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The Advent of Dogras Rule in Kashmir and Initial Approach to Agriculture

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Arts and Social Sciences Journal Sheikh and Gill, Arts Social Sci J 2016, 7:2
DOI: 10.4172/2151-6200.1000180
ISSN: 2151-6200

Review Article Open Access

The Advent of Dogras Rule in Kashmir and Initial Approach to Agriculture

Sheikh SA* and Gill BG
Department of history, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (Pb), India
*Corresponding author: Sheikh SA, Department of history, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (Pb), India, Tel: 01832258855; E-mail: [email protected]
Received date: April 19, 2016; Accepted date: April 25, 2016; Published date: April 29, 2016
Copyright: © 2016 Sheikh SA, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Abstract

Maharaja Gulab Singh built up the State of Jammu and Kashmir on the ruins of the Sikh Kingdom. The Kashmir
valley came under Gulab Singh with the ominous terms of the treaty of Amritsar signed between the British and
Maharajah Gulab Singh of Jammu in 16 March 1846. He worked very hard to acquire territory and he succeeded in
consolidating his gains. He got handed down the system of the government from the Sikh governor, Sheikh-Imam-
ud-din. Good or bad he taken the administrative system and he customized it here and there to safe his own ends.
The few reforms that he introduced to recognize the shawl industry, He recognized the revenue and police
administration of the valley into four wazarats or districts. Experienced and trusted law officials were placed incharge
of key department like the Audits and Accounts, the Dagshawl, commissariate and police. The Maharaja in order to
relive the peasants of serious injustice undertook the reform of the beggar system. An officer was appointed to take
charge of this work. Another important reform undertaken by the Maharaja was the rationing of rice in the valley
(Kashmir). Owing to its extreme inaccessibility and the undoable difficulties of weighty transport, was always liable to
sudden famines owing either to failure of the rice crops or the cornering of the grain market. In order to meet this
situation the Maharaja established a rigid monopoly of rice and had it sold at a fixed price to the people.

Keywords: Kashmir; Gulab Singh; Forced labour; Shawl industry; Even the peasants in the vale
Agriculture products
They sold, they sold all, alas!

Introduction How cheap was the sale.

The State of Jammu and Kashmir is composed of a number of ethnic ---Muhammad Iqbal [4].
and cultural regions viz., the Hindu majority province, the primary Treaty of Amritsar gave Gulab Singh the title deeds to Kashmir, but
Buddhist Ladakh majority province, and the Muslim Majority Kashmir the actual position had bet to be taken. As Huttenback observes, “the
province. The Kashmir valley came under the Dogra rule with the final act of the Drama was to be played in Kashmir itself; Gulab Singh
ominous terms of the treaty of Amritsar signed between the British still had to defeat the Sikh Governor, who was unwilling to surrender
and Maharajah Gulab Singh of Jammu in 16 March 1846 [1], the the province” [2]. With the help of a small force lent by the East India
British Government transferred and made over, forever in independent Company, defeated out the Sikh governor, Sheikh Imam-ud din from
possession, to Maharaja Gulab Singh and the heirs male of his body, all the province and took possession of it, after subduing the Sikh
the hilly and mountainous country, with its dependencies, situated to Governor Sheikh Imam-ud-din who opposes Gulab Singh’s take-over,
the eastward of the river Indus and westward of the river Ravi, with the help of British troops. Maharaja Gulab Singh was able to get
including Chamba and excluding Lahore, being of the territories ceded the actual possession in the state only in November 9, 1846 [5].
to the British Government by the Lahore state. In consideration of this
transfer, Maharaja was to pay 75,00,00 lacks of rupees and “to present In this way Kashmir came into the hands of Maharaja Gulab Singh.
annually to the British Government one horse, twelve perfect shawl He was already the master of Jammu. Ladakh and Baltistan had also
goat of approved breed (six male and six female) and three pairs of been earlier conquered for him by his General Zorawar Singh
Kashmir shawls [2].” According to the Article X of the treaty of (1835-40). After taking the possession of Kashmir, Maharaja Gulab
Amritsar, Maharaja Gulab Singh was a vassal of the British and in Singh occupied Gilgit as well. Thus he founded the modern state of
acknowledge of their supremacy had to pay a token tribute of the Jammu and Kashmir [6]. The valley of Kashmir, as it was officially
British Empire. He had to join with the whole of his military force the designated now, different from other states, it was totally independent
British troops when employed within the hills or the territories in its internal affairs. Gulab Sing consolidating his rule in Kashmir. But
adjoining his, possession and on their part British Government he had hardly any time left for sitting up an administration, though he
pledged to give help and give aid to Maharaja Gulab Singh in makes a few changes. Gulab Singh’s first problem was to suppress local
protecting his territories from the external enemies.” That was the crime ruthlessly and ordering public execution to deter offenders, and
treaty of Amritsar and that is how Kashmir came under its present to maintain law and order with a stern hand [7]. He was administering
Dogra rule [2]. The agreement between British and Maharaja Gulab both finance and executive by his own scheme of things. He was
Singh; the peoples interest was not at all taken into consideration. In attending court himself and by his wisdom and policy was deciding the
the words of the Chrispother Thomas “the people never asked for it, matter in one session without discussion and witnesses. He believed in
never wanted it, and never loved it” [3]. object lessons. He also firmly repulsed the invading Khakhas and
Bombas tribe, who were professionally dacoits and looters (local hill
Their fields, their crops, their streams

