Rajasthan Patrika – The Most Trusted Hindi Newspaper in Rajasthan
In the crowded landscape of Indian Hindi newspapers, Rajasthan Patrika holds a unique place. It is not just a newspaper — in Rajasthan, it is an institution. For nearly 70 years, it has been the voice of the state, covering everything from the politics of Jaipur to the lives of farmers in Barmer, from the heritage of Udaipur to the industrial growth of Kota. This is its story.
Founding – 1956, Jaipur
Rajasthan Patrika was founded on March 7, 1956, in Jaipur by Karpoor Chandra Kulish, a visionary journalist and social reformer. Kulish was not just a newspaper man — he was a philosopher, poet, and deep thinker who believed that journalism must serve society's highest values. He established Rajasthan Patrika with a clear editorial philosophy: fearless, independent journalism in service of the people of Rajasthan.
The name itself — "Patrika" (पत्रिका) — means letter or journal, reflecting its literary and intellectual origins. Kulish wanted the newspaper to be not just a news sheet but a thoughtful journal of Rajasthan's public life.
The Philosophy of Fearless Journalism
What made Rajasthan Patrika distinctive from the beginning was its editorial independence. In an era when many newspapers aligned themselves with political parties or business interests, Patrika chose a different path. It took on governments of all political stripes, exposed corruption at the local and state level, and reported on the struggles of Rajasthan's most marginalised people — farmers, tribals, women, and the rural poor.
This editorial courage earned it the deep trust of Rajasthani readers. In a state where feudal attitudes and political power often suppressed critical voices, Rajasthan Patrika was a reliable, fearless alternative.
Growth Across Rajasthan and Beyond
Starting from Jaipur, Rajasthan Patrika expanded to all major Rajasthan cities through the 1960s and 70s. Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, Bikaner, Ajmer, Alwar, and eventually every district in Rajasthan got their own edition. The newspaper's network of district reporters gave it unmatched coverage of the state's most remote areas.
Beyond Rajasthan, Patrika expanded into Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra — states with significant Rajasthani-origin populations who wanted news from and about their home state.
Journalism Awards and Recognition
Rajasthan Patrika's commitment to investigative journalism has earned it multiple national journalism awards. The newspaper has broken stories on political corruption, police brutality, water scarcity issues, mining irregularities, and social injustice that led to real policy change. Several of its journalists have been recognised among India's finest reporters.
Rajasthan Patrika Today
Today, Rajasthan Patrika is one of India's top 5 Hindi newspapers by circulation. The Patrika Group has diversified into digital news (patrika.com), TV channels, and other media. Despite this diversification, the print newspaper remains its core and its pride.
The newspaper continues its founding philosophy — independent, citizen-serving journalism — under the second and third generation of the Kulish family. It covers all aspects of life in Rajasthan and its diaspora: politics, agriculture, water, heritage, culture, business, sports, and entertainment.
Read Rajasthan Patrika E-Paper Free
You can read the complete Rajasthan Patrika e-paper for any city and date free on InduPaper. Editions available for Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, Ajmer, Bikaner, and many more Rajasthan cities, plus MP, Gujarat, and other state editions. Read today's Rajasthan Patrika e-paper here.
Conclusion
Rajasthan Patrika's nearly 70-year story is a testament to what regional journalism can achieve when it stays true to its founding values. In a world where media is increasingly driven by corporate interests and political alignment, Rajasthan Patrika's legacy of fearless, public-interest journalism is both inspiring and rare. It remains, without question, the most trusted Hindi newspaper in Rajasthan.