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 following source and answer the questions that follow :
- (34.1) Analyse the primary objective proposed by Ranade for publishing Marathi Language newspaper. [1]
- (34.2) Why did the Bombay Telegraph emphasize the role of newspaper in promoting welfare of Deccan region ? [1]
- (34.3) What were the key responsibilities attributed to native newspapers ? Mention any two. [2]
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2024 32/3/1 Q34
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:00 · grounding stimulus
Model Answer
(34.1) Ranade's primary objective was to provide useful information on topics of local interest and to allow free discussion on subjects of general utility, scientific investigation, and the history, geography, and antiquities of the Deccan region.
(34.2) The Bombay Telegraph emphasized the newspaper's role in the Deccan because Ranade specifically intended it to focus on the history, geography, statistics, and curiosities of the Deccan region, thereby promoting the diffusion of knowledge and welfare of its people.
(34.3) Two key responsibilities of native newspapers:
- Critically examining government policy and suggesting improvements by removing parts not beneficial to the people.
- Studying particular issues and gathering diverse information on the nation to identify possible and desirable improvements, thereby earning considerable influence.
Source: 'The Print Culture and The Modern World', Chapter 5
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Explanation
- 34.1 is a direct retrieval from Source 1 — mention "local interest," "free discussion," and "Deccan" for full marks.
- 34.2 also draws from Source 1 — the key phrase is "history and geography of the Deccan especially." Don't drift beyond the passage.
- 34.3 comes entirely from Source 2 — examiners want two distinct roles: (i) examining/critiquing government policy and (ii) gathering information/studying issues. Use the passage's language closely.
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