Apr 27, 2025

7 Oldest Indian Newspapers That Shaped Journalism

Anushka Roy Choudhary

Hicky’s Bengal Gazette (1780)

The very first newspaper of India. Published weekly in Calcutta by James Augustus Hicky.

Source: twitter

Calcutta Gazette (1784)

Started by Francis Gladwin. It replaced Hicky’s Gazette in popularity after Hicky’s paper was shut down.

Source: twitter

Madras Courier (1785)

First newspaper published in South India (Madras Presidency). Founded by Richard Johnston.

Source: twitter

Bombay Herald (1789)

One of the earliest newspapers in Western India. Later merged into Bombay Gazette, gaining even more readership.

Source: twitter

Bombay Courier (1790)

Started by William Ashburner.Focused on shipping news, trade, and official announcements from Bombay.

Source: twitter

Calcutta Chronicle (1786)

Published by Daniel Stuart and Joseph Cooper.

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The Oriental Magazine or Calcutta Amusement (1785)

More like an early magazine, focusing on entertainment, poetry, and short stories.

Source: twitter

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