The History of Modern Kashmir

Situated in a sensitive geo-political region, Kashmir has attracted world attention. The State of Jammu and Kashmir, situated on the northern extremity, occupies a position of unique and strategic importance in the sub-continent of India. Kashmir, alongwith Jammu and Ladakh, comprises the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Each region adjoins the other yet possesses its own distinct identity. Topography, culture, religion and ethnic type differ widely. The Dogra period covers an important landmark in the history of the state. The State was created by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1846 and was for internal purpose outside the administrative, legislative and judicial sphere of the British Government of India. The first chapter deals with the circumstances leadings to the establishment of the State in 1846. the second chapter examined thoroughy the designs of the British Imperial Government in Jammu and Kashmir State. The political events Kashmir State was no longer a neutral zone which would separate the Asiatic Empires of England and Russia. During a century of political expansion and military brinkmanship, never did his frontiers of Russia and British India come closer to collision than they did in the Gilgit region. The Russian occupation of certain parts of Central Asia created panic in the British circles and it was left that Russia was fast marching towards India. Thus the British in 1889, dedicated to bring the State under Imperial defence Scheme. But the British also introduced a number of reforms in a State. A new frame work of administrative structure was provided to the State, most of which continues to functions even in the Political consciousness among the people of the State and the role of National Conference in the struggle of the freedom movement. The Muslim uprisings of 1931 needs to be studied. Against the background of feudal nature of the Dogra Administrations. The last chapter deals with the partition on the state in 1947 and political and economic development in the state in the post-Dogra period. The chapters also examine the politics and government of the State under the rule of last Dogra Maharaja as a prologue to the independence of the State.