When a Bengali gave birth to Urdu journalism: The Story of Jam-i-Jahan-Numa – GetBengal Story
Doesn't it feel good to know that Kolkata, a city renowned for its vibrant Bengali culture and intellectual life, hosted the publication of the first Urdu-language newspaper, Jam-i-Jahan-Numa, rather than northern India? Even more interesting is the fact that this publication was founded in March 1822 by Harihar Dutta, a Bengali Hindu. This moment stands out as an important example of the shared history and unity of India's diverse cultures.
Harihar Dutta, the founder of Jam-i-Jahan-Numa—the first Urdu-language newspaper in India—was a visionary figure in the early history of Indian journalism. Born into an intellectually prominent Bengali family, Harihar Dutta was the son of Tara Chand Dutta, an eminent journalist and one of the founders of the influential Bengali weekly Sambad Kaumudi. This familial background laid the foundation for Harihar’s deep engagement with the world of letters and public discourse.
In the early 19th century, India was undergoing a transformative period of socio – Political change under British colonial rule. The spread of print media had begun to influence public opinion and facilitate dialogue across linguistic and cultural divides. Against this backdrop, Harihar Datta launched Jam-i-Jahan-Numa to reach Urdu-speaking readers. The Jam-i-Jahan-Numa initially served as a weekly newspaper, and it aimed to educate and inform the masses while fostering a sense of awareness about world events and colonial policies.
Although the Jam-i-Jahan-Numa did not have a very long run, its impact on the history of Urdu journalism was profound. It laid the foundation for a vibrant tradition of Urdu newspapers and periodicals, which later flourished in cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Lahore. Following this newspaper, several other Urdu publications like Delhi Urdu Akhbar (1837) by Maulvi Muhammad Baqar and Avadh Akhbar became instrumental in the 1857 War of Independence.
Sadasukhlal, another early figure in Indian media, handled the newspaper's editorial responsibilities. Together, Dutta and Sadasukhlal created a platform that combined news, commentary, and cultural content aimed at an emerging educated readership.
Harihar Dutta’s work stands as a testament to the pluralistic spirit of early 19th-century Indian journalism. A Bengali Hindu launching an Urdu newspaper in colonial Calcutta illustrates the fluidity and inclusiveness that once characterised the Indian intellectual and cultural landscape.
