DOGRA KAUN
Who am I? Of course, I know who I am. I am a Dogra, and I proudly identify myself as one. However, I am often asked who a Dogra is and where we belong. Unlike other regions like Punjab for Punjabis or Kashmir for Kashmiris, there is no specific area designated for the Dogras. This has always puzzled me. Why is there no “Dugger” or “Dogra Sthaan” that we can proudly call our own, just as Rajasthanis refer to Rajputana as their homeland? This lack of a distinct identity has been a cause of concern and confusion for us.
But despite the absence of a designated region, Dogras have a well-defined place in history and in some of our books. In fact, there are ongoing research efforts to trace the origins of the Dogras. We have discovered that Dogras have a history of over 5000 years, with various linkages. It is a fascinating exploration. According to one viewpoint, we belong to 3000 BC and our lineage can be traced back to hoary past. Here is a detailed explanation of this lineage, including a paragraph from Kalatrix as mentioned in Rajja Sourav Singh Sarmal’s version.
There is another version initiated by Manu Billawria, who is currently studying the Dogra lineage, focusing on a beautiful 1200-year study. This research sheds light on the remarkable purity of the Dogras, second only to the Israelis and how they have diligently preserved their culture and heritage. However, it appears that the Dogras have not documented their history as much as other regions. This lack of historical records has led to distortions and has left us suffering the consequences. Comparatively, our neighbors to the north, as well as the people of Ladakh and Kashmir, have rich histories. Kalhana has written extensively and our young Dogra researchers have found linkages to this era, suggesting that Dogras once ruled Kashmir. While this is an ongoing debate, let us focus on the present history of the Dogras, which has been well-documented, if not fully written, starting from Maharaja Gulab Singh.
Personally, I identify with the Dogra Raj that I witnessed during the first 20 years of my life. I have also extensively studied the history of the Dogra Raj, particularly the military history, which we refer to as the Regimental history. Several books have been written on this subject, and they are worth reading to truly understand the Dogras in their full glory. One such book is “The History of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles” by Maj. K Brahma Singh, which covers the period from 1820 to 1956. It was published in 1990. Prior to that, the J&K State Forces were established by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1820 when he became the Jagirdar of a few Jagirs granted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Later, Maharaja Gulab Singh was given the Raj of Jammu by Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Jio Pota in Akhnoor on 17 Jun 1822. This marked the beginning of the Regiment, which played a vital role in the region until 1947 when J&K State was attacked by Pakistan, following the planned partition by the British. The State acceded to India on 26 Oct 1947. The history of this period, from 1820 to 2022, is extremely interesting.
Now, let me briefly narrate the history of the Dogra Empire so that we can all be on the same page. Unfortunately, we have had no written history of the J&K State Forces, which later integrated with the Indian Army as the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, until 1972. After Maharaja Hari Singh was exiled from Jammu by Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah, the Dogras lost their political influence, resulting in the loss of their history and culture. The Kashmiris, with a sense of vengeance, capitalized on this situation. Surprisingly, nothing about the Dogra history was included in the curriculum throughout the entire state of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, starting from Oct 26, 1947, when the State integrated with India until today, even after three years of the abrogation of Article 370.
This is the unfortunate fate that befell the Dogras, who once established a unique state encompassing Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Tibet. It was an empire stretching from China and Tibet to the borders of Russia, Afghanistan, and present-day Pakistan, covering inhospitable high-altitude areas where survival is challenging even today without oxygen. Maharaja Gulab Singh, along with like Gen Zorawar Singh, Gen Mohd Khan, and Mehta Basti Ram, conquered these territories. It is a fascinating study that unfortunately remains unexplored fully by the Dogras. Even the Dogras living in areas adjoining Jammu, now part of Pakistan, such as Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and large parts of Himachal Pradesh, as well as the entire Jammu region, have preserved their history, while the Dogras studying in schools and colleges remain unaware of their own heritage.
As someone who has always been keen to understand the origins, the history of the Regiment, and the State Forces that eventually became the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, I embarked on a journey of intense study. Fortunately, I was posted as an ADC with Dr. Karan Singh at a young age of 36, giving me the opportunity to spend three years with him. During this time, Dr. Karan Singh was pursuing his MA and contemplating a PhD in Political Science. It was a remarkable experience for me, having come from a village with no school, road, or connection to the outside world, and suddenly finding myself living in the Palace at Fairview, where Mehbooba now resides (see photograph). I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity. I decided to delve deep into the history of the Dogras, the rulers and the soldiers who shaped our State.
