DOGRA RAJ
The State of Jammu and Kashmir holds a unique position in the historical context, shaped significantly by the political upheavals of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in our country. To comprehend the composition of this state, it is imperative to revisit the circumstances of that era.
The eighteenth century was marked by political chaos, with Ahmad Shah Abdali repeatedly plundering north India. This turmoil exposed the vulnerability of the Mughal Empire, paving the way for the rise of Sikh power. Initially, the Sikhs acted as plunderers, intercepting the booty carried by Abdali’s forces. Over time, they organized themselves, gradually establishing small regions of influence and control. The emergence of Ranjit Singh, known as the Lion of Punjab, marked a turning point. Singh displayed exceptional leadership, uniting disparate factions into a cohesive Sikh Empire.
Ranjit Singh, despite his military prowess, adapted his approach when dealing with the Dogras of the Jammu region. Although powerful armies had defeated them in battles, the Dogras resisted subjugation, retreating into the hills and relying on their resourcefulness. During this period, Gulab Singh, a young Dogra soldier in Ranjit Singh’s army, distinguished himself through innate soldierly qualities. Hailing from the ruling family of Jammu, which had fallen on hard times, Gulab Singh proved to be both an organizer and an exceptional soldier, rising swiftly in rank and position.
Recognizing Gulab Singh’s loyalty and sagacity, Maharaja Ranjit Singh appointed him as the Raja of Jammu. This strategic decision aimed to maintain Jammu’s alignment with the Sikh Empire without the need for annual military interventions, as was customary in other provinces. The coronation ceremony, performed by Ranjit Singh himself, solidified Gulab Singh’s role as the key figure in securing the region’s allegiance to the Sikh Empire.
Raja Gulab Singh, despite ascending to the status of a ruler with his own kingdom, remained steadfast in his commitment to Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s court, serving alongside his two brothers in various capacities. Concurrently, he embarked on a strategic campaign to unify the scattered principalities of Dogras. This ambitious endeavor expanded northwards, a departure from historical norms where rulers had typically lost control over the northern territories. The Jammu kingdom’s boundaries began to encompass regions like Buddhist Ladakh and the Muslim-dominated areas of Gilgit Baltistan, Hunza, and Nagar. It was only a matter of time before Raja Gulab Singh assumed the title of Maharaja.
The domain experienced further diversification due to exceptional circumstances arising from the Anglo-Sikh war. Following the Sikhs’ defeat, they were compelled to cede territories and pay war indemnity. In the ensuing political complexities, the Lahore Durbar sought to involve Maharaja Gulab Singh in shouldering the financial burden. The argument was that as part of the Lahore Durbar, Gulab Singh should contribute to the indemnity to prevent the loss of his kingdom along with the Sikhs.
In response, Maharaja Gulab Singh rose to the occasion, demonstrating resilience and strategic acumen. He agreed to pay the demanded sum of Rupees 7,500,000 in Sikh currency, covering the hill territories to the east of River Indus and west of River Ravi, including Chamba. While Chamba was retained by the East India Company, the proportional amount was reduced. This arrangement proved advantageous to the British, sparing them the logistical challenges of maintaining armies in the rugged mountainous terrain.
This pivotal moment marked the genesis of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, a political entity that persisted in its form until October 1947. The intricacies of this historical evolution underscore the diplomatic and strategic maneuvering orchestrated by Maharaja Gulab Singh in the face of geopolitical challenges.
Governing a State as religiously, culturally, linguistically, and geographically diverse as Jammu and Kashmir posed considerable challenges. The complexity was magnified by the fact that it was predominantly a Muslim State under the rule of Hindu monarchs. Despite this, the Hindu rulers of the Dogra dynasty governed with impartiality, displaying an even-handed approach. The harmonious rule, however, faced a setback in 1930 when communal politics, prevalent in British-ruled India, seeped into the State, tarnishing its previously fair reputation.
Throughout the reigns of the Dogra rulers, a commitment to learning from mistakes and adapting to evolving circumstances became evident. The famine of 1877-79, a significant challenge, spurred comprehensive administrative reforms aimed at modernizing governance. Similarly, the flooding of Srinagar in 1892 prompted Raja Amar Singh to seek European expertise in designing a canal system, ensuring the prevention of future floods—an initiative that proved successful until 2014.
Continuing the trend of forward-thinking governance, Yuvraj Hari Singh, the Crown Prince and later Maharaja, advocated for investments in health and education during his uncle Maharaja Pratap Singh’s rule. Notably, compulsory primary education was introduced in Municipal areas, accompanied by generous stipends, scholarships, and grants for Muslims and students from the less accessible regions of Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan. This strategic focus on education marked a departure from the historical reliance on the Pandits and prompted a reawakening among the Kashmiris, encouraging them to broaden their talents beyond traditional pursuits of agriculture and craftsmanship. The initiatives undertaken by the Dogra rulers reflect a commitment to adapting governance structures and policies to foster progress and inclusivity in the diverse landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Maharaja Hari Singh, following his coronation, initiated a series of progressive social and economic reforms, positioning the State of Jammu and Kashmir on a path of modernization. His commitment to democratic principles, comparable to those in British India, was complemented by the prohibition of untouchability and Sati, as well as the establishment of a meritocratic system. Land reforms and efforts to alleviate the struggles of farmers burdened by loan sharks reflected a visionary approach ahead of his time. Notably, the beneficiaries of these economic reforms in rural areas were predominantly Muslims, who were often tenants without ownership rights. Conversely, the Hindu landowners and moneylenders faced challenges as the reforms sought to rectify historical inequities.
Contrary to accusations of discrimination, records affirm that Maharaja Hari Singh’s administration included high-ranking Muslim officials, with several serving as Prime Ministers. His commitment to communal harmony was evident in his reluctance to hasten the Accession process, hoping the communal tension following Partition would subside. The subsequent forceful occupation by Pakistan led to a historical chapter that altered the region’s trajectory.
In private discussions with Sardar Patel, Maharaja Hari Singh expressed his profound disappointment at the dismantling of the State that had been painstakingly built by the Dogras. The situation remains poignant as large portions are under Pakistan’s control. The present geopolitical scenario, marked by increasing Chinese presence in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, raises concerns about the failure to anticipate the consequences of Pakistan’s actions. The State’s struggle to regain its original contours persists as a pressing issue.
It is imperative to recognize that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, not solely due to Maharaja Hari Singh’s accession but also because of shared ideals and principles. India’s commitment to democracy, secularism, and human rights aligns with the global democratic community. Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah’s unequivocal affirmation of these values in the State’s Constituent Assembly underscores the shared commitment to upholding rights and freedoms. In light of this, there is a collective responsibility to work tirelessly in support of those on the other side of the Line of Control who face challenges in enjoying the same rights and freedoms that are taken for granted on this side.