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MAHARAJA HARI SINGH A Tribute on his , Death Anniversary || By V.K. Wattal || LIVE IMAGE |
This is the first ever public speech Maharaja Hari Singh made after acceding to the throne. Maharaja made his intentions abundantly clear.
The Maharajas of pre
1947 numbering more than 500 were the butt of ridicule and derisive laughter of
the public. It was not for nothing but they deserved it . They had earned this
dubious distinction /sobriquet by their abnormal behaviour, eccentric habits
------- indulging in excessive drinking , being sex maniacs, waking up the
whole night watching the dancing girls dance and sleeping the whole day,
unusual hobbies such as raising dogs in hundreds and also performing their
marriages and spending money lavishly.
But as the old saying goes that there is always light at the end of the tunnel or there is always a silver lining in an otherwise black overcast sky. There were a few Maharajas ------- who could be counted on the tips of the fingers who stood heads and shoulders above the rest. They were very well educated ( most of the Maharajas were illiterates or at best semi literates), normal people who had a firm knowledge of the conditions of their states, had a desire to improve the lot of their subjects and made best of their whatever finances were available to them.
They
hired the best people from their own state or from outside to give efficient
and good governance to their subjects. They delegated all the powers of
governance to these efficient administrators and did not interfere with their
day to day working. They carefully listened to their suggestions and
implemented them for the benefit of the people. To name a few we had Sir C P
Ramaswami Iyer ( Travencore ), Sir Gopalaswami Iyengar ( Jammu and Kashmir )
and Sir Mirza Ismail Ali ( Jaipur).
Maharaja Hari Singh
was one of the ruler belonging to this small group. The Jammu & Kashmir
State was considered as one of the best administered states of pre 1947 India.
Maharaja Hari Singh
was born on September 23,1895. at the palace of Amar Mahal, Jammu.His father
Raja Amar Singh was the brother of Maharaja Pratap Singh.Since Maharaja Pratap
Singh had no children , so it was quite obvious that the nephew will ascend to
the throne after him. Raja Amar Singh foresaw the writing on the wall and
brought up his son to learn the traditions and values which were the hall mark
of the Dogras in general and the ruling family in particular.
Maharaja Hari Singh began his early education in Mayo College , Ajmer, which was the prestigious institution catering for the needs of the modern education of the royal families at the hands of the British teachers. It was at this time that Britishers took personal interest in the education of Hari Singh and entrusted the task to major H K Brar who became his guardian. After completing his education at Mayo , he was sent to Imperial Cadet Corp, Dehradhun. After completing his Military training he returned to the state in 1914, and was appointed Commander – in – Chief of the State Forces. In addition he held the position of Senior Member of the State Council and later was incharge of Defence and Foreign Affairs
During
the period of his Ruler – in –waiting he was sent abroad with this intention
that this will broaden his vision. He married Maharani Tara Devi after his
three earlier wives died in their very young age. It was Maharani Tara Devi who
bore her the only son Dr. Karan Singh in 1931.
Maharaja Hari Singh
ascended to the throne in 1925 after the demise of Maharaja Pratap Singh.
The State of Jammu and
Kashmir is a multi ethnic , multi religious state divided into Jammu, Kashmir
and Ladakh. All the three regions have their own distinct culture, language and
style of living.
Maharaja Hari Singh
began the reign of the state with good educational background and exposure to
the then modern world which had broadened his vision .He initiated
comprehensive Economic, Agricultural, Social, Legal, Administrative and
Political reforms. He introduced several new laws which modernized every branch
of public affairs. The highest priorities were given to Agriculture, Education
and Health.
AGRICULTURE
Maharaja was very well
aware of this fact that Agriculture was the main occupation of the state
especially in the valley, so he paid extra ordinary attention to modernize this
sector.A very brief reference is given for the benefit of readers :-
< “Agriculture
Relief Act”, which enabled the Debtors to bring the creditors to the court for
settlement and freed the peasants and rural population from the yoke of Money
Lenders and Creditors.
< “The Land
Alienation Act”forbade the transfer of Agriculture land to Non Agriculture and
gave ownership rights to the tiller. The rural population and farmers without
any land were given the Khalsa Land with ownership rights.
< The BEGAR or the
FORCED LABOUR was completely abolished.
< The Department of
RURAL DEVELOPMENT was established in 1937. The Panchayats which till then were
used to resolve the community conflicts were associated with the implementation
of plans for Rural Development.
ECONOMIC REFORMS
Maharaja was very keen
for industriliasation of the state. Despite the fact there were numerous
problems. His main focus was on those which could be established with the raw
material which was available in the state. The manufacturing units of match
boxes, carpets, tents, woodwork tannery goods, silk yarn were set up during
this period. By way of incentives and encouragement to the trade and industry
several Taxes were abolished.
The State Government
established Silk factory in Jammu and the production unit in Srinagar. The
opening of Industrial Centres and Emporias in Srinagar and Jammu , gave fillip
to the trade of the state. All these together provided employment to thousands
of workers and also to the rural families who raised the cocoons for the silk
yarn.
