Alappuzha: Hidden within the folds of history, a 113-year-old letter, reminiscent of the bygone era of the Travancore postal system, has been discovered in Panavally. The letter is part of a collection preserved by Balasahityakaran (children's literature writer) and retired health department officer, Sadanandan Panavally.

Before the postal system became widespread in the country, letters were delivered through the local Anchal (postal) system, which operated in the princely states. The anchalottakaran (postman) at the time handed this letter over to its recipient. Although the letter has faded with age, many of the characters are still legible. It was sent by Gopalan Unni from Cherthala to Kunchu Pillai of Painoor House, Panavally. The letter's address mentions "Vaikom Panavally Muri," with the date recorded as 1086 Meenam 22 in the Malayalam calendar, which Sadanandan calculated to correspond to April 4, 1911, in the English calendar.

The letter is marked as a "Travancore Anchal Card" at the top, with a stamp reading "Naalucash" in Malayalam and "Four Cash" in English. The content of the letter is written in Malayalam. In those days, there was even a custom of respectfully stepping aside when the anchalottakaran  passed through the village.