Question
Discuss the contribution of Upendra Kishore Roy Choudhury and ‘U. Roy and Sons’.
Answer
Upendra Kishore Roy Choudhury and ‘U. Roy and Sons’ made significant contributions to the growth of printing press and business enterprise in Bengal in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Upendra Kishore Roy Choudhury was a pioneer in the field of printing and publishing. He introduced the halftone block technique for using photographs in books and purchased modern equipment and chemicals from England in 1885, which revolutionized the printing press industry. He was also the first person to introduce color printing in Bengal after it was started in Western countries. Roy Choudhury’s innovative techniques and high-quality printing played a crucial role in shaping the modern Bengali book industry.
‘U. Roy and Sons’ was a publishing house founded by Upendra Kishore Roy Choudhury, and it played a significant role in the growth of the Bengali book industry. The publishing house produced books for children and adults, including the works of his son Sukumar Roy and grandson Satyajit Ray. The business became a leading publisher in Bengal, and its success inspired other entrepreneurs to start similar ventures.
In addition to their contributions to the printing press and publishing industry, both Upendra Kishore Roy Choudhury and ‘U. Roy and Sons’ were successful business enterprises. They played a critical role in creating jobs and driving economic growth in Bengal. Through their innovative printing techniques and high-quality books, they helped create a new market for Bengali literature and culture, which had a significant impact on the cultural and intellectual life of Bengal.
