Arabic Journalism in India: Historical Development and Contemporary Trends

Abstract

Arabic journalism in India occupies a distinctive position in the history of Indian journalism and Indo-Arab intellectual relations. Although Arabic is not a major vernacular language of India, it has enjoyed a long and distinguished history as a language of religion, scholarship, education, literature, and international communication. The emergence of Arabic journalism in the nineteenth century transformed this scholarly tradition by providing Indian Arabic scholars with a regular medium for communicating contemporary religious, educational, literary, social, political, and cultural ideas. The publication of al-Nafʿ al-ʿAẓim li-Ahl Hadha al-Iqlim in Lahore in 1871 is generally regarded as a landmark in the history of Arabic journalism in India. Thereafter, numerous Arabic newspapers, magazines, and academic journals appeared in different parts of the country, particularly through Islamic seminaries, universities, literary organizations, and private initiatives. This research article traces the development of Arabic journalism in India from its nineteenth-century origins to the contemporary period. It examines the historical circumstances that facilitated the emergence of the Arabic press, the contribution of important institutions such as Nadwatul Ulama, Darul Uloom Deoband, and Aligarh Muslim University, and the role of significant periodicals in promoting Arabic language and literature. It also analyses the principal functions and themes of Indian Arabic journalism, including religious reform, education, literature, social development, politics, cultural relations, and Indo-Arab intellectual exchange. Particular attention is given to the transition from print journalism to electronic and digital journalism.