Did you know which the first newspaper of Guwahati is?
In 1872, the first press of Guwahati, Chidananda Press, was established in Pan Bazar. This press published the city's very first newspaper called 'Assam Mihir'.
The paper was a weekly publication first printed in the Bengali language, but later added an English section to it.
The press was established by Raibahadur Chidananda Choudhury, who also owned the Soonsali Tea Estate.
However, Assam Mihir ceased publication just after one year of operation in 1873 due to lack of adequate support.
Although Guwahati got its first press only in 1872, Assam's first printing press was established by American Baptist Missionary at Sibsagar in January 1846. The press published the first Assamese magazine or monthly paper, ‘Orunodoi’, that was dedicated mostly to religion, science and general intelligence.
This magazine continued circulation for 36 years before closing down in 1882.
Orunodoi helped in opening the gate of modern literacy in Assam and played a major role in innovating the Assamese dialect.