Explanations:The last ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir was Hari Singh, who reigned from 1925 to 1949. Hari Singh was a member of the Dogra dynasty, which had ruled the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir since the early 19th century. The Dogra dynasty was established by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1846, following the Treaty of Amritsar between the British East India Company and the Sikh Empire.
Hari Singh ascended to the throne in 1925 after the death of his father, Maharaja Pratap Singh. During his reign, Hari Singh faced significant challenges, particularly during the partition of India in 1947. At the time of India's independence, the princely states were given the option to join either India or Pakistan, or to remain independent. Hari Singh initially chose to remain independent, but the situation changed when Pakistan-backed tribal forces invaded the state in October 1947.
To counter this invasion, Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, which formally merged Jammu and Kashmir with the Indian Union on October 26, 1947. This decision was made under the condition that the people of Jammu and Kashmir would be given the right to decide their future through a plebiscite, which has never been held. Hari Singh's reign ended in 1949 when he was forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Maharaja Karan Singh, due to political pressure and the complexities of the Kashmir conflict.
Understanding the historical context of Hari Singh's reign is crucial for comprehending the complex political and social dynamics of the region during the partition of India. His decision to accede to India had far-reaching consequences, leading to the ongoing dispute over Kashmir between India and Pakistan. This event is a significant part of Indian history and is often tested in various competitive examinations, including the UPSC, SSC, and state PSC exams.