Question

Who was the ruler of Kashmir at the time of independence?

Answer 1

The ruler of Kashmir at the time of India's independence in 1947 was Maharaja Hari Singh. He was a Hindu ruler of a predominantly Muslim population in Jammu and Kashmir. At the time of the partition of India, Hari Singh faced intense pressure from both India and Pakistan to accede to one of the newly independent nations. Initially, he sought to remain independent but eventually signed the Instrument of Accession to India on October 26, 1947, after Pakistan launched a military invasion. This move led to the integration of Kashmir into India.