As a result of my extensive study over the past 75 years, from joining the Army until today, I have compiled this book to share the story of how our State came into being and what transpired thereafter. Unfortunately, our history has been marred by the mishandling of the State by Nehru, Sheikh Abdullah, and their successors. This is becoming increasingly evident, especially since Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to bring forth a more accurate Indian history, including the recognition of Subhash Chandra Bose and his Azad Hind Fauj. Inspired by these developments, we have also attempted to piece together the available historical fragments, although they are distorted. Much of our history was either not written or distorted, and it has been a challenge to make our young Dogra students, who are otherwise intelligent, understand the importance of our heritage. However, thanks to our Law Minister, Mr. Rijiju, whose attached statement has made my task easier today, more people are beginning to grasp the significance of our history.
Allow me to share a personal anecdote. When I was a student of History at Prince of Wales College, now the Gandhi Memorial Science College Jammu, we only studied Mughal history and or British history. Even in our Army promotion examinations and the Staff College examinations, we studied foreign histories like the American War of Independence and World Wars, with minimal focus on Indian history. It was disheartening to realize that in my 37 years of service, there was hardly any Indian literature available. I recall an incident during my time at the Staff College in 1961 when I delivered a lecture on Gen Zorawar Singh’s campaigns in Ladakh, China, and Tibet. One American Army officer questioned whether the stories I shared were myths or real events. I assured him that just as the Ramayana and Mahabharata were not myths, the story of Gen Zorawar Singh was a historical fact. I recommended that he read books like “Founding of Jammu and Kashmir” by KM Panikkar and “Ladakh” by Cunningham to confirm the truth of these accounts. The achievements of the Dogras, particularly during the 19th century, are unparalleled and truly remarkable. From battles fought in freezing temperatures of -30 degrees in China and Tibet to the conquest of vast territories, the Dogras have left an indelible mark on history.
It is with great pride and a sense of responsibility that I share this history with fellow Dogras and the wider audience. Our story is one of valour, sacrifice, and resilience. Despite the challenges we have faced in preserving our heritage, it is crucial that we understand and appreciate our roots. We must reclaim our history and ensure that future generations are aware of the legacy they inherit. Let us honor the memory of Maharaja Gulab Singh, Gen Zorawar Singh, and countless other brave Dogras who shaped our past. Together, let us embark on a journey of rediscovery, embracing our identity as Dogras and celebrating the rich tapestry of our culture and heritage. A Dogra is not someone who seeks credit or claims recognition for their accomplishments. In fact, a Dogra is self-effacing and a soldier often attributes his achievements to others, embodying humility and a strong sense of faith. They hold a deep reverence for their Gods and Goddesses and visit religious places along their daily commute, whether it be a mosque, temple, church, or gurudwara. The Dogra soldier devotion to God is evident in their sincere prayers and respectful gestures. Such a devout nature ensures that a Dogra soldier consciously avoids wrongdoing, as they are deeply afraid of displeasing God.
This inherent humility may be the reason why Dogras do not receive due credit for their work, whether in times of war or peace. They often attribute their success to their colleagues or others, never seeking recognition for themselves. This quality has earned them the title of “Gentleman soldier.” Having studied military history extensively, including the last World War, I have come across descriptions of Dogra soldiers that perfectly capture their essence.
Field Marshal Slim, one of the exceptional leaders of that era, who rose from the ranks in the British Army, starting as a private and eventually attaining the highest rank of Field Marshal in the Indian Army. His description of a Dogra soldier resonates deeply: “Disciplined and a Gentlemen Soldier”. This powerful testament encapsulates the essence of a Dogra soldier. They possess an inherent discipline, dedication, and commitment to their duties. It is a view that the Dogras may be the highest number of Awardees in the Indian Army.
A Dogra is born soldier, and when he choose to join the military profession, he is a soldier twice over. Their disciplined nature as a citizen aligns seamlessly with the military ethos. The results of their exceptional performance have been recognized in recent assessments, as noted by the highly regarded military officer Lt Gen Bhopinder Singh, former Governor of Andaman & Nicobar, Pondicherry. According to him, Dogras are perhaps the largest recipients of awards in the country, despite their aversion to publicity or self-recommendation. This is a testament to their selflessness and unwavering commitment to duty.
