Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday paid tribute to the late Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh on his 130th birth anniversary. On X, the L-G said, “Tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh Ji on his Janm-Jayanti. A statesman of excellence and a harbinger of change, he introduced landmark reforms to ensure the welfare of the common man. His legacy of inclusive governance, progressive vision, and contributions to the motherland continues to inspire us.”
After 1947, Dr. Karan Singh, son of Maharaja Hari Singh, became the regent and head of state of Jammu and Kashmir, holding the title of ‘Sadr-e-Riyasat’. In 1964, he went on to become the first Governor of the state.
The Dogra dynasty began with Maharaja Gulab Singh, who became the first Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir after signing the Treaty of Amritsar with the British in 1846. Originally a commander in the Sikh Empire, Gulab Singh allied with the British during the First Anglo-Sikh War and briefly served as the Sikh Empire’s prime minister in 1846. The Treaty of Amritsar formalized the establishment of the state of Jammu and Kashmir under British suzerainty, transferring lands ceded by the Sikhs in the Treaty of Lahore.
Maharaja Gulab Singh was succeeded by Maharaja Ranbir Singh, followed by Maharaja Pratap Singh, and finally Maharaja Hari Singh. In 1923, following his uncle’s death, Hari Singh ascended the throne of Jammu and Kashmir.
After India’s independence in 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh acceded to India to secure military support against an invasion by tribal forces from Pakistan. He remained the titular Maharaja until 1952, when the monarchy was abolished. Hari Singh spent his final years in Mumbai and passed away on April 26, 1961.
Paying tribute to his grandfather, Vikramaditya Singh, former Member of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Council, wrote on X: “Congratulations and heartfelt best wishes to all residents of Jammu and Kashmir on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji! Respectful homage to my grandfather Maharaja Hari Singh on his 130th birth anniversary!”
