Political Awakening in Kashmir through Urdu Newspapers from 1924-1975: A historical Study

Abstract

This paper is intended to bring on limelight the role of some prominent political organizations in Jammu and Kashmir and their internal political development within the state. The paper is an attempt to look objectively into the role of such organizations in raising political awareness among Kashmiri masses through a variety of means and tools in the shape of newspapers, especially Urdu newspapers, which were crucial in raising political consciousness. In this context this paper will make a modest attempt to illuminate the press’s development from its beginnings and their contribution to the national awakening of Kashmir's masses. As we saw how the press encountered a number of challenges at the national level under colonial control, the state press likewise encountered a lot of challenges during this time and was opposed by the state government on every level. The Punjabi newspapers, on the other hand, were essential in raising the voice of Kashmir during early phase of the 20th century, which in turn helped the Kashmiri masses become more politically aware. Additionally, this paper would make a small attempt to investigate how these newspapers unite people socio-culturally and politically. There are large number of newspapers which cover wide-ranging issues so for as the Kashmir issue is concerned. There were a lot of newspapers published in Urdu, but most of them only lasted for about six months once they displayed their political leanings, which the government forbade.