In the history of Indian journalism, which newspaper, first published in 1780, is regarded as the earliest newspaper in India?

Introduction / Context:
The beginning of newspaper publishing in India is an important landmark in the development of modern public opinion, political awareness and the freedom of the press. Examinations frequently ask about the very first newspaper printed in India, including its name and year. This question focuses specifically on the year 1780 and asks you to identify which newspaper, started by James Augustus Hicky in Calcutta, is widely regarded as India's first newspaper.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question specifies the year 1780. - Four newspapers are listed as options. - One of them must correctly represent the first newspaper published in India. - We assume the standard historical account that credits Hicky's paper as the earliest.

Concept / Approach:
James Augustus Hicky, a British printer, started a newspaper in Calcutta in 1780 which is generally recognised as the first newspaper printed in India. It was formally titled "The Bengal Gazette, or Calcutta General Advertiser" and is also popularly known as "Hicky's Bengal Gazette." The other newspapers listed in the options were founded later and do not match the 1780 date. Therefore, the approach is to recall the combination of year, place (Calcutta) and title to choose the correct option that mentions "The Bengal Gazette or Calcutta General Advertiser."

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the year 1780, which is a strong clue pointing to the very earliest phase of India's press history. Step 2: Recall that Hicky's newspaper, started in Calcutta, is widely accepted as the first newspaper in India. Step 3: Remember its full formal name: "The Bengal Gazette, or Calcutta General Advertiser." Step 4: Compare this name with the options and note that option A exactly reflects this title. Step 5: Recognise that "The Calcutta Chronicle", "The Madras Courier" and "The Bombay Herald" are later papers and cannot match the 1780 first newspaper description. Step 6: Conclude that the correct answer is "The Bengal Gazette or Calcutta General Advertiser."

Verification / Alternative check:
If you check any standard Indian history or journalism textbook, you will find a clear statement that Hicky's Bengal Gazette, formally titled "The Bengal Gazette or Calcutta General Advertiser", began publication in 1780 and is considered the first printed newspaper in India. Many exam oriented summaries also highlight that it was known for its outspoken criticism of the colonial administration, which ultimately led to official hostility. None of the other papers are associated with this pioneering date, which confirms your choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Calcutta Chronicle is wrong because it started later and is not recognised as India's first newspaper.

The Madras Courier is wrong as it was an early paper in Madras but began after 1780 and does not hold the distinction of being the first.

The Bombay Herald is wrong because it refers to a Bombay based paper that appeared later and is not tied to the historic 1780 milestone.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the many similar sounding names of early English language newspapers, especially those linked with Calcutta, Madras and Bombay. Another common error is to remember only the nickname "Hicky's Bengal Gazette" and not connect it with its formal title in the options. To avoid confusion, memorize the full phrase: "The Bengal Gazette or Calcutta General Advertiser (Hicky's Bengal Gazette), 1780, first newspaper in India." This compact memory key will help you answer such questions accurately under exam pressure.

Final Answer:
The first newspaper published in India in 1780 was The Bengal Gazette or Calcutta General Advertiser.