Carriers of Communication: A History of the Anchal Postal Legacy of Travancore and Cochin
Lalini .M
Assistant Professor, Department of History, Sree Narayana College, Chathannur, Kerala.
Deepa .M S
Assistant Professor, Department of History, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala.
The evolution of the postal system has played a pivotal role in shaping the communication infrastructure of human civilization. The Anchal Postal System was the unique and efficient postal service of the princely states of Travancore and Cochin before Indiaâs independence. It began in 1729under Marthanda Varma, initially for official communication, and later extended to the public. Anchal runners, Anchal Pillars and distinctive uniforms made it a trusted system preferred over the British postal service. Over time, the system introduced innovations like express letters, money orders, and savings banks. Eventual, Anchal merged with the Indian postal system in 1951, and today, the Kerala Postal Circle continues its legacy.
Keywords: Anchal, Postal System, Communication, Messenger, Mail
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