Administrative Reforms under Dogra Rule (1846–1947)

The historical trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir as a unified political entity is inextricably linked to the century-long reign of the Dogra dynasty. For candidates preparing for the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) examinations, the study of Dogra administrative reforms is not merely an exercise in historical recall but a necessity for understanding the evolution of the state’s modern institutional framework. The period spanning from 1846 to 1947 represented a transition from medieval feudalism to a modernized princely state, characterized by the introduction of codified laws, systematic land settlements, Western education, and pioneered infrastructure. This report serves as an exhaustive guide, weaving together primary historical facts, second-order administrative insights, and the latest 2024–2025 current affairs relevant to the Dogra legacy.   

The Genesis of the Princely State: Maharaja Gulab Singh (1846–1857)

The modern state of Jammu and Kashmir was founded by Maharaja Gulab Singh, a figure of significant military and diplomatic prowess who transitioned from a cavalryman in the Sikh Empire to the sovereign ruler of one of India’s largest princely states. His reign was primarily dedicated to the stabilization and consolidation of territories that had previously been governed as disparate units under Afghan and Sikh rule.   

The Diplomatic Foundation: The Treaties of 1846

The formal creation of the state was the result of the First Anglo-Sikh War. When the Sikh Empire was defeated, the British East India Company sought an indemnity of 1.5 crore rupees. Because the Lahore Durbar was unable to pay the full amount, they ceded the territories between the Beas and Indus rivers to the British. In a strategic maneuver, the British then transferred the Kashmir Valley to Gulab Singh through the Treaty of Amritsar on March 16, 1846.   

Aspirants must distinguish between the Treaty of Lahore and the Treaty of Amritsar for examination purposes. The Treaty of Lahore ceded the territory to the British, while the Treaty of Amritsar transferred it to Gulab Singh for a sum of 75 lakh Nanakshahee rupees. This transaction earned the state the nomenclature of a “purchased” territory, a fact that would shape the socio-political narrative of the region for decades.   

Early Administrative Consolidation

Gulab Singh’s administration was largely focused on territorial security and the suppression of rebellion. He inherited a valley in deep distress, where previous administrations had left a legacy of exploitation. One of his first administrative tasks was to reclaim the region of Gilgit and secure the frontiers of Ladakh and Baltistan, which had been conquered by his legendary general, Zorawar Singh.   

While Gulab Singh is often criticized for the harsh taxation intended to recoup the 75 lakh rupees paid to the British, he is credited with restoring the rule of law in a region that had seen little stability since the fall of the Mughal Empire. His administration was centralized and feudal, yet it laid the groundwork for the more structured reforms of his successors. He established the Dharmarth Trust to manage religious institutions, which remains a significant administrative body today.   

The Era of Bureaucratic Restructuring: Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1857–1885)

If Gulab Singh was the founder, Maharaja Ranbir Singh was the architect of the state’s administrative infrastructure. His reign of 29 years was a period of modernization, influenced by his observation of European administrative systems. He shifted the state from a purely military-feudal entity to a structured bureaucratic administration.   

Departmentalization of Governance

Ranbir Singh was the first to categorize the state’s functions into three primary departments: Revenue, Civil, and Military. This structural change allowed for specialized focus and the beginning of accountability. He established the Daftar-i-Diwani to manage the state’s accounts and introduced the “modus operandi” for the Revenue department, which aimed to standardize tax collection and reduce the arbitrary powers of the Kardars (local officials).   

The Ranbir Penal Code (RPC)

Perhaps the most significant legacy for JKSSB aspirants to remember is the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), or Ranbir Dandh Bidhi in Dogri. Introduced in the 1860s, it was based on the Indian Penal Code drafted by Lord Macaulay but adapted to local customs. This code governed criminal justice in the state for over 150 years until it was replaced by the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in October 2019 following the J&K Reorganisation Act.   

Ranbir Singh’s judicial reforms also included the establishment of 25 regular courts. To ensure the accessibility of justice, he held two durbars a day, allowing common subjects to present their grievances directly to him for a nominal fee. This era also saw the emergence of the first Western healthcare measures, with the opening of a dispensary in Srinagar in 1864 by the Christian missionary Rev. Robert Clark.   

Cultural and Educational Patronage

Ranbir Singh was a profound patron of the arts and letters. He established a translation department to translate classical texts from Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic into Dogri, Hindi, and Urdu. He also founded the Ranbir Printing Press in 1882, the first of its kind in the state, which produced free textbooks for students. His contributions to the Dharmarth Trust and the construction of the Raghunath Temple complex in Jammu reflect his commitment to cultural preservation.   