Arts Social Sci J Volume 7 • Issue 2 • 1000180

ISSN:2151-6200 ASSJ an open access journal
Citation: Sheikh SA, Gill BG (2016) The Advent of Dogras Rule in Kashmir and Initial Approach to Agriculture. Arts Social Sci J 7: 180. doi:
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tribe) and installed strong garrisons in the forts guarding the passes however not exhausted. A very simple method was hit upon in the
into the valley. Order was restored every part of the country and every institution of a “trakiyat” or land improvement department. This was
efforts were made to render trade and commerce safe for all. The result supposed to be department that was to work waste lands that nobody
was immediately visible. Nicholson notes as fallows in his Diary on the would take up by means of hired labor. It was most useful in conferring
19th November 1847. the management of small estates upon numerous needy pundits. Any
bit of land could be transferred to this convenient department and
Had some conversation with party of Kabul merchants taking
made over to a friend to cultivate. Another plan was breaking up of the
tobacco and snuff to Kashmir whence they intend returned with pattoo
grass preserves of Maharaja Gulab singh. These were fine lands under
and tosh, which last fetches a very high price in Kabul. They
the management of pundits and they pay very little revenue. The
complained of the oppressive duties in their own and Maharaja Gulab
“trakiyat” as a ready instrument for absorbing revenue became too
Singh’s territories but remarked that in the latter their goods were
notorious and it had lately been abolished, and the patronage was
protected whereas they frequently ran great risk from the plundering
directly to the tehsildars.
tribes between Kabul and Peshawar.
Maharaja Gulab Singh had directly or indirectly a complete
The economy of the state was agrarian, land being the main source
monopoly of all the chief products of the county, such as saffron1,
of employment and livelihood for the people. When the Maharaja
wheat, shawl and iron manufactures, even walnuts did not escape him.
Gulab Singh annexed the Kashmir he did not interfere with the system
He stores all the products at Gangungir on the Sindh River which was
of land ownership and land-tenure in the state which prevailed during
closed the Maharaja seal. News-writers, traders, travelers all unite in
the Sikh rule. The ownership of land was in the hands of state. A large
stigmatizing the maharaja conduct as avaricious and penurious in the
part of it was held in the form of jagir grants by the grantee known as
extreme. The administration of Kashmir was continuing unfavorable
jagirdars. During the later period of Sikh rule, large tracts of land were
picture.
granted to jagirdars in the Kashmir province. The land which was not
held under jagirdars was held by tenants from the state, which tilled Wheat was obtained in payment of revenue, and was informed that
the land for the state and paid rent in the form of revenue. until the government stock was sold, the grain merchants throughout
the country were prohibited from purchasing grains from anyone else.
Maharaja Gulab Singh when he came to the thorn of Jammu and
To prevent any infringement of this order, the government grains was
Kashmir in A.D 1848. He had to contend with evils which had taken a
sold out in small quantities to the grain dealers, and it was
deep root by influx of time and had to deal with administrative
consequently impossible to obtain so much as one rupees worth of
problems which required gifts of statesmanship, organizing capacity,
wheat in the city of Kashmir. Not more than five or six seers can be
fore-sight and liberal attitude of mind. Fortunately, these qualities were
purchased at one time, and this was considered a great hardship by the
present in an abundant measure in the new ruler of Kashmir, Maharaja
middle classes, who had been accustomed to buy wheat sufficient for a
Gulab Singh. A careful enquiry succeeded in furnishing evidence
month’s consumption at one time. The government retains the right of
which justified a restoration of the damage that had been done by the
fixing arbitrary markets rates. It seldom happens that the rice
last two Sikh governors [8]. The civil administration of the state was
cultivators, from whom government takes a proportion of the produce
assumed by the Gulab Singh himself, who exercised his administrative
than it does from to other subjects. Government had been permitted to
powers through a council of courtiers. Most of the courtiers were
retain enough food for whole year subsistence. They must buy it in the
called Dewans and were Ministers who enjoyed varied importance at
market through the nominal rate. Only 15 days consumption is
the court. The court was presided over by the Maharaja himself, but the
permitted to be sold to house hold at one time, according to the
council was headed by the minister who was chief Minister of the ruler
number of resident in each house. The people who lived in towns of
[9].
Kashmir that was non-agriculturists were in much alarm, even this
allowance be withheld or diminished and complain loudly want of
Dogras Rule and Approach to Agriculture food. While the government seems afraid that by sanctioning
Maharaja Gulab Singh spent most of his time in consolidating and unlimited purchases, the town’s people might be enable to buy up
expanding his political boundaries but at the same time he took some grains and sell it at advanced rates, at the end of the season. Gulab
initiative to improve the land system. He could not succeed in his Singh’s system, which remained in place with minor changes until the
efforts mainly because illiteracy, arbitrariness and corrupt revenue late 19th century, allowed each Kashmiri a fixed amount of ration; if an
staff. However, he was able to improve the conditions of peasants by individual wanted more than the designated amount, he had to get
regulating various processes of assessment and revenue collection. permission from the officers in-charge of the government store house.

