History
Class IX History of Jammu & Kashmir
Describe the circumstances that led J and K state to come into
being.
Maharaja Gulab Singh is considered as Chief architect of J and K State. He
entered the services of Ranjit Singh in 1809. He defeated Main Digo, a chief in
Jammu. In 1820, the Province of Jammu was granted to him by Ranjit Singh as a
Jagir and was given the title of Raja. Subsequently, Kishtiwar, Rajouri, Ladakh and
Baltistan were annexed to Jammu. On 16th March, 1846, the British signed a treaty
with Maharaja Gulab Singh at Amritsar transferring J and K to him for 75 lakh of
rupees. Gulab Singh entered Kashmir on November 9, 1846.
Comment on the reorganization and reformation of the
administration during the period (1846-1947):
The period between (1846-1947) was the rule of Dogras in J and K.
Maharaja Gulab Singh was succeeded by his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh. He
introduced a number of reforms in the administration of the state. He set up three
main departments for the revenue, the civil and the military. New subdivision were
created for both civil and revenue administration. The judicial system was
reorganized and penal code was drawn up. Appeal Courts were set up both in Jammu
and Srinagar. Educational Institutions were established.
After his death, Maharaja Pratap Singh carried out several progressive
reforms. New departments of accounts, public works, police, forests and revenue were
established. A food control department was established to supply rice to the people.
Maharaja Hari Singh ascended the throne in 1925. He adopted the policy of
moderation. He granted concession to the people and entertained their claim for
representation in the legislature and the executive. He also constituted an
administration council to assist him in administering the state. A legislature called
the Prajasabha having 75 members was constituted and elections were held to elect
its members.
1
Compiled by: Mr. Riyaz Kathjoo (Vice Principal “GVEI”)
History
Class IX History of Jammu & Kashmir
What were the developments in the field of communication under
the Dogra rulers?
Before the commencement of the Dogra rule, the state of Jammu and Kashmir had no
roads. The Dogra rulers constructed the Jhelum Valley Cart Road from Kolcala to
Baramulla and Srinagar in 1890. The construction of this road greatly helped in the
development of means of communication. The Jammu Srinagar highway was thrown
open for public transport in 1922. A railway link was also opened between Jammu and
Sialkote in 1890.
Maharaja Ranbir Singh laid telegraphic lines in the valley and Ladakh. The
postal service was also started. Telephone connection between Jammu and Srinagar
was also setup. The introduction and development of means of communication and
transport helped the people to come close and have direct contact with the people
living outside the state. It brought economic activity and facilitated and increased the
flow of trade.
Sketch on the progress in the sphere of education and medicare
facilities:
a. Sphere of Education: - During the 19th century, education was only meant
for the rich affluent people that too in Maktabas, Patshalas or through private
tuition. The courses of study included vernacular languages, Arabic, Persian and
Sanskrit. The rulers didn’t pay attention towards the development of education.
The first school imparting modern education was opened in 1886 during the reign
of Maharaja Pratap Singh. It was also in 1880 that Rev. J.H. Knowles laid the
foundation of Christian Missionary Society (CMS). Only a few students enrolled in
the school. In 1890, the state authorities permitted the CMS to shift to a large
house in Fateh Kadal. The number of students increased to 250, when Tyndale
Biscoe joined the school. The school introduced subjects like English, Urdu, Hindi,
Persian, Mathematics, Science and Art. A girls school was also started by CMS,
and under the guidance of Miss Mallinson was instrumental in bringing about
enough educational and cultural advancement among the women of Srinagar.
By 1905, the first college called Sri Pratap College was established and the
number of state schools rose to 133. Expansion of education witnessed tremendous
2
Compiled by: Mr. Riyaz Kathjoo (Vice Principal “GVEI”)
History
Class IX History of Jammu & Kashmir
development after 1925. In 1945, there were 2157 educational institutes in the
state and the number of students had risen to 1, 34, 457. The Kashmir University
was established in 2nd April 1948.
b. Sphere of Medicare: - Modern medicare system saw its emergence during the
Dogra Rule. It was the advent of Christian Missionaries in Kashmir that helped in
the development of health care measures. Rev. Robert Clark opened the first
dispensary in Srinagar on 2nd May, 1864.The Christian Missionaries had to start in
tented rooms. However, in 1874 Maharaja Ranbir Singh granted a site to the
Mission Hospital. The Hospital building was constructed by the state government.
It came to be known as Drugjan hospital. Another hospital exclusively for women
was established at Rainawari by the Church of England. The devotion and skill of
the medical missionaries brought about a great change in the outlook of the people.
Describe the revenue structure and reforms during the period:
The main contributors to the state revenue were the agriculturists. They had to
pay about one half of the produce. The revenue was paid partly in cash and partly in
kind. Tax was also levied on everything except air and water. There was tax on sale of
wood, marriage tax, taxation on circumcision etc.
It was Sir Walter Lawrence, (The Revenue Settlement Officer) who introduced
reforms in the revenue system. The land revenue was reduced to one-third. Maharaja
Hari Singh granted propriety rights to the peasants.
3
Compiled by: Mr. Riyaz Kathjoo (Vice Principal “GVEI”)