Understanding the mind of a Dogra is crucial before delving into their work or history. A Dogra’s mindset is deeply rooted in faith, discipline, and the welfare of others. Once we comprehend their character, it becomes easier to understand their exceptional achievements, not only in recent centuries but even dating back to the earliest foreign invasions. One such example is Porous, a Dogra from Jammu and Kashmir, who battled against Alexander the Great. The horse of Alexander, according to historical accounts, perished in the Dogra region of Rajouri.
It is worth noting that historical accounts may not always present an accurate portrayal of events. Anecdotes shared by the Defense Minister of Russia during his visit to the Indian Military Academy shed new light on the story of Porous. According to him, Porous was not defeated by Alexander. In fact, the truth may be the opposite: Alexander may have been wounded or killed in battle, prompting his forces to retreat and eventually claim victory. The Dogras’ history has not been adequately documented, potentially due to limited education or literacy compared to other communities, such as the Kashmiri Pandits. As a result, we have a dearth of comprehensive literature on Dogra history, spanning millennia or even the past two hundred years.
This lack of written records has resulted in a significant gap in the understanding of Dogra history. Local songs, ballads, and folk tales that would have conveyed the heroic deeds of our ancestors have not been adequately preserved or passed down through generations. Unfortunately, the curriculum in J&K State, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, where Dogras reside, fails to include the significant contributions of Dogra heroes. It is imperative that we compile authentic records and share them with fellow Dogras and the wider population. Our achievements, history, and heritage are vital for the growth and development of our people and our nation.
In our pursuit of preserving Dogra history, efforts are underway to trace our origins as far back as possible. We aim to delve into the past, reaching back several millennia or at least five to six hundred years ago. Moreover, we will focus on the two hundred years of the Dogra Raj, beginning with Maharaja Gulab Singh. While this period is relatively well-documented, we must provide a comprehensive account to guide readers, encourage further exploration, and motivate younger generations to study, research, and write about their own history.
By reclaiming and understanding our history, we can strengthen our identity as Dogras and celebrate the exceptional legacy we inherit. Let us embrace our rich heritage, honor the courageous acts of Maharaja Gulab Singh, Gen Zorawar Singh, and countless other Dogra heroes. Together, we can pave the way for future generations to appreciate their roots and contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of our community.
I had the privilege of interacting with the Yuva Rajput Sabha several months ago when they were advocating for a public holiday on Maharaja Hari Singh Ji’s birthday. During our discussions, we strategized that it should be the Dogras of Jammu who champion this cause. Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, unfairly ousted by Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah, was projected as a prideful symbol of the Dogras of Jammu. This movement united Dogras from all walks of life, irrespective of religion, class, or caste, and even women actively participated. It was a successful mission that showcased the strength of the Dogras. However, the subsequent empowerment of the Dogras as a collective has yet to be fully realized. Why is this the case?
While giving a talk on this subject, I engaged with well-educated and enlightened citizens, including press representatives. They posed a thought-provoking question: What does it mean to be a Dogra? How do we define and establish our Dogra identity, especially when there is no designated Dogra state like Kashmir for the Kashmiris or Punjab for the Punjabis? This question was an eye-opener for me. It filled me with immense pride to be a Dogra, a Dogra soldier, because in the armed forces, the Dogras are widely recognized as among the top soldiers in not just India but the entire world. Even foreign observers, such as the British, known for their exacting standards, have paid compliments to the Dogras. Field Marshal Slim, whom I consider one of the finest and most accomplished military commanders of World War II, defended India against the Japanese in the challenging terrain of Burma during the deadly seasons. His book, “Defeat into Victory,” highlights this achievement. Similarly, Lt Col H W Davis, who served as a Second Lieutenant in the Dogras before the partition, compiled a beautiful poem that encapsulates the essence of the Dogras. Here goes the poem
‘When God planned his creation He chose a special place Streams,
snow-clad hills and forests And called it Dogra Desh.
From Chamba to Rajouri Suketh to Shimla Hills,
He helped it grow In beauty Amidst these rocks and rills.
Here, midst this verdant beauty With a gradener’s care and grace,
He sprinkled down from heaven Seed of the Dogra race.
Here, Katoch, Manhas, Chib. Rana Were planted side by side,
Chandel, Guler, Pathania Blossomed into India’s pride.
God noticed that these people Loved music, dance and song,
That smiles possessed their faces When so much else went wrong.
He showered on them His blessings And sent them on their way,
With honour Truth and courage Their hall-mark till today.
These men of Dogra Desh came forth When danger filled the air,
No enemy of strength or stamp Ever touched them with despair.
