Yam
Also called: Mongol courier system · Topic: Nomadic Empires: The Mongols · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "An Empire Across Three Continents"
Meaning
The yam was the fast Mongol courier system. Riders and fresh horses waited at outposts placed at regular distances, so messages could move quickly over huge distances. Genghis Khan set it up and later rulers improved it. Its speed amazed travellers, and it let the Great Khans keep watch over the farthest corners of the empire. It was paid for by the qubcur, a tax of one-tenth of the nomads' herds, which nomads paid willingly because the system helped them too.
Example
In the 13th century, an order from the Great Khan in Karakorum could reach Iran or China by passing from outpost to outpost, with a fresh rider and horse taking over at each stop.
Don't confuse with
- Paiza/gerege: the safe-conduct pass carried by travellers. The yam was the network of outposts and riders, not a pass.