The Legacy of Muslim Rule in India c11.s7.8

c11.s7.8

Those employed by the Government on the work of transport and communication were not ill paid. Ibn Battutas description of the same pertains to governments communication system which facilitated smooth running of administration. According to Barani and Ibn Battua there were two types of news-carriers: the mounted runners (*Aulaq*) and the foot runners (*Dhava*). The administration of the Sultanate, Sur and Mughal governments was greatly facilitated by an efficient postal service which connected different parts of the empire.¹⁶¹ According to Pelsaert, postmen carrying their masters letters could cover 25 to 30 Kos a day, but that was also because they ate opium regularly.¹⁶²