Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

After 1857, the colonial government reversed its press policy due to the following reasons:

1. Nationalist tone of vernacular press: Vernacular newspapers became increasingly assertive and nationalist, reporting on colonial misrule and encouraging anti-British activities.

1. Demand from Englishmen: Enraged Englishmen in India demanded a clamp down on the 'native' press after the revolt.

1. Fear of sedition: The government feared that a free press would fuel further uprisings and undermine British authority.

This led to the Vernacular Press Act of 1878, modelled on Irish Press Laws, giving the government extensive rights to censor and seize newspapers deemed seditious.

Source: Print and Censorship, Chapter 5

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The examiner expects three clear points explaining the reversal — the revolt made the British suspicious of nationalist sentiment, enraged Englishmen pushed for control, and the vernacular press had grown assertively nationalist. Mentioning the Vernacular Press Act of 1878 as the concrete outcome strengthens the answer. Avoid lengthy introductions; go straight to the causes.