Registered mail has at least a 188-year history in India
The English East India Company established Post Offices for its own use in Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta between 1764 and 1766. Warren Hastings opened them to the public in 1774. The Post Office Act of 1837 gave them the exclusive rights to convey letters. Most letters back then were “registered”, with senders registering their names down in a log book at the post office (although no extra fees were charged). On 27 Dec 1850, a Registration Fee of 8 Annas was introduced.
The first Indian postage stamp was introduced on 1 Jul 1852. Uniform Postal Rates for British Provinces in India were introduced in 1854 and the Registration Fee reduced from 8 Annas to 4 Annas and had to be paid in cash. From 1 Feb 1859, the fee could be paid with stamps. On 1 Jul 1857, this domestic registration fee was extended to foreign mail destined for the UK.
In 1866, special postal stationery covers were introduced for Registered Mail.
For more than 188 years, the registered post service served as a cornerstone of communication, particularly for legal, institutional, and rural users who depended on its trustworthiness. It has been a guardian of trust, especially for critical documents such as Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) and legal notices.
However, the service is slated to be discontinued from September 1, 2025, to be merged with India Post’s Speed Post service, simplifying operations and offering better online tracking. The new Speed Post service has a higher starting cost (₹41 for 50g) compared to the old Registered Post (₹25.96 + ₹5 per 20g), potentially increasing costs for users.
On Occasion of World Photography Day on 19th August, 2026 four special postmarks valid for that day were made by Dept of Posts, Kerala. A Philatelist friend of mine designed four envelops, had them postmarked from these four Post offices and sent them as Registered mail.
Registered letter from Thiruvananthapuram GPO sent on 19th August and delivered at Shipra Sun City on 21st August
https://maps.app.goo.gl/N2erYfjyL48UbQpL6
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8n7tigXUkoJhsWZV6
Registered letter from Ernaculam sent on 19th August and delivered at Shipra Sun City on 22nd August
https://maps.app.goo.gl/G6kyGvAK2DcgTaQm6
Registered letter from Thrissur sent on 19th August and delivered at Shipra Sun City on 23rd August
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fNm11qoVJj4kHkC56
Registered letter from Calicut sent on 19th August and delivered at Shipra Sun City on 25rd August
@TusharSuradkar and @K.K.Sharma As philatelists hope you find the post interesting
