PRESS AND PARTITION OF PUNJAB CASE OF CIVIL & MILITARY GAZETTE (1946-1947)

The Civil & Military Gazette, a pioneering Indian newspaper, played a significant role in shaping political opinion during the tumultuous period of India’s partition and independence. This book presents the first comprehensive analysis of the Civil & Military Gazette’s reporting on India’s partition, utilizing primary source-based research from the CMG’s archives. By examining the Gazette’s coverage from 1940 to 1947, this study offers a rich and nuanced understanding of India’s partition and its enduring impact. Through meticulous content analysis, this study highlights the tone, language, and narrative strategies employed by the Gazette, revealing shifting policy perspectives, choice of words, and framing devices used to report on key events.

To further illustrate the complexities of this pivotal period, the book also features a unique collection of caricatures and cartoons published by the native press, providing a visual narrative of the situations and sentiment of the time. These rare and insightful visual representations offer a distinct perspective on the partition experience, complementing the Gazette’s reporting and enriching our understanding of this critical moment in Indian history.

This groundbreaking study sheds new light on the press’s role in shaping historical discourse, with far-reaching implications for our understanding of the complex relationships between media, politics, and public opinion. As a foundational reference, it provides valuable insights for future researchers exploring the press’s role in India’s partition and related fields. It is essential reading for students of Journalism, History and Political Communication.