Who bought Kashmir from British?

Category: Jammu And Kashmir Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of the Treaty of Amritsar.

Correct Answer: C) Gulab singh.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Treaty of Amritsar, signed on March 16, 1846, was a significant event in the history of Kashmir. This treaty was a result of the First Anglo-Sikh War, which ended with the defeat of the Sikh Empire. The British East India Company, under the leadership of Lord Hardinge, sought to consolidate their control over the region and decided to sell the territory of Kashmir to a local ruler. The chosen individual was Gulab Singh, the ruler of Jammu, who was a Dogra noble and a trusted ally of the British.

Gulab Singh, through his negotiations and the payment of 7.5 million rupees, acquired the territory of Kashmir from the British East India Company. This transaction was formalized through the Treaty of Amritsar, which not only transferred the control of Kashmir to Gulab Singh but also established the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. The treaty marked the beginning of the Dogra rule in Kashmir, which lasted until the partition of India in 1947.

The Treaty of Amritsar is a crucial event in the history of Kashmir and the broader context of British colonialism in India. It highlights the strategic interests of the British in the region and their approach to consolidating their control through local rulers. The treaty also underscores the complex political landscape of the 19th century, where the interests of various powers intersected and influenced the territorial and political boundaries of the region.

Understanding the Treaty of Amritsar and the role of Gulab Singh in the acquisition of Kashmir is essential for comprehending the historical context of the region. It provides insight into the dynamics of power and control during the colonial period and the lasting impact of such historical events on the contemporary political and social landscape of Kashmir.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Ranjit Singh was a prominent ruler of the Sikh Empire, but he did not buy Kashmir from the British. He died in 1839, before the Treaty of Amritsar was signed in 1846.
Option B: Mahadaji Scindia was a Maratha general and ruler of Gwalior, but he was not involved in the acquisition of Kashmir. He died in 1794, long before the Treaty of Amritsar.
Option C: Gulab Singh, the correct answer, was the ruler of Jammu who purchased Kashmir from the British East India Company under the Treaty of Amritsar in 1846. This treaty marked the beginning of the Dogra rule in Kashmir.
Option D: Sayyajirao Gaekwad was a prominent ruler of Baroda, but he was not involved in the acquisition of Kashmir. His rule was in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, long after the Treaty of Amritsar.

Mnemonic: G-A: Gulab and Amritsar

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