In 1875, the statesman was founded by
(A) Rudyard Kipling
(B) John Corbett
(C) Robert Knight
(D) James Silk Buckingham
Correct Ans: (C)
Explanation:
In 1875, Robert Knight founded The Statesman, a prominent English-language newspaper. He played a significant role in shaping Indian journalism during the British colonial period. Prior to founding The Statesman, he had already made his mark as the editor of The Times of India. Eventually, he merged that paper with The Bombay Standard to expand its reach.
Soon after, Knight shifted to Calcutta (now Kolkata), where he launched The Statesman. At that time, Calcutta served as the capital of British India. Therefore, The Statesman quickly gained influence among both British officials and the Indian elite. Additionally, the paper focused on delivering credible, editorially strong news.
Knight strongly believed in the freedom of the press. As a result, The Statesman maintained editorial independence even under colonial rule. This made it one of the most respected publications of its time. Furthermore, the paper often challenged government policies, which was rare during that era.
It is important to note that Knight laid the groundwork for professional journalism in India. He emphasized accuracy, editorial ethics, and international news coverage. Consequently, The Statesman not only informed the public but also shaped political thought.
In summary, Robert Knight founded The Statesman in 1875. His work transformed the Indian press, making it more robust and trustworthy. His legacy continues, as The Statesman remains one of the oldest surviving newspapers in the country.
