History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c14.76

c14.76

Baranī does not make mention of *dava* or *dhava* (footmen) and *aulāq* (horsemen) appointed on various posts, about whom Battūtah speaks in detail, but his silence does not mean that such postmen did not exist in ‘Alāúddīn’s days. Describing the regulations about prohibition of drinking, Baranī states that spies as well as *barīds*,³⁹ posted at the gates of the city and near about, kept a strict watch over smugglers.⁴⁰ It was on account of the efficient working of the posts that ‘Alāúddīn could be informed of Hājī Maulā’s revolt just on the third day of its occurrence.⁴¹ Another reference to the efficiency of the postal service is found in the fact that Khusrau Khan was carried from Devagiri to Delhí in a week's time by orders of sultan Qutbuddīn.⁴² These facts as well as the story references of Barani clearly show that postal service in the days of 'Alāuddīn was quite efficient and must have been of great help to the Sultan in enforcing his various regulations.