Das Paise Ka Postcard book by Ambika Ananth revives India’s postcard communication era. Learn its historical and exam relevance for UPSC, SSC, and other government exams.
‘Das Paise Ka Postcard’ Book Revives the Golden Era of Indian Postal Heritage
Introduction: Rediscovering the Postcard Era
The launch of ‘Das Paise Ka Postcard’, a book authored by Ambika Ananth, marks a nostalgic journey into the legacy of India’s postcard culture. The book was recently released in Bengaluru by the Postmaster General of Karnataka Circle, S. Rajendra Kumar, celebrating the profound emotional and cultural value of postcards in India’s social history.
The Book and Its Significance
The book ‘Das Paise Ka Postcard’ is a collection of short narratives, reflecting memories, sentiments, and historical references associated with the humble postcard. It underscores how the postcard was once the cheapest and most widely used medium of communication, costing only ten paise. This compilation bridges the past and present, reminding readers—especially students and history enthusiasts—about the personal and national stories postcards once carried.
Cultural Importance of the Postcard
Postcards were not merely means of communication; they were emotional capsules, sent and received across generations. They carried festival greetings, job updates, political messages, and even personal confessions. Through this book, readers gain an understanding of how this low-cost medium played a monumental role in shaping public discourse and personal expression before the digital era.
Educational Relevance for Competitive Exams
From a civil services and general knowledge perspective, the book offers students insights into India’s communication history, postal reforms, and cultural evolution. Questions related to the postal system, notable books on Indian history, or literature reflecting societal change can be framed for exams like UPSC, SSC, RRB, Banking, and State PCS.
Author and Official Endorsement
Author Ambika Ananth, a literary and editorial contributor to several journals, has carefully curated the essence of postcard conversations in her book. The endorsement by the India Post department and the ceremonial launch by the Postmaster General lend it institutional relevance, making it more likely to be referenced in academic or civil service exam content.
✅ B) Why this News is Important
Valuable Cultural Documentation
The book ‘Das Paise Ka Postcard’ is more than a literary work—it serves as a cultural archive. It documents a lost form of communication that shaped the way Indians shared their lives. For aspirants of competitive exams, understanding shifts in communication trends helps contextualize questions on historical transitions in society.
Relevance to Government Exam Topics
Government exams like UPSC, SSC, and PSC often include questions on books and authors, Indian postal system, and historical communication methods. The official launch of the book by a senior postal official enhances its relevance for exam-based current affairs.
✅ C) Historical Context: India’s Postcard Legacy
India introduced the postcard in 1879, making communication accessible to even the poorest citizens. At just ten paise, it became an affordable method for reaching family, government offices, and businesses. Postcards also served military personnel during wars, social movements, and rural literacy campaigns. Their affordability and reach made them a core element of India’s democratic communication model. However, with the rise of mobile phones and the internet, the postcard gradually lost popularity, making works like ‘Das Paise Ka Postcard’ crucial in preserving this history.
✅ D) Key Takeaways from “Das Paise Ka Postcard Book”
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The book ‘Das Paise Ka Postcard’ was authored by Ambika Ananth. |
| 2 | It was officially launched by Postmaster General S. Rajendra Kumar in Bengaluru. |
| 3 | The book revives the cultural and emotional significance of the ten-paise postcard in India. |
| 4 | Postcards were introduced in India in 1879 and played a major role in public communication. |
| 5 | The book is useful for exam topics like Indian postal history, literature, and societal communication methods. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is the author of ‘Das Paise Ka Postcard’?
Ambika Ananth, a noted writer and editor, is the author of the book.
Q2. What does the book ‘Das Paise Ka Postcard’ focus on?
It focuses on the cultural, emotional, and historical significance of postcards in Indian society.
Q3. When were postcards introduced in India?
Postcards were introduced in 1879 in India and became the cheapest form of communication.
Q4. Why is this book relevant to government exam aspirants?
It covers themes like communication history, postal reforms, and Indian literature, which are important for exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Railways.
Q5. Who launched the book officially?
The book was launched by S. Rajendra Kumar, the Postmaster General of Karnataka Circle.
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