Question

Digdarshan, the first monthly magazine in Marathi was started by ___________
A. Jyotirao Phule
B. Bhau Mahajan
C. Balshastri Jambhekar
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The person who started it was also involved with another magazine. He is also known as the Father of Marathi journalism. He was born on 6th January 1812.

Complete Answer:
During the development of Indian journalism in the latter half of the 19th Century, the Marathi press had played a very important part in both journalism as well as developing and fostering a spirit of patriotism. The Marathi press distinguished itself by campaigning on two fronts: the political and the social. Many newspapers and magazines carried articles on the nationalist movement and the social events and issues. Publication of the Digdarshan began in 1840. It was the first Marathi magazine and it was to be published monthly. Digdarshan magazine published articles on various subjects like history, geography, physics, chemistry etc.

A. Jyotirao Phule did not start the Digdarshan. He had authored many books and founded a society called Satyasodhak Samaj, but did not start any magazine or newspaper. So, this option is incorrect.

B. Bhau Mahajan did not start the Digdarshan. He was not involved with any magazine, but he had helped Balshastri Jambhekar with the publication of the newspaper Darpan. Therefore, this is not the correct option.

C. Balshashtri Jambhekar started the Digdarshan, which was the first Marathi monthly magazine. Therefore, this is the correct option.

D. Since Balshastri Jambhekar (option C) is the correct answer, this is not the correct option.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C.

Note: Digdarshan means direction in English. Balshashtri Jambhekar edited the Digdarshan for 5 years. Balshashtri Jambhekar also started the first Marathi newspaper in 1832. It was called Bombay Darpan.