Maharaja realized that
because of the natural beauty of the valley TOURISM played a vital role to the
economy. In addition to the benefits to the State Exchequer it brought benefits
to people connected with it. In a planned way he developed the facilities at
Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg.
< Establishment of
Jammu and Kashmir Bank:-
The revolutionary step
of establishing JAMMU & KASHMIR BANK in 1938 will remain the hall mark of
Economic Reforms. The bank took control of the Government Treasury . Branches
were opened at all the important places in the state.
During the world war –
II, when essential commodities like food, rice, wheat ,sugar and fuel had
become scarce. Rationing system was introduced where these items were provided
to the people at controlled prices. Not only that a fund was created by the
maharaja for the poorest population to alleviate their distress.
HEALTH REFORM
After the Agriculture
and Economic reforms it was the Health Reforms which was highest on the
priority list. Maharaja was aware of the fact that his subjects are not getting
proper Health care. It was mainly the foreign missionaries who were giving
health care to the people with in their limited means..
The number of
Hospitals at the District Head quarters and the Dispensaries deep into the
interiors were significantly increased. They were manned by the qualified
Doctors and the Nursing Staff. The Sri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital ( SMHS
Hospital) --- now attached to Govt. Medical College ‘ Srinagar, was opened in
Srinagar in 1945 with 320 Beds and was considered the largest Hospital in the
country. Similarly The Sri Maharaj Gulab Singh Hospital ( SMGS Hospital ) ----
now attached to Govt. Medical College, Jammu, was opened in 1943, at Jammu. The
State had the distinction of having “TUBERCULOSES DEPARTMENT , attached to
Health department in India.
The Cholera Epidemics
that broke in 1935 made the Maharaja to understand that polluted drinking water
was the root cause of the diseases in the state. A special branch was opened in
the Public Works Department to provide clean potable water to the people. Tanks,
wells were constructed and Tube wells were bored all over the state to provide
fresh and potable water to the people.
EDUCATIONAL REFORM
Maharaja Hari Singh,
himself an educated person having studied in the prestigious educational
Institute of Mayo College , Ajmer, was firmly convinced that Education is the
only firm plank which can give his subjects an honorable standing which in the
long run will be beneficial to the State.
To begin with the Primary education was made compulsory for all the children in 1930. The schools which were opened under this scheme in all the towns were nicknamed by the locals as “JABRI SCHOOLS”. The Primary and the Secondary education was made FREE all over the State. New Schools, Colleges and Institutes were established to accommodate the increasing number of students.
A campaign against Adult
illiteracy was also launched with considerable success. Urdu language was made
the medium of instruction in schools. Not only this a SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION
BOARD was established to grant scholarships and financial assistance to the
deserving and bright students. They were sent for higher studies to principal
institutions in India and abroad.
SOCIAL REFORMS
Maharaja focused his serious attention to the social evils Trafficking of women, Child Marriages, untouchability, and female infanticide. To prevent female infanticide he constituted two committees in 1926 and 1929., which recommended that severe action to be taken against the guilty.
An ordinance was promulgated in which
the marriage of boys and girls under 18 and 14 yearswas prohibited and the
breach of the ordinance invited an imprisonment upto one year and fine of one
thousand rupees .DHANDEVI Memorial Fund was established for the marriage of
poor girls. The prostitution or the organizing of prostitution were declared
punishable crimes . Legislations against such social evils were introduced.
Maharaja will be
remembered for the bold step against the evils of untouchability common against
the low cast communities. He opened all the schools, colleges and wells to the
untouchables in 1931. Next year 1932 all the temples were thrown open to them
and by 1941 untouchability was proclaimed as a crime. Maharaja’s removal of
legal disabilities on the marriages of Hindu Widows is regarded as a doctrine
in the sub continent.
It will surprise the
readers that Maharaja set the example of worshipping HARIJAN Girls during
NAVRATRAS.
ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS
Maharaja, after
assuming the reigns of the state was very much aware of the fact that political
and economic dissatisfaction had started among the people keeping in mind the
strike of Silk factory workers in 1924. The political awareness was also on the
rise. He initiated the process of replacing the totalitarian administration
with a more secular and non communal one.
Maharaja faced the
problem of lack of local professionals, officers and administrators. English
language had been declared necessary for the civil services and this resulted
in people from outside the state being inducted in the civil services. This had
caused a wave of anger among the people. The crisis was resolved by the
Government that only people born in the state before 1846 and settled before
1885 could be employed in the civil services.
The Muslim community which had remained behind in education as compared to the other communities wanted special quota in the services but Government refused the demand which resulted anti Government disturbances and communal riots in 1931. Maharaja took a serious notice of the agitation and appointed Glancey Commission to look into the grievances of the Muslims and other communities. Maharaja accepted the recommendations of the commission and declared by a proclamation July,9,1931.
The recommendations included “For a fair and adequate representation in
services to all the communities , grant of freedom of Press and Platform and
the establishment of the representative Assembly”.But at the same time due
consideration will be given to the public interest and the obligation of
maintaining the efficiency of the administration will not be overlooked.
