The Legend of the Jammu King

A story of bravery and victory with a touch of royalty, but mostly filled with numerous battles. This is how one would describe the life of the First Maharaja of the princely state of Kashmir. But was there more to this Sikh king than just bravery?

The Sikh king of Kashmir; Image Source: Victoria and Albert Museum, London

The turban of this great Sikh king flew after him, as he rode around on his trusted horse. His talwar (sword) which could slay enemies in a minute, hung down from his waist and scared anyone who dared to challenge him. His name was Gulab Singh Jamwal. His bravery was passed onto him from generations, a bloodline that was filled with the bravest who never bowed down to accept defeat, no matter who crossed their way.

The title of “one of the most powerful Sikh chiefs” did not go to him in vain. As the Raja, he was to surrender himself in the service of the Sikhs and on doing so, was crowned king in 1780.

But, would he be able to live upto being the first king of the Dogra Dynasty? Only time could tell.

And so, it did. He was quick to annex Lahore and Baltistan areas and established his rule in those regions. In the First Sikh War, he used his tactics to have a hold on his power. He stayed aloof initially, then quickly jumped in as a mediator.

And for this, he was rewarded handsomely; the part of Kashmir annexed by the Sikhs in 1819 was handed over to him for a cash payment. Even if the cash part is kept in mind, it was still a big accomplishment. He then ruled over a Muslim dominated area, being a Sikh himself.

A Maharaja with such strength would undoubtedly have a biography written on him; in the 19th century, Gulabnamma was written in his honour, in the Persian language. Several critics claim the following after having read it:

"This work, though written in the flowery style of the Persian panegyrists, is nonetheless a remarkable historical document, as the Dewan published in it many original documents which are not now available elsewhere. Its facts and chronology are beyond dispute. The Dewan was also fully conversant with the political conditions of the Punjab at the time, and his descriptions of events are vivid and informed by direct knowledge of men and things."

Time eventually went by and he became old. In 1849, during the Sikh war, he sent his soldiers to fight alongside their brethren in Punjab. He supported the Sikh community in and out.

As the chapters of his life were drawing shut, he became even more unable to keep a hold of the land he ruled. In 1850, the fort of Chillas was occupied and eventually he succumbed to old age in 1857, on this day.