Which of the following were features of the postal system of India as described by Ibn Battuta? 1. The foot post carries a ringing bell in one hand. 2. The horse post is called uluq, stationed at a distance of every four miles. 3. The foot post or dawa has one station at every four kos of distance. 4. The foot post is quicker than the horse post. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Understanding Ibn Battuta's Description of the Indian Postal System
Ibn Battuta, a famous Moroccan traveller, visited India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq in the Delhi Sultanate. He provided detailed accounts of various aspects of life, including the efficient postal system that existed at the time. Let's examine the features he described and analyze the given statements based on his writings.
Analyzing the Statements on the Postal System
Let's break down each statement to determine its accuracy according to Ibn Battuta's description:
- The foot post carries a ringing bell in one hand.
Ibn Battuta mentions that the runners of the foot post (dawa) carried a rod with copper bells at the top. As they ran, the bells would ring, signalling their approach and clearing the way for them. This feature is described in his account.
- The horse post is called uluq, stationed at a distance of every four miles.
Ibn Battuta explicitly mentions the horse post being known as 'uluq'. He states that it was stationed at intervals of every four miles.
- The foot post or dawa has one station at every four kos of distance.
Ibn Battuta describes the foot post (dawa) having stations much closer together than four kos. He states that the stations were located at intervals of approximately one-third of a mile, or sometimes one mile. A kos is a unit of distance roughly equal to 2-3 miles, so four kos would be 8-12 miles, which contradicts his description of the dawa stations.
- The foot post is quicker than the horse post.
Ibn Battuta highlights the remarkable speed of the foot post, especially when carrying important mail or fruits. He notes that the foot post runners could cover long distances very quickly, often surprising those who relied on the horse post. He suggests that the foot post was indeed quicker for certain types of deliveries.
Evaluating the Statements
Based on the analysis of Ibn Battuta's writings:
- Statement 1 is consistent with his description.
- Statement 2 is consistent with his description.
- Statement 3 is inconsistent with his description of the dawa station intervals.
- Statement 4 is consistent with his description of the speed of the foot post.
Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 accurately describe features of the postal system as detailed by Ibn Battuta.
| Statement | Accuracy (per Ibn Battuta) | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Foot post carries bells | Accurate | Ibn Battuta mentions runners carrying rods with bells. |
| 2. Horse post (uluq) every 4 miles | Accurate | Ibn Battuta names the horse post 'uluq' and states stations were 4 miles apart. |
| 3. Foot post (dawa) every 4 kos | Inaccurate | Ibn Battuta states dawa stations were much closer (approx. 1/3 or 1 mile). |
| 4. Foot post quicker than horse post | Accurate | Ibn Battuta describes the speed of foot post runners as very high, often surpassing horse post. |
Conclusion on Ibn Battuta's Postal System Features
The features of the Indian postal system described by Ibn Battuta that are accurate are: the foot post runners carrying bells, the horse post being called uluq and stationed every four miles, and the foot post generally being quicker than the horse post.
Revision Table: Ibn Battuta's Postal System
| Feature Type | Name (per Ibn Battuta) | Station Interval | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horse Post | Uluq | Every 4 miles | Used for faster deliveries over longer distances |
| Foot Post | Dawa | Every approx. 1/3 or 1 mile | Runners carried bells, known for high speed, especially for urgent items |
Additional Information on Medieval Indian Postal Systems
The postal system described by Ibn Battuta was a sophisticated network for its time, essential for administration, trade, and intelligence gathering in the vast Delhi Sultanate. The combination of horse and foot posts allowed for different speeds and types of communication. The foot post, with its runners strategically placed at short intervals, allowed messages or goods to be rapidly relayed from one station to the next. This system was a testament to the administrative efficiency of the Sultanate.
Similar Questions
- Arrange the following foreign travel-lers to India in chronological order, beginning with the earliest :
1. Peter Mundy
2. Antonio Monserrate
3. Afanasii Nikitich Nikitin
4. Ibn Battuta
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Marco Polo came to India between 1292-1294 from __________.
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Which great traveller wrote the book 'The Great Tang Dynasty Record on the Western Regions'?
Ibn Battuta, a famous traveler, was a native of________
Al- Biruni, the Persian scholar, accompanied which invader to Afghanistan and India?