Maharaja though was able to satisfy the Muslims but incurred the wrath of
minority communities.
POLITICAL REFORMS
Maharaja, a keen observer , who had been abroad, was watching the changing political scenario in the sub continent. He endorsed the formation of a Legislative Assembly called the JAMMU AND KASHMIR PRAJA SABHA, in 1934. The sabha consisted of 75 Members including 33 Elected Members ( 21, Muslims, 10 Hindus, and 2 Sikhs). Respecting the demands of the people the number of elected Members was raised from 33 to 40., in 1939. The Praja Sabha was empowered to make laws, pass legislations pertaining to taxes and the Budgetary allocations.
In1944, Maharaja again took a noteworthy step by appointing Ministers from the Elected Praja Sabha Members. This led to the appointment of Mirza Afzal Beg and Sh. Ganga Ram as ministers.
FOREIGN POLICY
Maharaja Hari Singh
maintained cordial relations with the British. There is a school of thought
that at one time Britishers tried to weaken him and sent some people from the
political Department for this purpose. During war Maharaja assisted the British
and their allies with armed forces and Funds. He personally visited the Middle
east in 1941 and 1944 to meet his soldiers and enhance their spirit.
This writer has
purposely not delved on the happenings between 1947 and 1949, because it is a
totally different subject
The state of Jammu and
Kashmir underwent a total change with these reforms. The readers will agree
that all these above mentioned Reforms were people oriented and these reforms
brought a sea change in their outlook. The systemic changes and the reforms
that were brought with the passage of time sounds like an Election Manifesto
being released by the different parties before going to the hustings. The
readers know that the writing in the manifestos remains only on paper and are
hardly implemented once the party comes to power.
Maharaja Hari Singh
never released any manifesto, but being a visionary and being advised by the
efficient people he had his hand on the pulse of his subjects and was fully
aware of their needs which will make their lives better and better. Like other
Maharajas he did not waste his time and meager finances in conducting the
marriages of the dogs , watching Nautch girls dancing the whole night , Waking
up the whole night and drinking and sleeping during the day. Absolutely
ignorant what is happening in their state.
It is quite surprising
that why the Dogra rule is being termed as Tyrant and autocratic. They were not
invaders but had purchased the state. But it goes to their credit that they
never treated the state as a “PURCHASED COMMODITY”. They handled it with utmost
care, unlike Pathan and Sikh rulers which brings shivers to the spine. The fact
remains that all the Dogra rulers never were a law unto themselves. Their
personal lives were above board when compared to other rulers . They had the
best possible Advisors / administrators. Maharaja Hari Singh , had the
distinction of having the best Prime Ministers and Ministers. This was the
reason why this state was considered as the best administered state in India.
My humble submission
to Respected Honb’le Dr. Karan Singh , Maharaja’s only son, why he has chosen
to remain silent about the good work carried out in the state during his
father’s regime. Is it because your were totally carried away by the charisma
of Pt. Nehru. It is a fact that Maharaja and Pt Nehru rubbed each other on the
wrong side. The bone of contention being that Pt. Nehru was fascinated by
Sheikh Abdullah while the Maharaja was allergic to him. Maharaja had incurred
the wrath of having him arrested at the Kohala bridge and did not allow him to
enter the state. Who was right or who was wrong that historian will decide.
While it is known that Pt. Nehru did not leave any stone unturned to humiliate
the Maharaja, it goes to the credit of Maharaja, being highly egoistic he also
did not beg for favours.
Respected, Honb’le Dr.
Sahab, I have been going to Jammu every month for the last 40 years, because of
professional and social obligation. During these 40 years I have never come
across that a function or a Memorial Lecture or a seminar was being organized
in memory of Maharaja Hari Singh. The people of J&K State need to be told
the good work that Maharaja did for the state. This writer never knew that
Jammu & Kashmir Bank was established in 1938, as a step towards the
Economic Reforms. It is a foregone conclusion that the Bank was established
after 1947, by the popular Government. I would humbly request you that Maharaja
should not be dubbed as a Ruler but a true Democrat , who loved the State and
its people.
This writer would
conclude this write up on this legend of Dogras :-
“ YOU COULD LAND UP
WHERE YOU ARE BECAUSE OF GOOD KARMA, BUT IT IS YOUR THOUGHT AND INTENTIONS THAT
GIVE YOU THE DIRECTION IN LIFE”.
(With thanks to Mr.
Ashique Hamadani, Dubai, for his inputs )
- V.K. WATTAL
(Feedback at: vkwattal1234@gmail.com )
The writer is NCR/UP based and a regular contributor to this Website
1 comments:
Click here for commentsMaharaja Hari Singh was great leader he gave lot of emphasize on industrisation and also build silk factory in jammu and also built lot of hospitals.he gave fair representation to all communities. He was keen observer and had broad out look.he has only one son out of three wife's and his name was Dr.karan singh. He was true Democrat and good ruler. He allowed sc and ST girls in lot of puja festival in temples. Many many thanks to Ms. Rama for reminding us the history of maharaja Hari Singh.