The Maharaja Gulab Singh’s period (A.D 1846-1857) the Sikh High ranking revenue officials benefited from this system of grain
procedure was fallowed, but some slight relaxation were made in distribution and could make profit without much difficulty. Since, the
respect of the newly-broken land (Nau-tor) for large areas were laying state fixed prices of commodities. Maharaja Gulab Singh2 assumed the
waste which the ruler wanted speedily to be reclaimed [10]. His control, the present system of shali in large granaries in the city and
highness was found of horses and a number of grass-rakhs were selling it by retail through government officials3. But this system, the
reserved for cultivation [11]. Maharaja Gulab Singh improves the land price of shali lower than the market demand for the product would
department, because the modes of getting control of the revenue were

1 The saffron was cultivated by the Maharaja himself. The saffron fields of Pampore carefully watched by the government thanadars. The
soldiers had been employed to pick the saffron crops from the fields. Foreign Dept, 1848, op.cit., File No. 66-77.
2 By the end of A.D 1947, the Company felt compelled to adopt a policy of direct interference by pressuring the Maharaja to initiate
reforms. Early in June it asked the Kashmir government to reduce price on foodstuffs and to make available in market an abundant supply
of rice. Satinder Singh Bawa, The Jammu Fox, op.cit., p: 168.

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have warranted, the price of commodities such as Cotton and Mung the end of each harvest. Patwaris were sent to their separate village to
were hiked to much more than the demand warranted. get ready statements, giving in full the detail of daily.
In A.D 1852 the Dogra kingdom was divided into several provinces, The fourth department was set by the Maharaja was to support
including Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, and Frontier illaqas or inside peace and to put to stop and put out of the way crime. Be
regions. The two provinces of Jammu and Kashmir were placed under comforted in object-lesson and his to do with punishment system was
the control of wazir or ministers whose position was analogous to that at any rate good in sending away the country of crime. He kept a sharp
of provincial governors. The provincial governors attended the court of eye on his officials and a close hand on his revenues. Kotwals and
Maharaja4. These two provinces were divided into several pargans thanedars were having all necessary things for the system of care for
(district). The top official in each pargana were the zilahdars (district trade of living and property of the general people. The outcome of
officer) the thanadar (police officer) was the chief officer of the each these measures was that no sooner crime against property Case
pargana. He had from 40 to 50 spays under him. His duty was occurred than the person taking property was made prisoner and the
maintain law and order to supervise the condition of crops and pass on taken (property of another) property got loss back in law good [14].
this information to his tehsildar. Tehsildar has under him from two to The fifth department established by the Maharaja was treasury
five Territorial sub-divisions and he exercise a supervision over the department which was separately put in charge of Dewan, while
accounts of the Kashmir’s within his district. He has a power of another dewan supervised the Maharaja’s household and private
punishment up to a fortnight in dispute and offences occurring within toshkhana. Another Dewan headed the department of information.
his tensile. He has from 200 to 400 spays under him [12]. The qanugo The troops remained under the directly under the Maharaja [9].
(revenue officer) these officials were responsible for peace and
Dr. Honigberger represented to Maharaja Gulab Singh the
collection revenues in the area under their jurisdiction. Gulab Singh
suitability of the soil of the valley of Kashmir for the cultivation of
frequently toured the parganas, and dividing the latter part of his reign
beetroot, and was granted a monopoly for the establishment of a sugar
displayed special interest in the production of cotton, silk, saffron,
factory, but the enterprise was never pursued. Later experiment, both
chestnuts, tobacco and opium. Gulab Singh however, few concrete
in a private garden in Srinagar and in the sarkari bagh have led to the
