How was India’s Area Increased by 40% ?: Integration of the Indian Princely States by Rajnikant Puranik

Author:Rajnikant Puranik [Puranik, Rajnikant]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-08-17T18:30:00+00:00

Maharaja Hari Singh

Gulab Singh was followed by his descendents Ranbir Singh, then Pratap Singh, and finally Hari Singh, who ascended the gaddi in 1925. Hari Singh was educated at the Mayo College, Ajmer; and also served with the British army. He became Lt General Maharaja Sir Hari Singh.

As a ruler, Hari Singh was about as good or as bad as the rest of the rulers of the other 561 Princely States of India—there was hardly a ruler who could be considered good: most were uncaring, incompetent and vile to downright degenerate. In that bleak scenario, Hari Singh was perhaps better than many, and worse than some. For example, consequent to political agitations, Maharaja had formed Grievances Commission in 1931 leading to the formation of Praja Sabha—elected Legislative Assembly—in 1934 comprising 33 elected and 42 nominated members. That is, compared to many other Princely States, there was at least some movement forward on people's representation.

About half his army was Muslim, which unfortunately deserted him, when Pakistani raiders attacked J&K. Compare this with the Nizam of Hyderabad: the Police, the Army, and the Civil Services were almost completely the preserve of the Muslims, even though Muslims formed mere 15% of the population.

The Maharaja had made primary education compulsory in the State. He had thrown open places of worship for the lower castes, and had introduced laws prohibiting child marriage.

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