Question
Give an account of the growth of the Bengali printing press from the middle of the 19th century.
Answer
From the mid-19th century, the modernization of the Bengali printing press led to a significant growth in the spread of education. The monthly Bangadarshan, started in 1872 by Bankim Chandra, marked the beginning of social newspapers in Bengal. This magazine serially published Bankim Chandra’s novels, including Bishbriksha, Indira, Chandrasekhar, Rajani, and Krishnakanter Will. Iswarchandra Vidyasagar’s Barnaparichay introduced the system of 12 vowels and 40 consonants, instead of the existing 16 vowels and 34 consonants, which was widely accepted. Before Vidyasagar, Battala Literature, a new trend in Bengali publications, existed from 1840 to 1870, catering to the thirst of the new English-educated youth for more knowledge and literary works. The literature of that time contained ancient and historical content, inspiring contemporary readers. The Bengali printing press facilitated the spread of knowledge and transformed the thought process of the readers.
