MCQ Detailed View

Jam-e-Jahan Numa holds the distinction of being the first Urdu newspaper published in the Indian subcontinent. It was introduced in 1822 in Kolkata (then Calcutta) by Munshi Sada Sukh, a Hindu scholar and printer. Initially published in Persian, it later started featuring content in Urdu, which rapidly gained popularity among the native readership of northern India.

This newspaper played a pioneering role in shaping the tradition of Urdu journalism. At a time when access to information was limited and literacy was growing slowly, Jam-e-Jahan Numa became a tool for educating the masses and sharing important developments from around the world and across the Indian subcontinent.

Key facts about Jam-e-Jahan Numa:

• Founded in: 1822


• Published from: Kolkata (Calcutta)


• Founder/Publisher: Munshi Sada Sukh


• Original Language: Persian, later included Urdu


• Significance: First Urdu-language newspaper in South Asia

The newspaper helped introduce modern journalism in the Urdu-speaking world and contributed to the rise of political and social awareness during colonial rule. It provided news on trade, politics, culture, and events from both British India and foreign countries.

Though it ceased publication in the later 19th century, its contribution to the literary and journalistic history of the region remains invaluable. Jam-e-Jahan Numa paved the way for future newspapers and periodicals that became key platforms for political thought, public discourse, and cultural development during the freedom movement and beyond.