Did you know that Jammu and Kashmir was once “bought” for 75 lakh rupees? Sounds unbelievable, right? In 1846, Gulab Singh—a former general under the legendary Maharaja Ranjit Singh acquired an entire kingdom through a historic agreement.
Treaty with East India Company
After the British East India Company defeated the Sikh Empire in the First Anglo-Sikh War, they took control of vast territories, including Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, and Baltistan. To settle war expenses and formalise their control, the British sold these territories to Gulab Singh under the Treaty of Amritsar.
Birth of the ‘Princely State’
For 75 lakh rupees, Gulab Singh became the recognised Maharaja of a new princely state—Jammu and Kashmir—under British suzerainty. This treaty also marked the beginning of the Dogra dynasty's rule, which lasted until 1947, when the princely state acceded to the newly independent Union of India.
Life of Maharaja Gulab Singh
Maharaja Gulab Singh was born of October 21, 1792 in Anderwah village. At the age of 16, he joined the Sikh army of legendary Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh. An article on his life by Maharaja Gulab Singh Memorial Trust says that Gulab Singh led many successful campaigns for Maharaja Ranjit Singh, like the conquest of Jullander, Multan, Kashmir and Kishtwar.
The title of ‘Raja’
The article further adds, “For his dedicated services to the solidarity, integrity and stability of the Sikh state, he received remarkable appreciation from Maharaja Ranjit Singh. On June 17, 1822 Maharaja Ranjit Singh bestowed Gulab Singh the title of ‘Raja.’”According to the article, while bestowing the title of Raja, Maharaja Ranjit Singh personally applied the tilak on Gulab Singh’s forehead from top to bottom, at the historic Jia Pota tree on the bank of Chenab at Akhnoor Fort.
From ‘Raja’ to ‘Maharaja’
Later, on March 16, 1846, Raja Gulab Singh signed the Treaty of Amritsar with the British East India Company. Thus ‘Raja’ Gulab Singh became the ‘Maharaja’ of Jammu and Kashmir.
