Who was James Augustus Hicky?

James Augustus Hicky was an Irishman best known for starting the first newspaper in India, called Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, in 1780. This historic newspaper was printed in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and marked the beginning of journalism in India. That’s why Hicky is often called the “father of Indian journalism.” His newspaper was not just a source of news—it was a powerful tool to fight against injustice, corruption, and misuse of power. At a time when India was under British rule, Hicky dared to speak the truth. He openly criticized the British officials, including the then Governor-General Warren Hastings, and stood up for the rights of the common people. Even though he faced many problems—like going to jail and losing his printing press—Hicky continued to believe in the freedom of the press. His courage and honesty made a lasting impact on Indian journalism. But how did it all begin? How did he enter the world of publications? Let us take a look at his life from the beginning. 

Early Life of James Augustus Hicky

Understanding James Augustus Hicky’s early life provides a foundation for appreciating the path that led him to establish India’s first newspaper. Here are a few essential points about the early life of Hicky:

• James Augustus Hicky was born in Ireland in 1740.
• He went to London at a young age with William Faden who was a famous painter of his time. 
• Soon after his arrival, Hicky quired a clerkship with William Davy, an English lawyer.
• A few years later, he quit law and started his profession as a surgeon. In 1772, he embarked on his journey to India with another person from East India who was on his journey to Calcutta. For this, he assumed the title and role of a surgeon’s mate, a prominent rank in the Royal Navy. 
• Upon his arrival in the Indian subcontinent, he started another phase of his life both as a surgeon and a merchant. However, his business collapsed with the cargo being severely destroyed. 
• Unsuccessful to pay his rent, Hicky was imprisoned and sent to the debtor’s prison in October 1776.
• It was during his time in jail that he got his hands on a printing press and typing equipment and began his business from jail. 

What was the Bengal Gazette?

The Bengal Gazette, also known as Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, was the first newspaper printed in India. Started by James Augustus Hicky in 1780, it was a weekly newspaper published in Calcutta that boldly reported news, exposed corruption, and promoted freedom of speech.

• The Bengal Gazette was an English-language weekly newspaper launched on 29 January 1780.

• Also known as the Original Calcutta General Advertiser, Hicky’s Bengal Gazette was also India’s and Asia’s first-ever printed newspaper.
• It was published in Calcutta which, during that time, was the center of colonial India.
• Being the writer, editor, and publisher, Hicky tried to cover all the important political and social events related to Calcutta.
• Although the newspaper in its early days took a neutral stance on common issues, things soon started taking a new shape.
• Topics that made frequent appearances in this newspaper included fire outbreaks, poor infrastructure of the country, poor quality of sanitation, etc. 
• Additionally, Hicky’s Bengal Gazette started criticizing the government and its ruthless actions openly.
• He also condemned growing corruption in the form of criticizing government officials who were caught bribing. One of the most famous examples includes Hicky’s comments on Rumbold.

Also Read: Warren Hastings: Life, Legacy and Lesson

The Writing Style of James Augustus Hicky

James Augustus Hicky was known for his bold, fearless, and straightforward writing style. He used sharp words and strong opinions to expose corruption and speak out against injustice, making his newspaper both powerful and controversial.

• Hicky’s Bengal Gazette was full of commentary against the injustice prevailing in Indian society.
• He was known for using a sarcastic and provocative way of writing to appreciate a virtue or condemn a vice. 
• James Augustus Hicky often used the power of media as a way to attack powerful and corrupt officials.
• He was bold, outspoken, and not afraid to speak his mind. 
• Moreover, his writing style also included made-up names to ingeniously refer to real-life personalities.
• Apart from numerous government officials, he also accused Warren Hasting‘s wife of corruption which subsequently led him to prison.
• Despite the constant threat of censorship in the press, Hicky continued to use his pen as a weapon against the corrupted administration. 

Conflict with Colonial Authorities

The critical tone of Hicky’s Bengal Gazette eventually led to severe backlash from the colonial administration. Hicky used his platform to target high-ranking figures, most notably Warren Hastings, the Governor-General of Bengal.

Major Points of Conflict:

• Accusations of corruption against East India Company officials.
• Criticism of censorship and lack of transparency.
• Personal attacks on Hastings and his associates, including missionary Johann Zacharias Kiernander.

These bold accusations led to:

• Legal battles, including multiple libel cases.
• Hicky’s eventual imprisonment in 1781.
• Confiscation of his press and permanent shutdown of Hicky’s Bengal Gazette in 1782.

So, who was James Augustus Hicky? He was more than just a publisher—he was a fearless advocate for press freedom at a time when dissent was dangerous. Through Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, he challenged authority and laid the groundwork for future generations of journalists. His story is a testament to the power of the written word in shaping society and resisting injustice.

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