A History of Agriculture in India v2.c57.s3.3

v2.c57.s3.3

Ibn Battuta, who saw this system of post during the reign of Muhammed-bin-Tughlak, states, ‘The *barid* or post in India is of two kinds. The horse-post is called *ulak*, and is carried on by means of horses belonging to the Sultan stationed at every four miles. The foot-post is thus arranged. Each mile is divided into three equal parts, called *dawah*, which signifies one-third of a mile. Among the Indians the mile is called *kos*. At each third of mile there is a village well populated; outside of which are three tents, in which are men ready to depart. These men gird up their loins, and take in their hands a whip about two cubits long, tipped with brass bells. When the runner leaves the village, he holds the letter in one hand, and in the other the whip with the bells. He runs with all his strength, and when the men in the tents hear the sound of the bells they prepare to receive him. When he arrives, one of them takes the letter and sets off with all speed. He keeps on cracking his whip until he reaches the next dawah. Thus, these couriers proceed until the letter reaches its destination.