How was the purpose of India Post different from that of the British postal system?
The British postal system was set up in India with the limited purpose of relaying company dak between administrative centres. It primarily served the official communication needs of the British rulers rather than the general public.
In contrast, after independence, the mandate of India Post shifted to serve the people. Its primary purpose became to bring the entire population within the mailing ambit. This inclusive goal led to a massive expansion, with post offices growing from 25,000 in 1947 to over a lakh and a half, connecting even remote areas.
Explanation
The textbook explicitly contrasts the two systems: the British system was for relaying company dak between administrative centres, whereas India Post's mandate after independence was to bring the entire population within the mailing ambit. The expansion of post offices from 25,000 to over a lakh and a half further highlights this difference in purpose.