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Paschimodayam

Paschimodayam is the second publication from the Basel Mission Press at Tellicherry after Rajyasamacham, the first Malayalam journal stopped publishing.

Paschimodayam is a Sanskrit term that means “the rise in the West.” It was believed that the name was chosen for two reasons. Initially, Western missionaries ran the journal and secondly, the journal prioritized Western expertise and foreign news.

The initial edition of the journal was released in Illikkunnu, Tellicherry, in 1847, which is located in the present-day Kannur district of Kerala. George F. Muller, a Christian missionary who arrived in 1842 to support Dr Gundert’s missionary work and the chief in charge of print at the Basel mission centre of Thalassery was its editor. His name can be found on the final page of the publication.

Unlike Rajyasamacharam, which had missionary objectives, Pashchimodayam intended to convey Western ideas and scientific development to the Malayalam-speaking people living under British rule.

Paschimodayam, which was published from 1847 to 1851, was more popular than Rajyasamacharam, its predecessor. However, both journals had comparable manuscripts and were prepared by the same Tamil Christian Kannyan Kandu. Printed in 8 pages of the type Royal Octavo Garb, it was published once in a month. The script of the journal was in old Malayalam with long vowels, interrogative marks, quotations and other punctuations. The journal also published pieces written by Herman Gundert.

Paschimodayam had a clearer language than Rajyasamacharam, which had an evangelical tone. The journal was priced at two paise per issue, and the annual subscription cost half a rupee (an ancient British coin). After 1849, it stopped publishing on a regular basis. The reason for this is examined to be the departure of Dr Gundert from Nettur of Tellicherry where he lived for years. In August 1851, the journal ended its publication.

Journal Content

The main contents of the journal can be categorised as Jyothisha Vidya (Astronomy), Kerala Pazhama (Kerala History), Bhoomi Sastram (Geography), Raashi Chakram (Star forecast or Astrology), Akshara Parinamam (Linguistics), Bilathi Visesham (European Travelogue) etc.

Apart from these, the journal also published news articles with a captivating title “Puthiya varthamanangal” (Latest news). Under it, events such as the Srilankan resistance against the Britishers under the leadership of Muthuswamy in August 1848 and the Punjab resistance under Chathra Singh and his son Sheer Singh in 1846 were reported in detail.

The Paschimodayam cannot be considered a scientific journal, but it contributed to the development of scientific ideas in Malayalam journalism. Its publication enabled Malayali people to learn about major events occurring in other countries and part of India quickly.

References

  • G. Mohandasan Pillai. History of Malayalam Journalism with Special Reference to the Contribution of Christian Missionaries, 1847–1938 AD [Doctoral Dissertation, Department of Indian History, University of Madras].
  • Paschimodayam. (2023). Wikipedia. Accessed on 23.05.2023 from
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paschimodayam
  • Paschimodayam. (2023). Wikiwand. Accessed on 23.05.2023 from
    https://www.wikiwand.com/ml/പശ്ചിമോദയം
  • Journalism. Thalassery: Site Seeing Begins Here. Accessed on 23.05.2023 from
    https://www.thalassery.info/journalism.htm