Q1. [4]
WHY NEWSPAPERS ?
'Krishnaji Trimbuck Ranade inhabitant of Poona intends to publish a Newspaper in the Marathi Language with a view of affording useful information on every topic of local interest. It will be open for free discussion on subjects of general utility, scientific investigation and the speculations connected with the antiquities, statistics, curiosities, history and geography of the country and of the Deccan especially...the patronage and support of all interested in the diffusion of knowledge and Welfare of the People is earnestly solicited.'
Bombay Telegraph and Courier, 6 January, 1849
'The task of the native newspapers and political associations is identical to the role of the Opposition in the House of Commons in Parliament in England. That is of critically examining government policy to suggest improvements, by removing those parts that will not be to the benefit of the people, and also by ensuring speedy implementation. These associations ought to carefully study the particular issues, gather diverse relevant information on the nation as well as on what are the possible and desirable improvements, and this will surely earn it considerable influence.'
Native Opinion, 3 April, 1870
Read the given source and answer the questions that follow :
- (I) Explain the main reason of publishing newspaper by Krishnaji ? [1]
- (II) How was the task of native newspaper and political association seen identical to the role of opposition ? [1]
- (III) Analyze the reasons of popularity of newspapers during 19th century. [2]
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2023 32/4/1 Q34
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:00 · grounding stimulus
Model Answer
(I) Krishnaji Trimbuck Ranade intended to publish a newspaper in Marathi to afford useful information on every topic of local interest and for the diffusion of knowledge and welfare of the people.
(II) Just as the Opposition in England's House of Commons critically examines government policy, suggests improvements, removes harmful parts, and ensures speedy implementation — native newspapers and political associations were expected to do the same for the people of India.
(III) Newspapers became popular in the 19th century because:
- They provided a platform for free discussion on subjects of general utility, science, history, and geography.
- They helped gather diverse information on national issues and possible improvements.
- They gave people a voice against colonial policies, creating political awareness and public opinion.
Source: Chapter — Print Culture and the Modern World
---
Explanation
- (I) is directly lifted from Passage 1 — "diffusion of knowledge and welfare of the people" is the key phrase examiners look for.
- (II) Focus on the three roles mentioned in Passage 2: critically examining policy, suggesting improvements, ensuring implementation. Don't go beyond the source.
- (III) This 2-mark question asks you to analyze — so give 2–3 reasons. Two can come from the passages (free discussion, gathering information); one can be contextual knowledge (political awareness). Examiners reward use of passage evidence plus inference.
If a question refers to an image, map, graph or diagram that is not shown here, open the Study Guide single page app, go to
Library and find the actual CBSE question paper. The original papers are also available on the CBSE website:
cbse.gov.in.