measures were taken to promote or expand these industries.
most promising results; in the former, beetroots were grown, weighting
In each village Numbardars were appointed who were being called ten seers each, which were very rich in saccharine matter, yielding both
by the name of "Mokdams" (A village headman). Kashmir was sugar and alcohol of excellent quality. But this experiment, however,
separated into thirty six- parganas. One divisions of an organization was made on a very small scale [15].
was made come into existence separately for getting income in kind
Maharaja Gulab Singh reign at the very outset5, all the matters
which was named as "doabjinsh” and was to be noted twice a year at
involving the general administration, the land revenue system and the
the end of each harvest. It was the tax of Kardar to put a value on
internal and external trade were submitted to him for his
income at the time the years produce was ready. Gulab Singh had given
consideration, but he did not declare any structural change in the
teaching that time income of ten parganas near the great town was to
revenue administration. He appears to have more or less adhered to
be got money for at a fair rate. He allowed to zamindars to doing trade
the Sikh system.
in rice when and where they liked. But they had under all condition to
doing trade in it at a rate not higher than rupee one a Khirwar. Thus In order to do work on behalf of the Government, Maharaja realized
the moving of grain from one place to another was not let through by that the system of forced labour (beggar) in vogue was harsh and
the Government. The Government order authorizing free moving end required to be liberalized. No arrangements were made for the
free exchange of goods for money of rice by the zamindars was gave distribution of the beggar. The Sikh rules did not pay wages to bagar
out under the signature and keep from opening of Maharaja Gulab labours. Gulab Singh undertook the reforms of the labour system and
Singh himself. appointed an officer whose job was to fix number of labours from
every village to be do forced labour. Government issued order for
Another department created by the Maharaja was Daftar-i-Dewani
serving the two times meals to them on the day of work [15]. Besides,
(Department of Dewani). The accounts belonging to each and every
one kharwar of grains every month from government stocks. Beggar
Department of the State were to be checked and audited by this office
performed services such as carrying loads of rations and other supplies
[13].
to Gilgit for the state, or for foreign visitors on their journey around
The third department was called Dafter-i-Nizamat (Land Record/ the valley [16].
Office). It task was to keep land records throughout the state and to
give details to the Maharaja about the condition of the zamindars at

3 Before the period of Maharaja Gulab Singh, the normal price of shali was about eight annas per kharwar, and that it varied with the
harvests. During the famine of A.D 1831-33, the price rose greatly, and even after A.D 1833. It remained for some time as high as Rs. 11/2
per kharwar. A. Wingate, Preliminary Report of Settlement officer, op.cit., p: 17.
4 Jammu & Kashmir State Archives, File No. 1 of 1873, (Old English Records). In A.D 1852 for administrative purpose Maharaja Gulab
Singh got the whole of the valley divided into seven divisions and tried to fallow British code but owing to the incompetent and illiterate
Kashmir revenue this could not succeed. The immediate relief that the regular settlements provided to the people of Punjab appears to
convince Gulab Singh of the necessity of introducing the British code. Baden Powell, Land System of British India, pp: 532-34.
5 Gulab Singh had come as vanquisher in Kashmir and he was determined to make his power to felt through his territorial acquisitions.
He was blazing with the desire more and more wealth. He was extremely voracious and money was his religion. Gulab Singh had pay taxes
heavily, it is true but he sucked the life blood of the people. They had laid violent hands on a large proportion of the fruits of the earth, the
profit of the loom and the work of men’s hands, but he skinned the very flints to fill his coffers. Lt. Col. Torrens, as quoted in Inside
Kashmir, P.N.Bazaz, p. 37.see also Robert Thorp, Kashmir Misgovernment, Gulshan Publication Srinagar, Kashmir. 1980.

