The Press in Colonial India: Maharajas, Muslims and the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir

This book examines the history of the press in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir under the British Raj.

Based on extensive archival data, the author meticulously traces and documents the history of freedom of the press, speech and assembly, as well as the restrictions imposed in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir during British colonialism. Structured chronologically, the book presents a historical narrative of the press in the state during the Dogra period (1846-1947) and further shows the continuities during the decade of Partition (1947-1957). It analyses a novel aspect of communication by examining symbolic resources and the communication history of the region. The book sheds light on the significant role of culture as a form of political and mass communication, particularly in the absence of newspapers, bringing forth previously undisclosed aspects to the public domain.

Presenting a comprehensive legal history of the press in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, the book will be of interest to those intrigued by the history of South Asia, Media and Communication Studies and Journalism.

Nayeem Showkat is Assistant Professor at the Media Education Research Centre, University of Kashmir. He holds a postdoctoral degree in Media Studies and has published several articles in internationally renowned journals, including those of Routledge. In addition to his research contributions, he serves as a reviewer and has worked as an article editor for esteemed journals. His research interests lie at the intersection of culture and communication, with a particular focus on the history of press, as well as colonial films and cinema in Kashmir.