The over-a-century-old building that housed the ‘Anjal’ office (post office) at Devikulam is in a dilapidated condition. There is a thick overgrowth of grass on the roof and a portion of the wall has collapsed. Close to it is a sathram (lodge), which too is in the same condition.
The buildings were once a beehive of activity as the Anjal office provided the main means of communication to the world outside. The sathram was the halting station for people moving to the present Tamil Nadu.
Though it is believed that the Anjal office started functioning in the 18th century under the Moovattupuzha postal system as a third-grade post office, there are no documents to prove the claim. Some of the documents connected to the later periods of history had been taken to the higher postal department office, according to the local people. However, they are not sure whether the files and documents have been preserved.
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The buildings are historically important as Devikulam was the headquarters of administration during the British rule and the erstwhile Travancore Kingdom.
Under the Devikulam Anjal office, sub-offices also functioned at Munnar, Marayur, Santhanpara , Udumbanchola and Pallivasal. The old generation in Devikulam still has vivid memories of the ‘Anjalottakaran’ moving with a bell in hand with postal items to Munnar and from Marayur to Devikulam.
The sathram provided a safe halting station to those travelling to Tamil Nadu from different parts of the High Ranges on business purposes.
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Staying facility
This was also used as a staying facility for the cavalcade accompanying the Travancore King while on summer tour to Devikulam.
Though the buildings are important milestones in the development of present-day Munnar, they remain in a state of ruin. Soon the buildings would move into history unless measures are taken to restore and protect them.