They fought the Turk at Hanna The Hun at Passehendale,
At Malakhand they triumphed When bullets fell as rain.
From Razmak down to Rangoon In Sittang’s awful hell At Nungshigum and Magwe,
The Dogra fought and fell. He fought and died at Dograi Asal Uttar • Barwali too Displaying the kind of valour His fathers loved and knew.
I’ve shared his joy and laughter In friendship shook his hand,
Enjoyed his hospitality Most genuine in the land.
I’ve seen him wounded. bleeding With his life’s blood running low,
Have seen the smile light up his face Before he let life go.
In death as in his living He gives duty place of pride,
For the glory of his country And the honour of his tribe.
So, when we his comrades reach the end Dark death approaching soon, A Dogra will be sent by God To guide us through the gloom.’
The challenge lies in convincing our own Dogras to recognize and embrace their identity. This situation has arisen and persists because Dogras have primarily focused on their work, producing results, rather than documenting their accomplishments. Whatever little has been written about the Dogras has largely been by the British or a few Persian scholars, as well as some of their own officers, administrators, and ministers. These writings have not been widely published or incorporated into the curriculum of our schools and colleges. Moreover, the Dogras themselves were not highly educated, like Maharaja Gulab Singh or Gen Zorawar Singh, who laid the foundation of this unique and unparalleled State.
Maharaja Gulab Singh and Gen Zorawar Singh, through their remarkable achievements, who added 44 states to the Dogra empire, including Ladakh, Gilgit, and Aksai Chin. They safeguarded this territory for 101 years. When the British found themselves unable to manage the region due to its remote location and lack of infrastructure, Maharaja Gulab Singh skilfully negotiated their exit. Unfortunately, our history books rarely acknowledge the significance of this event. Had the Dogras not acquired these territories, they would have remained under British control and most likely become part of Pakistan. We now have a legitimate claim on Gilgit, Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad, thanks to the Dogras’ contributions. They paid a heavy price, losing almost 40,000 Dogras in the process of conquering, holding, protecting, defending, and eventually acceding the entire state to India.
However, the appreciation for the Dogras’ contributions seems lacking, particularly among those who do not value their own country. It is disheartening to see the loss of Gilgit, major parts of Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Bhimber, and even Chhamb due to decisions made by Nehru and Indira Gandhi. Even during the liberation of Bangladesh, 93,000 Pakistani prisoners were released without any bargaining. It is unfortunate that the sacrifices made by the Dogras and the lands captured through bloodshed were relinquished without a commensurate price. In light of these circumstances, it is imperative for the Dogras to assert their rightful place and educate the people of India about their remarkable achievements, just as Prime Minister Modi has done for other regions and communities. Let us celebrate Maharaja Gulab Singh Day and bring the narrative of Ladakh’s acquisition, the defense of Gilgit, and the strategic depth provided by these territories to the forefront of national consciousness. Imagine the significance of owning Karakoram K2 in Gilgit Baltistan, the second-highest peak in the world belonging to the Dogras illegitimately occupied by Pakistan and China with the connivance of the British who engineered a full fledge invasion by Pakistan called ‘Tribal invasion’ of J&K State on 22 Oct 1947 with 20000 Pakistanis ‘Operation Gulmarg’ although their invasion of the valley was foiled by Brigadier Rajinder Singh, the Military Chief of Staff of Maharaja Hari Singh with his Hundred Dogras who saved Kashmir and is called the saviour of Kashmir at the Resil of his life thus becoming the first recipient of the Gallantry Award of Independent India, the Maha Vir Chakra Posthumously thus retaining the privilege of defending new India i.e. Independent India after 1947 partition. What Porus had done in the same area 3000 years ago to defend the first invasion of India similarly Maharaja Hari Singh with Brig Rajinder Singh and his hundred men became also the first Dogra rulers to defend Independent India in 1947. This is the history of the Dogras which somehow or other has been ignored, forgotten or distorted which deserves its rightful place like what the Shivaji and the Marathas claim along the sea. What Shivaji and the Marathas achieved against the British particularly from the sea Maharaja Gulab Singh and his Dogra forces achieved the same from across the Himalayas by providing a strategic depth which had never been done before. Maharaja Gulab Singh and his Dogras forces were the first one to cross the boundaries of India across the Himalayas that has to be acknowledge.
While on this it is interesting to read an account of the Dogras written by a Pakistani General, Maj Gen Syed Ali Hamid available in the Wikipedia which is reproduced as attachment.