The Birth and Evolution of the First Post Office in India: A Historical Journey

The historical origin of postal services in modern India dates back to the 18th century when the East India Company established the first post office in Khejuri, a small town in West Bengal. This post office played a pivotal role in connecting India with other parts of Europe and facilitated significant communication advancements.

The Establishment of the First Post Office in Khejuri

In 1756, the port of Khejuri in East Medinipur, West Bengal, gained prominence as a vital trading hub. This port became a meeting place for European businessmen, including Dutch and Portuguese nationals. The prosperity of Khejuri, coupled with its strategic location, prompted the East India Company to establish the first post office in the region. This post office, which began operations in 1800 and was named Kedgiri, marked the beginning of postal communication in India.

The First Post Office in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta)

While the first post office in Khejuri laid the groundwork for postal services in India, the establishment of the first general post office in Kolkata (then Calcutta) in 1727 by the East India Company marked a significant milestone. Initially, this post office served the communication needs of the British colonial administration. Over time, it expanded its services to the general public, becoming a crucial part of the communication infrastructure.

The Spread of Postal Services Across India

The establishment of these pioneering post offices in Khejuri and Kolkata laid the foundation for the development of a vast postal network across India. Over time, other major cities such as Mumbai also saw the establishment of post offices by the British East India Company.

Interestingly, the first post office in India was not the only pioneering development in the region. The first post office in London, which opened in 1643, was just 8 years after King Charles I legalised the use of the royal posts for private correspondence. This historical event influenced the development of postal services in India.

The First General Post Office in Mumbai

The East India Company established the first post office in Mumbai in 1764, which initially served the administrative and commercial needs of the British. It's worth noting that postage stamps were first used in India in the district of Sindh in 1852. However, the first all-India stamp was issued on October 1, 1854, marking a significant step towards the standardization of postal systems across the country.

Conclusion

The establishment of post offices in Khejuri and Kolkata during the 1720s and 1750s marked a transformative period in Indian history, laying the groundwork for the nation's modern postal network. Over the centuries, these early post offices have evolved and expanded, becoming an integral part of communication and social life in India.