Arts Social Sci J Volume 7 • Issue 2 • 1000180

ISSN:2151-6200 ASSJ an open access journal
Citation: Sheikh SA, Gill BG (2016) The Advent of Dogras Rule in Kashmir and Initial Approach to Agriculture. Arts Social Sci J 7: 180. doi:
10.4172/2151-6200.1000180

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The shawl industry in Kashmir was so important6. The Government unregistered. The Sikh governors Sheikh Gulam Mohi-ud-din and
Department had been maintained for long to deal with it. In A.D 1846 Sheikh Imam-ud-din were extremely lavish in their grants, especially
the Maharaja Gulab Singh re-organized the department. The shawl the latter, who for the sake of popularity signed away large facts of land
department was carried one Controller, under him the Nukdee at the end of the Sheikh regime. As soon as the Maharaja took change
Karkhandars. These Nukdee Karkhandars or master of a factory is in of his country he brings an inquiry of quo-warranto. The jagirdars and
general a man of property. The Shawl weaver’ s on the other hand, were other grants were greatly agitated and complained that the Maharaja
dependent upon the Karkhandars and were virtually their gloves and was resumed their ancient possession [19].
were forced to work very hard.
Tyler8, who conducted an independent enquiry, states that the
Before A.D 1833, the duty of shawl was levied at 3 annas per rupees Maharaja was inclined to be just and able. The point of Maharaja was
of value. Afterwards, Gulab Singh was to fall upon the artisans that people who began as revenue farmers should not claim the land
especially. He imposed heavy taxes on this industry and imposed other they held in forms to be jagir; that grants when made should be strictly
duties such as poll tax of Rs 47 per annum on each shawl weavers and adhered to; that grantees who were given one acre should not be
he also charged an advalorem duty of 25 percent on each shawl. A tax allowed to possess two on the same sand, and that incases treason,
of Rs. 96 per annum per shop was fixed and extended to 1000 shops. In rebellion and grass misbehavior the jagirs should be liable to
the face of such oppression, the workers started fleeing from the Valley. resumption. Maharaja Gulab Singh had been assigned in free land
Gulab Singh imposed tax on every shop at Rs. 120 per shop and Rs. 60 grants to religious persons and other learned in the Persian, Arabic and
per annum for new shops [17]. In A.D 1846 the last Sikh Governor Sanskrit languages. The substance of these persons whether they
Sheikh Imam-ud-din gave them a little relief by setting the shawl receive much or little depends solely on this provision. The presence of
weavers free from oppression of karkhanders and remitting two annas such people is an honor to a country.
per Kharvar. This animated the industry and during Gulab Singh’s rule
Owing to his character for oppression and advarice. Gulab Singh
there were 27,000 weavers working at 11,000 looms. But the wages paid
was not a popular ruler, and the people did not well take in him, writes
to the workmen were also low [5]. For new shops Gulab Singh charged
Younghousband. But with the support of British government, he was
only half tax for first year. In A.D 1847, the karkhandars requested the
finally able to make certain his rule over the Kashmir by the end of
Maharajah that there should be a yearly numbering of workmen that
1846 needing payment to the existence of Henry Lawrence [20].
the Nazarana and Baj should be reduce, the wages of the labour should
Maharaja Gulab had only aims in life and these were zamin and zar. By
be fixed and that a settled Ayeen should be established for them. The
his loyalty of the British, he had he had obtained the kingdom of
other most important reform that the Maharaja introduced as soon as
Jammu, Kashmir, Baltistan and Ladakh. He was not satisfied with it. At
possible he arrived in Kashmir was, firstly abolition of the moulut, by
the outset of his reign, he confiscated all the unregistered jagirs and
which the accounts were continued to the 14th month, and secondly,
declared that all land in his subjugated territories of Kashmir belonged
the cancellations of unnecessary taxes like the chuttinia [18].
to him and the owners of the tillers of land were simply tenants at will9.
After the increase of duty in A.D 1846 the workman struck work This was the first time in history of Kashmir that the Kashmir’s people
and about 400 shawl weavers set out for Lahore. Maharaja told them lost ownership of their own land. Maharaja Gulab Singh, in his first
that their complaints would be enquired into if they returned to work. instance dispossessed peasants of all those propriety rights which the
Gulab Singh called their leaders to meet him. The Maharaja enquired Kashmiri peasants enjoyed under the Mughals, Afghans and Sikhs
into their case in open darbar. In July A.D 1847, the Maharaja got without any interruption . In the new circumstances, to quoted, A.
alarmed and announced a new rules and system of control for the Wingate, the government became former, working with coolies under a
shawl department. Under this system, he abolished the system of management closely approximately forced labour. The peasants lost not
indenture under which worked, and introduced a system of taxation by only the propriety rights but the occupancy rights also. As mentioned
which the amount of tax was regulated in accordance with the price of above, it was only the Kashmiri peasants whose propriety rights were
shawl7. The minimum salary for the workmen was fixed at 4 annas in confiscated. The new law did not apply to Jammu peasants. He
the rupees and tax being imposed on the finishing articles. continued to enjoy propriety rights in land, because the Dogra rulers
considered always Jammu as their home land and Kashmir as the
The great difficulty that the Maharaja experienced was with regards
conquered territory. The rights so seized were assumed by the
to jagir grants. There were no less than 3115 jagirs granted in
Maharaja himself who partially transferred them to neo-class of
dharmath and numerous alienations. A large number of them were
intermediaries, mostly Hindu Rajputs, called jagirdars (assignees)

