The story of the Indian postal service is a captivating saga spanning centuries. It’s a chronicle of innovation, adaptation, and resilience, intricately woven with the rich social and political fabric of the subcontinent. From the swift messengers of ancient empires to the vast network of modern India Post, postal services have served as the lifeblood of communication, commerce, and nation-building.
Indian Postal Service’s Early Traces: Messengers and Relays
The roots of India’s postal system can be traced back to as early as the 13th century. During the reign of Allauddin Khilji (1296-1316), a well-organized horse and foot postal system facilitated the smooth flow of information across his vast empire. These swift messengers, known as relays, ensured the efficient delivery of royal decrees, military dispatches, and even trade-related information. Travelers like Ibn Battuta, who visited India in the 14th century, meticulously documented the existence of “El Wolak” (horse carriers) and “El Davah” (foot runners) employed by the Tughlaq dynasty (1320-1414) for swift communication.
Sher Shah Suri and the Grand Trunk Road
Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan emperor who ruled briefly from 1540 to 1545, is credited with revolutionizing the postal system. He recognized the critical role of communication in maintaining a cohesive empire and fostering trade. His most significant contribution was the establishment of a network of relays and rest houses along the Grand Trunk Road, a major highway connecting Bengal to Sindh. These strategically placed outposts ensured the swift delivery of royal decrees and military dispatches through a system of horse-mounted postal service known as “dak.” Riders would cover a specific distance before handing over the message packet to a fresh rider at the next post house, ensuring continuous and speedy communication across the vast expanse of the empire. This system not only facilitated efficient administration but also played a crucial role in promoting trade by enabling merchants to stay connected and coordinate business activities over long distances.
The Arrival of the Europeans and the East India Company
The arrival of European trading companies in the 17th century marked a new chapter in Indian postal history. The Portuguese, French, and Dutch established their own postal systems for internal communication and trade correspondence. These systems, primarily focused on their respective commercial interests, operated independently of the existing indigenous postal networks. However, the most significant impact came from the East India Company, the British trading giant that gradually gained political control over much of India.
The East India Company, initially focused on trade, recognized the importance of communication for efficient administration and coordination across its expanding network of factories and settlements. In 1727, they set up their first post office in Bombay (now Mumbai). This marked the beginning of a gradual shift towards a more structured postal system catering to the company’s needs. Over the next few decades, the East India Company established a network of post offices in major coastal cities like Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Madras (now Chennai). These early post offices primarily handled company business, including official correspondence, trade-related documents, and even personal mail for company employees.
The East India Company and the Dawn of a Modern System
The early 19th century saw significant advancements in the postal system under the East India Company. Recognizing the potential for increased revenue and improved administrative control, the company actively expanded the postal network. The Post Office Act of 1837 granted the government exclusive rights over mail carriage, effectively eliminating competition from private operators and further streamlining operations. This act also established a uniform postal rate structure, simplifying the process of sending and receiving mail.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1852 with the introduction of the first postage stamp in India, issued in the Scinde district. This marked a significant shift from the previous system where postage was typically paid by the recipient. The introduction of stamps not only streamlined mail handling but also facilitated prepayment, making the postal service more user-friendly and accessible to the public. Two years later, in 1854, the company introduced uniform postage rates throughout British India, leading to the development of the first all-India postage stamps. These developments not only improved efficiency but also made postal services more accessible to the public, fostering communication not just for company business but also for personal correspondence.
The Raj and the Expansion of the Network
The British Raj (1858-1947) witnessed a period of significant expansion for the postal system. With the consolidation of British rule, the postal network grew to encompass not only major cities but also rural areas, connecting villages to the administrative centers. This expansion aimed to improve communication and administrative control over the vast territory. The introduction of railways in the mid-19th century further revolutionized mail transportation. Previously reliant on horse-drawn carriages and runners, the postal system could now leverage.
To be continued…
