🏰 Modern History of Jammu and Kashmir

The modern history of Jammu and Kashmir traces the political and administrative transformation of the region from the early 19th century to the 21st century. This period witnessed two major phases — the Sikh Rule (1808–1846) and the Dogra Dynasty (1846–1947) — followed by the accession to India (1947) and the reorganization in 2019.

I. The Era of Sikh Rule (1808–1846)

The Sikh rule marked the beginning of Jammu’s modern period, integrating it into the Lahore Empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

A. Establishment and Consolidation

Annexation (1808): Sardar Hukum Singh Chimmi annexed Jammu, bringing it under Lahore’s authority.
Governance (1812): Kharak Singh, son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, was appointed governor of Jammu.
Rebellions: Local uprisings, especially by Mian Deedo, opposed Sikh authority in the region.

B. The Rise of Gulab Singh

Gulab Singh, descendant of the former ruler Ranjit Dev (1733–1782), rose to prominence during this era.

Military Excellence: Distinguished himself in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army, notably at the Battle of Chach Hazara.
Suppression of Revolts: Crushed the rebellion led by Mian Deedo in 1820, restoring Sikh dominance.
Appointment as Raja (1822): For his service, Ranjit Singh titled him Raja of Jammu and allowed him to maintain an independent army.

C. Expansion and the End of Sikh Rule

Territorial Control: With his commander Zorawar Singh, Gulab Singh expanded into Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, Bandral, Kishtwar, Mankot, and Chenani.
Further Expansion: Secured Ladakh, Baltistan, Zanskar, Skardu, Dardistan, and parts of Western Tibet.
Decline: The Sikh Empire weakened after Ranjit Singh’s death (1839).
Treaty of Lahore (1846): The Anglo-Sikh War ended Sikh control; Gulab Singh emerged as the dominant leader ready to form his own kingdom.

II. The Dogra Dynasty (1846–1947)

Founded by Maharaja Gulab Singh, the Dogra Dynasty united Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh into one princely state — a historic consolidation that lasted just over a century.

A. Formation of the State and Dynasty

Treaty of Amritsar (15 March 1846):
- Signed between Gulab Singh and the British East India Company after the Anglo-Sikh War.
- The British recognized him as Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir.
- He paid 75 lakh Nanak Shahi rupees to acquire the Kashmir Valley — often termed the “Sale of Kashmir.”

B. Rule of Maharaja Gulab Singh (Founder)

Key Contributions:

Administrative Reforms:
- Demarcated state boundaries (1846).
- Established dual capitals — Srinagar (Summer) and Jammu (Winter).
- Divided the state into three cultural zones — Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
- Merged Ladakh and Baltistan into one administrative unit (Leh–Skardu).
Consolidation of Power:
Suppressed local revolts by the Khakhas, Bombas, and Galwanas, restoring stability.
Economic and Social Measures:
- Revived the Shawl Industry.
- Reformed Begar (forced labour).
- Improved police, revenue, and rationing systems.
- Promoted trade and commerce.
- Founded the Dharmarth Trust and established the town of Purmandal.

C. Successors of Maharaja Gulab Singh

Ruler	Reign	Major Contributions and Events
Maharaja Ranbir Singh	1856–1885	- Reorganized administration into revenue, civil, and military departments.- Expanded territory to Gilgit, Hunza, and Nagar.- Built Raghunath and Ranbireshwar temples.- Established Pathshalas, post, and telegraph services.
Maharaja Pratap Singh	1885–1925	- Built Jhelum Valley Road, Banihal Cart Road, and Tawi Bridge.- Extended railway to Sialkot.- Dug Ranbir and Pratap Canals.- Commissioned Mohra Hydro Project.- Formed municipal committees in Jammu and Srinagar.- Denied British land purchase rights, favoring Indians.
Maharaja Hari Singh	1925–1949	- Made primary education compulsory.- Abolished child marriage and opened temples to all castes.- Formed Praja Sabha (75 members) via the Constitution Act of 1934.- Established J&K High Court (1928).- Faced political unrest during India’s freedom movement.

III. Accession and Modern Reorganization

A. The End of Dogra Rule

In 1947, Pakistan-backed tribal forces invaded Jammu and Kashmir. Facing the assault, Maharaja Hari Singh sought military assistance from India.

B. Accession to India (October 1947)

Instrument of Accession: Signed by Maharaja Hari Singh, legally merging Jammu & Kashmir with India.
Indian Assistance: Indian troops were airlifted to repel the invasion.
Regency: Hari Singh’s son, Karan Singh, was appointed regent.
Later Life: Maharaja Hari Singh retired to Bombay, passing away in 1961.

C. Post-1947 Developments

Jammu and Kashmir became an Indian state with a special constitutional status and its own flag.
In 2019, this arrangement ended — the state was reorganized into two Union Territories:
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Ladakh

📘 Conclusion

The modern history of Jammu and Kashmir reflects a continuous journey of political transformation — from the Sikh conquest to Dogra state-building, and from independent princely rule to integration within the Indian Union.
Even today, the legacy of Maharaja Gulab Singh and his successors remains integral to understanding the cultural and administrative evolution of the region.

Modern History of Jammu