From handwritten letters to modern-day logistics, the Indian postal service has been the backbone of communication for centuries. Explore its rich history and evolution.
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The roots of India's postal system trace back to the Mauryan Empire, where messengers on foot and horseback carried royal communications.
Image source: By आशीष भटनागर at Hindi Wikipedia - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org
The Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire refined postal systems, introducing horse relays, dak chowkis, and caravan routes for faster communication.
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Sher Shah Suri revolutionized communication by building the Grand Trunk Road and establishing serais for message relay across India.
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The British unified India’s postal services, establishing post offices and introducing standardized postal rates.
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In 1854, India issued its first postage stamps, followed by the introduction of postcards in 1879, revolutionizing communication.
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From the Railway Mail Service to postal savings banks, India Post expanded its services before independence.
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India Post flourished after independence, bringing postal services to rural areas and launching new financial and logistics services.
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India is home to extraordinary post offices, including Hikkim (the world’s highest) and the floating post office in Dal Lake.
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Introduced in 1972, India’s PIN code system streamlined mail sorting and delivery, enhancing efficiency nationwide.
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As email and digital payments grew, India Post adapted with e-commerce services, digital banking, and logistics solutions.
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Despite digital disruption, India Post remains a vital institution, embracing technology to stay relevant in the modern world.
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