6 The shawl goads of Kashmir are well known. These goads were yearly manufacture and exported. Formally, these were 18000 workshops
of shawl weavers in Kashmir. In consequence of the oppression of their rulers, many have migrated especially into the Punjab, so that about
6000 shops only remain. These shops give employed to 15000 workmen that was, at the rate of 21/2, to each shop two me work together and
make one set. These 6000 shops prepare shawls of the first class, long and square, and the kind called jamawar. The latter is exported to
Bokhara and Kharasan. The former chiefly exported to Bombay and England. The greatest price of long shawl was Rs. 1125 and the square
one was Rs. 280.
7 Mirza Saif-ud-din to Montgomery Lawrence, 15 June 1847, VOl I. See also Annual Administrative Report of the Jammu and Kashmir,
1936, p: 20.
8 In A.D 1847 Taylor sahib came to Kashmir to inquiry into the conditions in Kashmir and to suggest reforms in the Maharaja’s
administration. For some time he studied the local laws and revenue regulation. He called a general darbar in the Maisuma grounds (at
Srinagar), and in a very loud voice he inquired “O you, the people of Kashmir, are you happy with the Maharaja’s rule or not.’ Some of the
people who had been tutored by the Pandit Raj Dhar Kak (a high government official) shouted back, “yes, we are.” When Taylor sahib heard
this and he felt disgusted with the character of the people of Kashmir and went back to (British) India.
9 Hassnain FM. British Policy towards Kashmir (1846-1921). Sterling Publication, Pvt Ltd New Delhi p: 32.

Arts Social Sci J Volume 7 • Issue 2 • 1000180

ISSN:2151-6200 ASSJ an open access journal
Citation: Sheikh SA, Gill BG (2016) The Advent of Dogras Rule in Kashmir and Initial Approach to Agriculture. Arts Social Sci J 7: 180. doi:
10.4172/2151-6200.1000180

