The Last Ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir
The last ruler of Jammu and Kashmir was Maharaja Hari Singh, who ascended the throne in 1925. He made primary education compulsory in the State, introduced laws prohibiting child marriage and threw open places of worship for the low castes.
Singh's reign saw the accession of Jammu & Kashmir to the newly independent Indian Union in 1947. He originally manoeuvered to maintain his independence by playing off India and Pakistan against each other. However, following an incursion by tribesmen from Pakistan in October 1947, Singh appealed to India for its help. He acceded to India, though there is considerable controversy over exactly at what point.
These events triggered the first Indo-Pakistan War. Singh retreated to Jammu and eventually left the state.
In 1951 Singh's rule was terminated by the state government of Indian-administered Kashmir. His son Yuvraj (Crown Prince) Karan Singh was elected 'Sadr-e-Riyasat' ('President of the Province') and Governor of the State in 1964, His Highness Dr. Karan Singh is the present titular Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir.
Read more about this topic: The Royal House Of Jammu And Kashmir
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