That’s a fascinating piece of early Indian transport history! Here’s a more detailed look into the mail bullock cart system and the rise of organized transport services in mid-19th century India:
Calcutta (now Kolkata, West Bengal) to Lahore (now in Pakistan): This long east-to-west route connected important administrative and commercial hubs across northern India.
Bombay (now Mumbai, Maharashtra) to Surat (Gujarat): A key trade route on the western coast, facilitating both postal and commercial exchanges.
These bullock carts carried letters, official dispatches, and sometimes passengers, though their speed was limited. The roads were rough, and journeys could take days or even weeks, depending on weather and terrain.
Horses were faster and could handle longer distances with fewer stops.
The introduction of horses marked a move toward more efficient and regular mail services.
This change also reflected growing demands for faster communication, especially with the expanding presence of the British East India Company.
Tanti Mai was a visionary Indian entrepreneur who established this company in Kanpur.
It was among the first organized indigenous efforts to provide commercial transport and logistics services.
The company employed horses, carriages, and logistical support systems, ensuring timely delivery of goods and letters.
It played a pioneering role in modern Indian transportation, especially before the rise of the railways.
Though not much is popularly documented about Tanti Mai, her company’s mention marks a significant moment in the transition from traditional to modern modes of communication in India.
These services paved the way for later developments in rail and postal services.
By the 1860s, India had one of the largest postal networks in the world.
The groundwork laid by companies like Tanti Mai’s helped integrate the subcontinent’s vast regions into a more cohesive communication and transport network.
