Modern History of Jammu and Kashmir

The modern history of Jammu and Kashmir is marked by political transitions, including Afghan, Sikh, and Dogra rule, culminating in its accession to India in 1947. The region underwent significant administrative and geopolitical changes, shaping its current status​.

1. Afghan Rule (1752–1819 AD)

  • Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Afghan ruler, took control of Kashmir in 1752 AD.
  • The Afghan rule lasted 67 years and is considered one of the darkest periods in Kashmir’s history.
  • Afghan governors imposed heavy taxation, oppression, and religious persecution.
  • Raja Sukh Jivan (1754–1762 AD) was a Hindu governor who temporarily restored peace but was later overthrown​.

2. Sikh Rule (1819–1846 AD)

  • Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh ruler of Punjab, annexed Kashmir in 1819 AD after defeating the Afghans.
  • Sikh rule lasted 27 years and saw ten governors administering the region.
  • The first Sikh governor, Diwan Moti Ram, attempted to improve administration but failed to alleviate public suffering.
  • William Moorcroft, a British traveler, visited Kashmir in 1822 AD and documented the region’s economic distress​.
  • The Sikh rule ended with the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846 AD) when the British defeated the Sikh Empire.

3. Dogra Rule (1846–1947 AD)

A. Treaty of Amritsar (1846 AD) – “Sale of Kashmir”

  • After the First Anglo-Sikh War, the British sold Kashmir to Gulab Singh, a Dogra chieftain, for ₹75 lakh under the Treaty of Amritsar (1846 AD).
  • Maharaja Gulab Singh (1846–1857 AD) became the first Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir​.

B. Important Dogra Rulers

  1. Maharaja Gulab Singh (1846–1857 AD)

    • United Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh into a single princely state.
    • Established strong military and administrative structures.

  2. Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1857–1885 AD)

    • Expanded Gilgit, Astore, and Hunza-Nagar into the kingdom.
    • Established the first modern education system, Ranbir School, and developed Sanskrit learning centers.

  3. Maharaja Pratap Singh (1885–1925 AD)

    • Built Jhelum Valley Road, Banihal Cart Road, Ranbir Canal, and Pratap Canal.
    • Established the first hydroelectric project at Mohra (near Baramulla) in 1905 AD.

  4. Maharaja Hari Singh (1925–1947 AD)

    • Introduced progressive reforms, including compulsory primary education, anti-child marriage laws, and temple entry for lower castes.
    • Established the first legislature of Jammu and Kashmir (Praja Sabha) in 1934 AD​.

4. Accession to India (1947 AD)

A. Partition of India and its Impact on J&K

  • At the time of India’s independence, Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state with the option to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent.
  • Pakistan attempted to forcibly annex Kashmir through an invasion by tribal militias (Pashtun tribesmen) on 22nd October 1947​.

B. Instrument of Accession (26 October 1947 AD)

  • Maharaja Hari Singh sought military help from India and signed the Instrument of Accession on 26 October 1947.
  • Indian troops defended Kashmir, leading to the First Indo-Pak War (1947–1948).
  • The war ended with a ceasefire mediated by the United Nations in 1949.

C. Creation of the Line of Control (LoC) (1949 AD)

  • In July 1949, India and Pakistan signed an agreement defining the ceasefire line, which later became the Line of Control (LoC).
  • Pakistan retained control over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), while India retained Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh​.

5. Political Developments (1950s–1970s)

A. End of Monarchy (1952 AD)

  • In 1952, the monarchy was formally abolished.
  • Yuvraj Karan Singh (son of Hari Singh) was appointed as “Sadar-i-Riyasat” (Head of State) and later became the first Governor of J&K (1965–1967 AD).

B. Adoption of the J&K Constitution (1957 AD)

  • J&K adopted its own constitution on 26 January 1957, reinforcing its special status under Article 370​.

C. Wars and Agreements

  • 1962 Sino-Indian War: China occupied Aksai Chin in eastern Ladakh.
  • 1965 Indo-Pak War: Resolved by the Tashkent Agreement (1966 AD).
  • 1971 Indo-Pak War: Led to the creation of Bangladesh, reducing Pakistan’s influence over Kashmir.
  • 1972 Shimla Agreement: Converted the ceasefire line into the LoC, emphasizing bilateral resolution of disputes​.

6. Later Political Developments (1980s–2019)

  • 1987 J&K Elections: Alleged electoral fraud led to the rise of insurgency and militancy.
  • 1990s Armed Insurgency: Pakistan-backed militants waged a separatist movement.
  • 1999 Kargil War: Pakistan attempted infiltration into Indian territory, leading to a military conflict.
  • 2002–2018 Political Instability: J&K saw multiple coalition governments between PDP, Congress, and BJP​.

7. Reorganization of J&K (2019 AD)

Abrogation of Article 370 & 35A (5 August 2019 AD)

  • J&K’s special status was revoked under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019.
  • J&K was bifurcated into two Union Territories:
    • Jammu & Kashmir (with legislature)
    • Ladakh (without legislature)
  • Central laws were made applicable, replacing J&K’s separate constitution​
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