The correct option is 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan traveller who visited India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq (14th century), provided a detailed account of the postal system (known as barid) in his book Kitab-ul-Rihla. He described the system as highly efficient, allowing news to travel long distances rapidly.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: According to Ibn Battuta, the horse-post was known as uluq. It was stationed at every four miles. The term dawa referred to the foot-post, not the horse-post.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The foot-post was known as dawa. It was organized with three stations per mile. At each of these stations, men were ready to take the message and run to the next post, ensuring a continuous and rapid relay.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Ibn Battuta explicitly noted that the foot-post (dawa) was often faster than the horse-post (uluq). This speed was achieved because the runners changed frequently (every one-third of a mile), allowing them to sprint at maximum speed. This system was used for urgent news and the transport of perishables like Khurasan melons.
Key Takeaway:
In the Sultanate postal system described by Ibn Battuta, Uluq was the horse-post (every 4 miles), while Dawa was the foot-post (3 stations per mile), with the latter being faster for urgent communication.