1947 Kashmir War

The 1947 Kashmir War was a conflict between India and Pakistan over the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which was mostly Muslim but ruled by a Hindu Maharaja. When British India gained independence, the Maharaja chose to join India, leading Pakistan to oppose this decision. Clashes erupted as Pakistan supported local insurgents and Pakistan-backed tribes, while India sought to assert control over the region. The war resulted in a UN-brokered ceasefire, leaving Kashmir divided—India controlling most of the territory and Pakistan controlling parts called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Bakistan. This conflict laid the foundation for ongoing tensions between the two countries.