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Rajyasamacharam

Rajyasamacharam, which means ‘the news of the nation’ in Malayalam language was the first newspaper to be published in Malayalam. It was published by Herman Gundert, a Christian religious missionary from the Basel Evangelical Mission Society in June 1847.

The newspaper, with Christian missionary objectives, was released by Basel Mission Press, Nettur, Tellichery, located in the present-day Kannur district of Kerala.

Basel Mission Press used the cyclostyle method to print the newspaper. On October 23, 1845, the press was founded in Illikkunnu, Nettur, Tellichery, which is situated in the present-day Kannur district of Kerala. It published 42 issues from June 1847 to December 1850. Even when the Basel Mission served as its publisher, neither the publisher nor the editor was mentioned in the journal.

The journal only existed for a brief period, until 1850. However, it managed to release 42 editions. Furthermore, Rajyasamacharam played a vital role in strengthening the foundation of the emerging Christian society in Malabar by broadening their understanding of the global Christian community.

Newspaper content

The inaugural edition of Rajya Samacharam features a preface by the publisher and covers several topics, including Haibodhakar’s letter from Visakapattanam in TelunguNadu, the tale of a woman who lived a life of sin, and the true gospel of God. Haibodhakar’s report from Visakhapatnam tells the story of Jagannad, a Hindu boy who began studying English and eventually became a devoted Christian. The account of the sinful lady details the life of a woman who engaged in sinful activities until a God-fearing woman helped her realize her mistakes and seek solace in God.

Rajyasamacharam usually contained letters written by missionaries concerning their religious activities. Their letters conveyed people’s reactions when the gospel was revealed to them. There was also a section that spoke about the experiences of new converts to Christianity. These accounts compared what they were like before and after conversion and emphasized the advantages of staying in the new religion.

In addition to religious issues, the journal addressed sociopolitical issues as well. Missionary objectives were mostly achieved indirectly through non-religious titles, which included titles such as : Gospel reports from North America, the Missionary centres in Malabar state given with the help of the map, peace in France and Popular Society in Frankfurt, Child Death, A census account of Christians in Tamil land, The meeting between Dwaraka Natha Tagore and the Pope in Rome, Against animal torture etc.

Studies say that Rajyasamacharam was not a popular journal as it did not reach enough people. However, it is one of the journals that contributed to the establishment of a reading culture among the Malayalam-speaking people.

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].
  • Stella Joseph. (2008). Print and Public Sphere in Malabar: A Study of Early Newspapers (1847–1930) [PhD Thesis, Department of History, University of Calicut].
  • Aisha Farsana. Kerala Aadhunikathayilekk…Maatam Achadiyiloode. Madhyamam. Accessed on 22.05.2023 from https://www.madhyamam.com/velicham/general-stories/history-of-printing-in-kerala-929569
  • Rajyasamacharam. Wikipedia. Accessed on 22.05.2023 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajyasamacharam