HistoryMedieval India: Through the Eyes of Travellers

Identify the odd one out with reference to what the postal system all…

Identify the odd one out with reference to what the postal system allowed merchants to do, as observed by Ibn Battuta:

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → Pay customs duties at distant ports

In Ibn Battuta's account, the postal system let merchants send information, remit credit across long distances and dispatch goods at short notice; paying customs duties at distant ports was not one of its uses.

NCERT (2026-27): “5.3 A unique system of communication
The state evidently took special measures to encourage merchants. Almost all trade routes were well supplied with inns and guest houses. Ibn Battuta was also amazed by the efficiency of the postal system which allowed merchants to not only send information and remit credit across long distances, but also to dispatch goods required at short notice. The postal system was so efficient that while it took fifty days to reach Delhi from Sind, the news reports of spies would reach the Sultan through the postal system in just five days.”