Jugantar Patrika, also known as Jugantar, emerged as a revolutionary Bengali newspaper in Calcutta in 1906, exerting a significant influence on the Indian independence movement during the early 20th century. Its founders, Barindra Kumar Ghosh, Abhinash Bhattacharya and Bhupendranath Dutt, established it as a political weekly, serving as the official voice of the Anushilan Samiti, a rising revolutionary organization in Bengal at the time.
The name "Jugantar" translates to "New Era" in Bengali, drawing inspiration from Shivnath Shastri's political novel of the same name. Eventually, the term "Jugantar" came to represent the Western Bengal faction of the Anushilan Samiti, which became known as the Jugantar group.
Jugantar Patrika vehemently advocated and justified the use of revolutionary violence against British colonial rule in India. It challenged the legitimacy of British governance and criticized the moderate methods employed by the Indian National Congress, which were perceived as accommodating the British Raj. The newspaper aimed to reach politically motivated youth in Bengal and was priced at one paisa, making it affordable for a wide readership.Under the editorship of Bhupendranath Dutt, Jugantar Patrika gained popularity and amassed a readership of around 20,000 at its zenith. The publication featured articles not only by Dutt himself but also by other prominent Bengali revolutionaries such as Barindra Kumar Ghosh and Aurobindo Ghosh.
Due to its seditious content, as perceived by the Britishers, Jugantar Patrika faced legal persecution from the British government. In 1907, Bhupendranath Dutt was arrested for publishing articles that incited violence against the government, leading to a year of rigorous imprisonment. Despite these obstacles, the newspaper persisted until 1908, when financial difficulties and the implementation of The Newspapers (Incitement to Offences) Act in June 1908 compelled its closure.
Jugantar Patrika played a pivotal role in disseminating revolutionary ideas and mobilizing the youth of Bengal in the struggle for independence. It remains an integral part of the history of the Indian independence movement in Bengal.
Source: Mdziauddin, Contributor for CCRT