Historians are of opinion that real history of Kashmir begins with the reign of Asoka. Asoka built the first city of Srinagar. After Buddhists came White Huns. Mehirakula was chief among them. Thence came the Hindus. Praversena II, Lalitaditya, Avanti-varma were notable Hindu Kings (700 to 902). For same hundreds of years, the subsequent history was a succession of violent changes. It was at the end of 16th century that a rule of order and law was established by Akbar. The moghul connection lasted upto 1748. thereafter Afghans ruled cruelly till 1819. In 1819, Ranjit Singh conquered Kashmir. Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu, one of Ranjit Singh’s favourite lieutenants established denomination of nearly all the country between Kashmir and the Punjab. In 1846, war broke out between the Sikhs and the British, Raja Gulab Singh acted the part of a mediator. As a result of this, Kashmir was transferred from the British to Maharaja Gulab Singh (March 16, 1846). He was a good administrator. Maharaja Ranbir Singh Succeeded him (1857-1885). Thereafter Maharaja Sir Pratap Singh reigned very efficiently and died in 1925. He was succeeded by his nephew H.H. Maharaja Sir Hari Singh Bahadur G.C.I.E.K.C.V.O. who is the present ruler. This book is not a guide like Bradshaw but relates to history and geography of the country and its places of historical importance and will prove most useful for the advanced students of History and Geography. Suggestions as to its improvement will be highly appreciated.
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