Maharaja Hari Singh

Maharaja Hari Singh was the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir in India. He ruled from 1925 until 1947, a crucial time when India was gaining independence from British colonial rule. In 1947, facing an invasion by tribal forces from Pakistan, Hari Singh initially sought to remain independent. However, he eventually signed the Instrument of Accession to India, which led to the region's incorporation into India. This decision ignited a long-standing conflict over Kashmir, impacting regional politics and relations between India and Pakistan. His legacy remains complex and contentious in contemporary discussions.