James Augustus Hicky, an Irishman and former surgeon, arrived in Kolkata in 1776 to start a shipping business. When it failed, he was imprisoned for his debts but managed to save Rs 2,000, which funded India’s first newspaper, Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, launched in January 1780.

The Bengal Gazette quickly became a sensation, covering issues like poor sanitation, road infrastructure, and corruption in the East India Company. Hicky used his paper to raise uncomfortable truths and give a voice to the poor.

In March 1780, a devastating fire destroyed 15,000 homes, killing 190 people. He appealed for help, urging the wealthy to provide shelter, clothing, and food, showcasing his commitment to the welfare of Calcutta’s poor.

Hicky didn’t hesitate to criticise the East India Company. He sarcastically mocked Governor Sir Thomas Rumbold for his corrupt fortune, using the Bengal Gazette to expose the misdeeds of the British establishment.

His reports on the wars in India, especially the Battle of Pollilur in 1780, questioned British superiority. When over 3,000 soldiers were killed, he highlighted the human cost, challenging the narrative of British righteousness in India.

The paper contradicted British rumours about Hyder Ali’s army, showing his humane treatment of prisoners. This stance angered the East India Company, which hoped to control the narrative of British actions in India.

As the Bengal Gazette gained international attention, the Indian Gazette emerged, supported by Governor Warren Hastings as the Company’s mouthpiece. Hicky continued to expose corruption, even alleging bribery among Company officials.

In retaliation, Hastings cut off the Bengal Gazette's access to the postal system. Hicky hired couriers to distribute his paper, launching a campaign for free speech, anti-corruption, and justice against the British Empire.

Hicky’s confrontations led to several lawsuits, including one from Hastings himself. In 1781, he was imprisoned for libel, and his printing press was seized. Despite this, his fight for press freedom became a cornerstone of Indian journalism.

By 1782, Hicky's finances had deteriorated. He applied to be recognised as a pauper to keep his press, but the court refused, and his paper was shut down. His brief run left a lasting legacy in Indian journalism.

Though his views on women were troubling, Hicky’s role in establishing a free press was vital. His defiance against the British laid the groundwork for India’s struggle for independence, with the Bengal Gazette as a symbol of resistance.