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Item Open Access Communication Revolution in an Enthusiastic Society: The Revamp of Postal Organisation and its Role in Nineteenth Century Bengal(University of North Bengal, 2022-03) Chowdhury, ChanchalIn the eighteenth century, the communication networks in Bengal were archaic. The province of Bengal was a combination of its thousands of self-sufficient villages. Ordinary people could communicate only with those in their immediate vicinity. Postal communication was not intended for the general public. In the latter half of the nineteenth century, roadways were renovated and railways were introduced. The postal system of the country was thoroughly reformed, and its services were converted into cheaper, more efficient ones and made available to all. Under a hundred years of British rule, the ordinary people of Bengal became more enthusiastic about reading, writing, and communicating with others in distant places. To exchange information, emotions, ideas, and expectations with others, they sent letters in their millions through post offices. They also used the postal service to get printed books and newspapers. This tremendous change in the mental world and behavioural patterns of the Bengalis to expose them and know others by availing of the services of the post office can be called a communication revolution.Item Open Access Caste, Untouchability and Social Conflict in Nineteenth Century Bengal(University of North Bengal, 2021-03) Chowdhury, ChanchalCaste system and untouchability were an integral part of social life among the Hindus and Muslims of pre-Plassey Bengal. These two customs were deeply rooted in selfsufficient villages where people lived with their fellow caste-men adopting their hereditary occupations. The social conflict, generated due to the hierarchical division of the caste system, was felt in the society just like mild waves. East India Company servants ruined the self-sufficient village economy of Bengal through their ruthless exploitation of artisans and craftsmen. Consequently, they had to move from their village abodes and adopt alternative occupations generated under the Company’s rule. Very soon, some ambitious individuals with low social backgrounds amassed huge wealth and began to claim higher social status for their castes. Leaders of many castes began to lodge protests against their low social position, and petitions were submitted before British authorities for approval of higher precedence of their castes on the social ladder. As a result, intensified caste conflict was produced in the society of nineteenth century Bengal.