Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The colonial government used press control as a key tool of domination. The Vernacular Press Act (1878) allowed authorities to suppress Indian-language newspapers that criticised colonial policies, silencing dissent.

For nationalists, the press was essential to build anti-colonial consciousness — it spread ideas of freedom, united diverse communities, and mobilised mass participation in movements like Non-Cooperation. Gandhi understood that without liberty of speech and a free press, truth could not be communicated, and satyagraha — which depended on persuading people and awakening conscience — could not function. Thus, controlling the press meant controlling nationalist thought itself.

Source: Chapter 5 (Print Culture and the Modern World); Chapter 2 (Nationalism in India)

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• The examiner expects you to link press freedom to both colonial suppression (Vernacular Press Act) and nationalist mobilisation — two sides of the same coin.
• Mention the Vernacular Press Act by name; it's a key fact examiners look for.
• Connect Gandhi's logic: satyagraha works through persuasion and conscience — impossible without free speech/press.
• Don't write more than ~80 words in the actual answer; 3 marks = 3 solid points.