay (1928) – Edited by Swami Vicharanand Saraswati from Dehradun.
-
Swadhin Pragya (1930) – Edited by Mohan Joshi.
-
Garh Desh (1929–1930, revived 1934) – Edited by Kriparam Mishra Manhar from Kotdwar.
-
Swargbhumi (1934) – Edited by Devkinandan Dhyani from Haldwani.
-
Samata (1934) – Edited by Munshi Hariprasad Tamta, later by Laxmi Devi Tamta, the first Dalit woman journalist of Uttarakhand.
-
Hadi-e-Azam (1936) – First Urdu religious journal of Uttarakhand, edited by Mohammad Iqbal Siddiqui.
-
Hitaishi (1936) – Pro-British newspaper edited by Pitambar Datt Parbol.
-
Uttar Bharat (1936) – Edited by Maheshanand Thapliyal from Pauri.
-
Utthan (1937) – Weekly edited by Jyoti Prasad Maheshwari.
-
Jagrit Janata (1938) – Edited by Pitambar Pandey.
Third Phase of Journalism in Uttarakhand (1940–1947)
This was a short but powerful phase, coinciding with the Quit India Movement and India’s final struggle for independence.
Key Newspapers:
-
Sandesh (1940) – Published from Kotdwar by Kriparam Mishra Manhar with Hari Ram Mishra Chanchal.
-
Samaj (1942) – A handwritten paper by Ram Prasad Bahuguna, stopped after his arrest.
-
Mussoorie Advertiser (1942–1947) – English newspaper published from Mussoorie.
-
Swaraj Sandesh (1942) – Edited by Hulas Verma, known for fiery anti-British writings.
-
Yugvani (1947) – Published on 15th August 1947 by Bhagwati Prasad Panthri from Dehradun.
-
Played a role in Tehri revolution.
-
Later became a monthly (still published).
-
-
Prajabandhu (1947) – Weekly newspaper published by Jai Datt Vela from Ranikhet.
MCQs on Journalism History in Uttarakhand
(Translated from your list, in English, for SEO and quiz readers)
-
Which newspaper was first published on Vijayadashami? – Shakti
-
Which newspaper was printed from Swargbhumi Press? – Uttar Bharat
-
First newspaper of Uttarakhand? – The Hills (1842)
-
Editor of Mephistopheles Light? – John Legge
-
Year The Eagle was published? – 1878
-
When did Badri Datt Pandey become editor of Almora Akhbar? – 1913
-
The Hills was published from? – Mussoorie
-
Riyasat Tehri Garhwal was what type of paper? – Fortnightly
-
Swaraj Sandesh was a? – Hindi newspaper
-
First religious Urdu journal of Uttarakhand? – Hadi-e-Azam
… (and continue up to Q40 as per your provided set)