The Dawn of Modernity: Maharaja Pratap Singh (1885–1925)

The reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh was a transformative period that saw the “Dawn of Modernism”. This era was marked by the increasing influence of the British Residency, which, while reducing the Maharaja’s absolute power, also facilitated large-scale infrastructural and land reforms.   

The Walter Lawrence Land Settlement (1889–1895)

At the end of the 19th century, the agrarian economy of Kashmir was in shambles. The peasantry was oppressed by a system of “Begaar” (forced labor) and arbitrary taxation. Sir Walter Lawrence was appointed as the Settlement Commissioner in 1889 to rectify these issues.   

The impact of the Lawrence Settlement cannot be overstated. He documented the socio-economic conditions in his seminal work, The Valley of Kashmir. The reforms included:   

• Abolition of Forced Labor: The systemic practice of Begaar was largely dismantled, providing relief to thousands of villagers.   
• Security of Tenure: Peasants were granted occupancy rights for the first time, ensuring they could not be evicted at the whim of the officials.   
• Standardized Revenue: Revenue was fixed and collected in cash rather than in kind, reducing the corruption of the middlemen.   

Infrastructure and Communication

Pratap Singh’s reign saw the introduction of modern connectivity. The Jhelum Valley Cart Road, completed in 1890, linked the valley to the outside world via Rawalpindi. The Jammu-Srinagar highway followed in 1922. In 1890, a railway link between Jammu and Sialkot was established, bringing industrial goods into the region.   

Technological advancement reached its peak with the Mohra Hydroelectric Power House in 1905. It was one of the first hydroelectric projects in South Asia, designed by British engineer Major Dlain de Latbiniere. Initially generating 3.75 MW, it powered the dredging of the Jhelum to prevent floods and supplied electricity to the silk factory in Srinagar.   

The Reformer Prince: Maharaja Hari Singh (1925–1947)

Maharaja Hari Singh ascended the throne in 1925 during a period of rising political consciousness. He is remembered as a progressive and secular ruler who introduced reforms that were ahead of their time in the Indian princely states.   

The State Subject Law of 1927

A key topic for JKSSB exams is the 1927 State Subject definition. Following an agitation by the local Kashmiri Pandits against the employment of outsiders (Gair-Mulkis), the Maharaja issued a decree on April 20, 1927, to protect the rights of the indigenous population.   

The decree divided subjects into four classes, primarily ensuring that only “State Subjects” could hold government positions or own immovable property within the state. This administrative policy was later constitutionalized via Article 35A of the Indian Constitution, which remained in effect until 2019.   

Socio-Educational Revolution

Hari Singh was a staunch advocate of social justice. In 1932, he made a historic proclamation opening the doors of all state temples to the “Harijans” (Dalits). He also:   

• Enacted the Compulsory Primary Education Regulation (1930), making J&K one of the first states in India to provide free and mandatory primary education.   
• Introduced the Land Alienation Act to prevent agricultural land from being transferred to non-farmers.   
• Established The Jammu and Kashmir Bank in 1938 to facilitate modern commerce.   
• Banned child marriage and took measures against female infanticide and trafficking.   

Constitutional and Representative Reforms

In response to political demands, Hari Singh established the first state legislature, the Praja Sabha, in 1934. It consisted of 75 members, with 33 elected seats. This was a foundational step toward parliamentary democracy in the region. He also moved the royal seat from the old Mubarak Mandi complex to the Hari Niwas Palace in 1925, signifying a shift toward more modern living and administrative standards.   

The Road to Accession (1947)

The Dogra era concluded with the momentous events of 1947. Following the independence of India and the subsequent tribal invasion, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947. This document formally integrated the princely state into the Union of India, a milestone that remains a core topic for aspirants.   

Post-accession, the administrative structure saw a radical shift. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was appointed as the head of the emergency administration. In 1952, the hereditary monarchy was officially abolished, and Karan Singh, the Maharaja’s son, became the first Sadr-e-Riyasat (Head of State), a position later changed to Governor in 1965.   

Detailed Sector-Wise Reform Analysis for Aspirants

To ensure high information density for JKSSB preparation, we must analyze the reforms by sector rather than just by ruler. This thematic approach is often preferred in competitive exams.

Educational Infrastructure and Milestones

Education under the Dogras evolved from indigenous Madrassas and Pathshalas to a systematic Western model.

1. Maharaja Ranbir Singh: Focused on classical scholarship and the preservation of ancient texts. His school in Srinagar (1874) taught Persian, Sanskrit, and Arabic.   
2. Maharaja Pratap Singh: This period saw the creation of the first degree colleges. Shri Pratap (SP) College in Srinagar (1905) and Prince of Wales College in Jammu (1906) were both affiliated with the University of Punjab in Lahore.   
3. Maharaja Hari Singh: Revolutionized literacy by making it a state mandate. He established the Educational Reorganization Committee in 1938 under K.G. Sayidian to modernize the curriculum and introduced adult literacy centers.   

