Which of the Dogra ruler signed the instrument of Accession with India?

Question

Which of the Dogra ruler signed the instrument of Accession with India?

1. A. Maharaja Gulab Singh
2. B. Maharaja Ranbir Singh
3. C. Maharaja Pratap Singh
4. D. Maharaja Hari Singh (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — Maharaja Hari Singh

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Maharaja Hari Singh.

Key Points

• Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Dogra ruler of Jammu & Kashmir, signed the Instrument of Accession with India on 26 October 1947.
• He acted after tribal forces backed by Pakistan invaded the State, and Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar the following day.

Additional Information

• The Dogra dynasty was founded by Maharaja Gulab Singh, who acquired Kashmir under the Treaty of Amritsar, 1846; the line ran Gulab Singh → Ranbir Singh → Pratap Singh → Hari Singh.
• The accession was later ratified by the State's Constituent Assembly on 6 February 1954.
• Article 370 gave the State special status until it was rendered inoperative on 5 August 2019.