The Role of Print Media in Kerala Renaissance

Abstract

Mass media especially print media, act as a catalyst in the growth and development of modern democratic societies. Several studies has proven the role of printing in the evolution of the idea of the nation state, nationalist ideologies, and standardisation of language, printing and journalism acted as a catalyst in the formation of Kerala public sphere in the surge of the ideologies and activism that resulted in Kerala Renaissance. A diachronic survey of Malayalam print media, which started in the nineteenth century, illustrate the formation of the ideological pathways of the Kerala Renaissance. The survey proves the significant role of the print media in effecting the diverse ideological under currents of colonial administration, indigenous spiritual figures and movements western Christian missionary groups etc. to fashion Kerala modernity. This study focuses on the role of the print media in steering Malayali consciousness towards modernity, enlightenment, humanism and the idea of nation state.