Judicial System and Codification

The judicial evolution of the state is a common area for PYQs (Previous Year Questions).

• 1860s: Codification of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).   
• 1889: Establishment of separate Appeal Courts in Jammu and Srinagar.   
• 1928: The formal establishment of the J&K High Court; Kanwar Sain was the first Chief Justice.   
• 1934: The legislative role of the Praja Sabha introduced limited representative oversight.   

Revenue and Land Tenure

The land reforms are perhaps the most vital aspect for aspirants aiming for administrative or revenue posts like Patwari or Naib Tehsildar.

• Early Dogra Era: The ruler claimed ownership of all land under the “sale deed” of the Treaty of Amritsar.   
• 1889–1894: The Lawrence Settlement introduced Girdawari (crop inspection) and Jamabandi (records of rights).   
• 1939: The J&K Land Revenue Act was enacted to lay down procedures for updating and maintaining land records.   
• 1947–Present: Post-Dogra reforms, such as the Big Landed Estates Abolition Act (1951), built upon the data and mapping systems introduced by the Dogras.   

Socio-Cultural Heritage: The Mubarak Mandi Complex

The Mubarak Mandi Palace in Jammu served as the center of power for nearly two centuries. It is an architectural marvel that aspirants should be familiar with due to its frequent mention in culture-based questions.   

The complex is a “fusion architecture” site, incorporating:

• Rajputana and Mughal Styles: Seen in the bay windows (jharokhas) and pebble work.   
• European Baroque and Victorian Styles: Visible in the clock tower and columns.   
• Pink Hall: Famous for its stucco work and housing the Dogra Art Museum.   

The museum currently preserves the Gulistan manuscript and Pahari miniature paintings, which are considered invaluable cultural assets of the state.   

Modern Context and Current Affairs (2024–2025)

The legacy of the Dogra administration is not confined to the past; it is a subject of active governance and public celebration in 21st-century Jammu and Kashmir.

Commemoration of Maharaja Hari Singh

For the last three years, the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh (September 23) has been observed as a public holiday in the Union Territory. In September 2024, the 130th birth anniversary was celebrated with massive rallies in Jammu, where leaders paid tribute to his vision of “one state, one justice”.   

Latest Awards and Recognition (2025)

• Maharaja Hari Singh Peace & Harmony Award: In January 2025, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was conferred with this award for his contributions to reforms and planning in the Union Territory.   
• Restoration of Heritage Sites: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently reviewed the ongoing restoration of the Mubarak Mandi complex in July 2025, emphasizing the need to preserve its heritage appeal while promoting local Dogra crafts.   

Infrastructure News

The Mohra Hydroelectric Project, established in 1905, is back in the spotlight. The government has approved a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for its revival. The new 10.5 MW project aims to utilize the historic site while potentially restoring the iconic 11-km wooden flume as a tourist attraction.   

Strategic Syllabus Links for JKSSB Preparation

Aspirants should align this report with the specific components of the JKSSB syllabus for 2024–2025.

1. J&K Specific GK: Covers the rulers, dates of treaties, and major landmarks like the Hari Parbat Fort (rebuilt by the Dogras) or the Raghunath Temple.   
2. History and Culture: Focus on the “Renaissance” in education and the evolution of the judicial system from the RPC to the present day.   
3. J&K Reorganisation Act 2019: Understanding the abrogation of Article 370 requires knowledge of the original 1927 State Subject laws and the Instrument of Accession.   
4. Geography and Infrastructure: Transport links like the Jhelum Valley Road and early power projects like Mohra are staple topics for static GK.   

Insights for the Aspiring Bureaucrat

The Dogra administration provides a case study in “benevolent paternalism”. Rulers like Ranbir Singh and Hari Singh were often ahead of their time, attempting to build a secular and modern state despite the constraints of the British Raj and internal socio-economic pressures. For an aspirant, the takeaway is the continuity of administration. The record-keeping systems established by Walter Lawrence and the departmentalization of Ranbir Singh are the ancestors of the current J&K Secretariat and District Administration models.   

By understanding the cause-and-effect relationship—how the Begaar system led to the Lawrence Settlement, or how the exclusion from jobs led to the State Subject laws—aspirants can answer analytical questions with greater clarity.

Summary Table: Key Dogra Rulers and Their Legacies

This comprehensive post synthesizes the intricate history of the Dogra dynasty into actionable insights for competitive exams. By bridging historical facts with contemporary administrative relevance, it provides a high-accuracy resource and modern political developments. Aspirants are encouraged to focus on the transitions between rulers and the lasting impact of their legal and territorial reforms on the modern identity of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Sahil Digra

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