The Untold Story of J&K’s Accession – Facts Beyond the Textbooks
By Advocate Ganesh Mishra,
Founder, Mishra and Associates,
New Delhi
advocateganeshmishra@gmail.com
Mob +91-9136273395
Introduction
The accession of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) to India in 1947 remains one of the most significant and debated chapters in Indian history. While official narratives have often focused on the events following the Pakistani tribal invasion, a closer look at historical records and testimonies reveals a more nuanced story-one that challenges many popular perceptions and raises important questions about political decisions at the highest level.
The Maharaja’s Dilemma and Early Steps Toward India
Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler of J&K, faced a complex situation in the months leading up to independence. With partition violence raging and his state’s Muslim-majority demography, he initially sought to remain independent and signed a standstill agreement with Pakistan on 14 August 1947, even urging India to do the same. However, as the political climate evolved, the Maharaja began to take concrete steps toward accession with India. This included replacing his pro-Pakistan Prime Minister, Ram Chandra Kak, with Mehr Chand Mahajan-a respected lawyer and Congress nominee on the Boundary Commission, who would later become Chief Justice of India.
Nehru’s Approach and Missed Opportunities
Historical accounts suggest that by August–September 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh had already leaned toward joining India and was seeking the right moment and terms for accession. Noted historian Andrew Whitehead writes, “There have been suggestions that the Maharaja had decided in August 1947, or certainly by mid-September, that he had no option but to join India, and that he was just waiting for the best moment and the most advantageous terms.” Despite these overtures, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s insistence on first installing Sheikh Abdullah as the Prime Minister of the state created a deadlock. This condition was not acceptable to the Maharaja and delayed the formal accession process.
In contrast, leaders like Mohammad Ali Jinnah of Pakistan were reportedly willing to accept any conditions the Maharaja might set for accession, underlining the stark difference in diplomatic approaches at the time.
The Consequences of Delay
The delay in accepting J&K’s accession had grave consequences. On 22 October 1947, Pakistani-backed tribal forces invaded Kashmir, leading to widespread violence, including massacres and atrocities against non-Muslims13. It was only after this invasion that the Maharaja formally appealed to India for military assistance. The Government of India, after receiving the signed Instrument of Accession on 26 October 1947, airlifted troops to repel the invaders.
Had the accession been accepted earlier, it is argued that Indian forces could have been deployed in advance, potentially preventing the tragic loss of life and the subsequent creation of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Revisiting the Narrative
Contrary to narratives that blame Maharaja Hari Singh for delaying accession, several historians and commentators now assert that the delay was largely due to the political approach of the Indian leadership, particularly Nehru, who was influenced by his vision for Kashmir and his relationship with Sheikh Abdullah56. Sardar Patel, India’s Deputy Prime Minister, is recorded as having expressed frustration with Nehru’s stance at the time.
Conclusion
The story of J&K’s accession is not merely a tale of political agreements but a reminder of how leadership decisions can alter the course of history. As we revisit these events, it is crucial to seek the truth, however uncomfortable, and ensure that future generations are not deprived of the facts.
Note:
This article is intended solely to present historical facts and perspectives based on documented sources. If any reader feels hurt by the facts stated above, I sincerely apologize, as no personal or political sentiments are intended to be targeted.
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