A Unique System of Communication
In this section, we explore the intricate postal system of India as noted by travelers, particularly Ibn Battuta. He marvels at its efficiency and how it played a crucial role in facilitating trade across vast distances. The postal system was divided into two parts: horse-post, known as uluq, and foot-post, termed dawa. The horse-post was stationed at intervals of four miles, while the foot-post had service stations every third of a mile, each manned by couriers ready to run with messages. This remarkable organization allowed merchants to dispatch information and goods quickly, significantly shortening communication times from Sind to Delhi, which took only five days for spies' reports compared to fifty days for a journey.
Ibn Battuta's accounts illustrate not just the logistical marvel of the postal system but also suggest a broader insight into the societal structures of the time, highlighting how travel and trade were managed effectively in this period of history. His observations provide insights into the cultural and economic dynamics between regions, emphasizing the subcontinent's integration into wider networks of trade and communication.