Maharaja Hari Singh

A legend of Dogras


“You could land up where you are because of good karma but it’s your thought and intentions that give you direction in life” this is the thought with which man of principle Maharaja Hari Singh ji was born.

On 23rd september 1895, Raja Amar singh  was blessed with a son at the palace of Amar Mahal, Jammu. Hari Singh was the last ruiling Maharaja of the princely state of J&K in India.He married Maharani Tara Devi(1910-67) his forth wife as his first 3 wives had died young, and had 1 son Yuvraj(crown prince) Karan Singh.

Raja Amar Singh Ji probably foresaw the writting on the wall and brought up his son to learn the traditions and values which were the hallmark of the Dogras in general and the ruling family in particular.In 1903, Hari Singh served as a Page of Honour to Lord Curzon at the grand Delhi Durbar.At the age of 13, Hari Singh was dispatched to Mayo College in Ajmer, which was the prestigious institution catering for the need of modern education of the members of the royal families at the hands of the British teachers.

It was in the year 1914,that,on successful completion of military training at the Imperial Cadet Corps by Hari Singh,Dehradun Maharaja Pratap Singh appointed him as Commander-in-chief of the state forces.He also held the position of senior memberof the state council and later was in charge of Defence and Foreign Affairs. After the sad demise of Maharaja Pratap Singh,Maharaja Hari Singh ascended the throne on 23rd sept. 1925. The period under him will always be remembered for the social reforms and modernization of the state.

The rich legacy of his forefathers, Maharaja Gulab Singh Ji(1846-1857), Maharaja Ranbir singh Ji (1857-1885) and Maharaja Pratap Singh Ji (1885-1925) in the form of consolidation of the state as a stable political events of his time.

Modern education and exposure to social environment prevailing in the world at that time had ingrained in him firm commitment to usher an era of social equality, education for all, justice and economical development in his state. This resolve manifested itself in his actions as senior Member of the state Council and all through his rule of 26 years. Immediately on accession to throne, in his ver first public speech, Maharaja Hari Singh made his intentions abundantly clear by proclaiming that.

“If I am considered worth governing this state, then I will say that for me all communities,religions and races are equal. As a ruler I have no religion, all religions are mine and my religion is JUSTICE”.

Soon after his coronation Maharaja Hari Singh initiated a host of measures to modernise the state. His experience of the Round Tble Conference, his own education and his visits abroad had made the Maharaja progressive in his views.A few of the initiatives introduced by the Maharaja Hari Singh are listed:-


In Oct.1932, the Maharaja permitted the Harijans to enter and worship in State temples, use public wells and tanks etc. Further, he declared untouchability a cognisable offence in 1940.


He declared female infanticide, child marriage, polygamy and immoral traffic of women as unlawful acts well before Sharda Act was passed.


He made every possible effort to eradicate illitracy in the state for which he made educationup to primary level compulsary and free.The number of schools were increased from 1706 to 20728 in 1945.


To attract muslim students he appointed ‘Mullahs’ and ‘Maulvis’ as school teachers.


He provided various kind of scholarships to students.


He establish Praja Sabha which meant for introducing free and fare elections and it clearly reflects his democratic values.

He is remembered as true nationalist and his address in the First Round Table Conference at London in 1930-31 wherein he spoke of SELF RULE FOR INDIANS and his declaration in 1942 conference that his would be the first state to join Independent India, became rallying point for the political parties and rulers of other states.Signing of Instrument of Accession of J&K with India on 26th oct 1947, is thus a land mark in the History, which projects Maharaja Hari Singh  as a nationalist to the core.


By- Surbhi Jamwal