Wednesday, August 12, 2026

1895 Transit Master of Quilon addressed 'Cash Eight' perforated (Perf: 10) post card from Attungal to Quilon.

In the  Princely State of Travancore (1895), the Sircar Transit Master at Quilon (Kollam) was a designated official agent responsible for managing and facilitating the transit, receipt, and dispatch of goods and parcels primarily through Roads, Boats and Canoes (Rail transport came into existence only in 1904).



The Varkala Tunnel System: Cargo boats and canoes traveling through Quilon frequently utilized the newly operational Varkala Tunnels, which served as the primary subterranean water highway linking Quilon's trade hub to the capital city of Trivandrum.



 The primary items moved via these canoes & cargo boats included imported Cotton goods, Rice, Tobacco and Timber, was managed through the Quilon Range checkpoints and supervised by the Dewan, Shungrasoobyer.


Cotton, which accounted for 18% of the total imports of Travancore led to the destruction of local weaving. The massive influx of cheap, machine-made foreign cloth dealt a catastrophic blow to traditional handloom weavers in regions like Quilon.





1895 Transit Master of Quilon addressed 'Cash Eight' perforated (Perf: 10) post card from Attungal to Quilon.

In the  Princely State of Travancore (1895), the Sircar Transit Master at Quilon (Kollam) was a designated official agent responsible for ma...