Page 5 of 5

muafidars (land holders exempted payment of revenue) and pattadars References

(rent receiver of piece of land) [21]. Gulab Singh’s greed for money has
earned him a low reputation, “with the customary offering of a rupee 1. Karl Marx (1988) Note on Indian History (664-1858). Foreign Languages
Publishing House, Moscow p: 142.
as Nazar,” says Drew, “ anyone could get Gulab Singh’s ear, even in a
crowd, one could catch his eye by holding upon a rupee and crying out 2. Robert A (1968) Kashmir as an Imperial Factor during the Reign of
Gulab Singh (1846-1857). Journal of Asian History 2: 77-108.
“Maharaja arz hai” that is Maharaja’s petition,”. He would pounce down
3. Thomas C (2000) Faultline Kashmir. Uxbridge Brunel Academic
like a hawk on the money, and having appropriated it, would patiently Publishers p: 17.
hear out the petition. Once a man, after this fashion making a
4. Bawa SS (1988) The Jammu Fox. Heritage Publishers, New Delhi p: 221.
complaint when the Maharaja was taking the rupee, closed his hands
on it and said: “no, first hear that I have to say.” Even this didn’t go 5. Pannikar KM (1930) Gulab Singh: Founder of Kashmir. Martin Hope
Kinson p: 134.
beyond Gulab Singh’s patience. He waited till the fellow had told his
6. Kapur ML (1992) Social and Economic History of Kashmir (1885-1925).
tale and opened his hand. Then taking the money, he gave orders about Anmol Publication, New Delhi p: 8.
the case [22].
7. Bamzai PNK (1962) History of Srinagar. Metropoliten Book Co ltd.,
The Maharaja oversaw the military department an organization Delhi p: 604.
which made up of well army, with the same energy and Interest as he 8. Jammu and Kashmir Archives, Ganga Ram Report-1942.
did in the society-related the civil administration [23]. The efficiency, 9. Jammu & Kashmir State Archives (1938) F No.25/C/38.
contentment, and training of his forces were always matter of deep 10. Charak SS (1985) Life and times of Maharaja Ranbir Singh. Jay Kay Book
concern to him. He increased his military power to 50,000 army on House, Delhi p: 126.
foot and military horsemen. He regularly oversaw the army, their arms 11. Wingate A (1888) Preliminary report of settlement officer. W Ball & Co.,
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the Maharaja. Without loss (waste) of time a physician was at once 12. Thorp R (1999) The kashmir gazetteer. Shubhi Publication, Delhi.
dispatched for his process end medical activities were supplied to him 13. Saligram K (1923) Maharaja Gulab Singh. Srinagar Saligram press p: 228.
free of charge. Foundries and arsenals were established in the state. He 14. Nargis ND (1966) History of Dogra Desh.
repaired all the military buildings made strong against attack and 15. Gazetteer of Kashmir and Ladakh, Op Cit p: 67.
deputed army in these military buildings made strong against attack.
16. Thorp R (1999) Kashmir misgovernment p: 60-61.
Hill taxes were put into order into regiments. In addition to, a general
rule of behavior of a group of military teachings and orders was 17. Ahmad B (1999) Gazetteer of India. Govt of Jammu and Kashmir State,
Kashmir Region.
outlined up by him. He made the words of need in Sanskrit and his
regiments were called by the name of Gobardhan sizeable military 18. Bamzai PNK (1962) A History of Kashmir, Political, Social, Cultural,
from the earliest times to the present day. Metropoliten Book Co ltd.,
unit, the Raghunath sizeable military unit and Luchhman Regimen Delhi p: 607.
[24-26]. He was dependent on much on his Dogra army. The power to 19. Kaul GL (1945) Kashmir through the Ages. Chronicle Publishing House,
do of his army was taken by India and its adjoining States and his army Srinagar p: 89.
turned good many a time in limit disputes of Gilgit frontier. As Gulab 20. Taylor RG (1848) Punjab Government Records (1847-49). State Archives,
Singh was growing strong, he started a building in which goods are Patiala.
made in his state for producing arms and making connections [13]. 21. Frances Y (1996) Kashmir. Asian Education Service, New Delhi p: 173.
22. Hassnain FM (1974) British Policy towards Kashmir, 1846-1921. Sterling
Conclusion Publication, Pvt Ltd New Delhi p: 32.
23. Kaw MA (1978) Land Rights in Rural Kashmir: A case study in continuity
The Kashmir valley came under the Dogra rule with the ominous and change from late-sixteen to late twentieth centuries. Agrarian System
terms of the treaty of Amritsar signed between the British and of the Sikhs, New Delhi p: 206.
Maharajah Gulab Singh of Jammu in 16 March 1846. Gulab Sing 24. Federic D (1875) Jammu and Kashmir Territories. A Geographical
consolidating his rule in Kashmir. But he had hardly any time left for Account, Edward Stanford, London.
sitting up an administration, though he makes a few changes. Maharaja 25. Palit DK (1972) History of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. Palit and Dutt,
Gulab Singh spent most of his time in consolidating and expanding his Publications Dehradun p: 36.
political boundaries but at the same time he took some initiative to 26. Grover V (1995) The story of Kashmir Yesterday and Today. Deep &
improve the land system. He could not succeed in his efforts mainly Deep Publications, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi p: 104.
because illiteracy, arbitrariness and corrupt revenue staff. However, he
was able to improve the conditions of peasants by regulating various
processes of assessment and revenue collection.

Arts Social Sci J Volume 7 • Issue 2 • 1000180

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