"Foundation of Jammu and Kashmir" 
Introduction
Jammu and Kashmir, as a region, has a complex historical background. The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir came into existence in the mid-19th century when Maharaja Gulab Singh, the ruler of Jammu, purchased the valley of Kashmir from the British through treaty of Amritsar which was signed in 16 march 1946, after the First Anglo-Sikh War at Sabraon in 1845. This marked the beginning of the Dogra rule in the region.
Treaty of Amritsar
Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu and Kashmir struck a deal with the British East India Company in the city of Amritsar. This treaty was a big deal because it basically handed over the beautiful Kashmir valley to Gulab Singh in exchange for some serious cash – we're talking about 7.5 million nanakshahi rupees!
With this treaty, Gulab Singh became the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir under the British suzerainty, which means he had to play nice with the British. The British were all about expanding their influence, and this treaty helped them secure a friendly ruler in the strategically important region of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Treaty of Amritsar laid the foundation for the Dogra dynasty's rule in Jammu and Kashmir, with Gulab Singh as the first Maharaja. This treaty marked a significant turning point in the region's history, setting the stage for the princely state's governance under the Dogra rulers until India's independence in 1947.
So, there you have it – the Treaty of Amritsar was a key moment that shaped the destiny of Jammu and Kashmir, establishing Gulab Singh as the ruler and setting the course for the region's future under the Dogra dynasty.
Provisions
1. **Transfer of Kashmir Valley**: The treaty involved the transfer of the beautiful Kashmir Valley from the Sikh Empire to Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu and Kashmir in exchange for a hefty sum of 7.5 million rupees.
2. **Suzerainty of the British**: Gulab Singh agreed to acknowledge the suzerainty of the British East India Company, meaning he accepted British authority and promised to maintain friendly relations with them.
3. **Territorial Control**: The treaty solidified Gulab Singh's control over Jammu and Kashmir, establishing him as the Maharaja of the region under the British suzerainty.
4. **Establishment of Dogra Dynasty**: The Treaty of Amritsar set the stage for the Dogra dynasty's rule in Jammu and Kashmir, with Gulab Singh becoming the first Maharaja, marking a significant shift in the region's governance.
These provisions outlined the financial transaction, power dynamics, territorial arrangements, and the establishment of the ruling dynasty, all of which were crucial aspects of the Treaty of Amritsar.
Gulab Singh was a strong figure at the court of Lahore but after death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh there was chaos and confusion in the Lahore court. Still the dogra brothers stood for the integrity of Lahore kingdom. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was succeeded by Sher Singh(prince). Raja Dhian Singh (brother of Gulab Singh) was his minister. Both Sher Singh and Dhian Singh were in the struggle against the discordant elements in the state. Assassination of Sher Singh and his minister Dhian Singh led to a change in Gulab Singh's attitude towards tottering Sikh state.
After this incident there was a complete collapse of administration and law and order in the Lahore state and the subsequent rulers failed to establish government authority. No one could save the Lahore from heading towards disintegration except collective efforts of its governess and rulers who themselves were rent with distrust and jealousies.
This compel Gulab Singh half-hearted towards the of Sikh Kingdom. At Lahore, there was no power to whom Gulab Singh could be loyal.
The soldiers were not very reliable, they wanted independence and were quite proud. Everyone was trying to figure things out in the dark, but it seemed like only Gulab Singh had a plan. When the war with the British started, the Sikhs didn't seem very organized. Their army started moving but stopped not far from Lahore because many soldiers went home after getting paid. Eventually, the troops headed towards the border and on December 11, 1845, they began crossing the Satluj River.
Lord Harding announced the war, and the possessions of the Darbar south of the Satluj were taken away. The chiefs north of the Satluj were asked to join forces to fight a common enemy. All the chiefs, both Sikh and non-Sikh, from the northern states united with the British. The hill chiefs were the first to turn against the Sikhs. The rulers in Lahore had previously upset Gulab Singh by attacking his capital just ten months earlier
The Sikh forces faced defeat in a fierce battle with the British at Mudki. Shortly after, they suffered another loss at Ferozeshah. These defeats greatly affected their confidence. During this time, the Sikhs begged Gulab Singh for help.Gulab Singh helped the Sikhs during tough battles, and because of his support and smart moves, he ended up becoming the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir. His actions in those times were crucial for him to take charge in that region.
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