Khan Sir’s Remarks on Maharaja Hari Singh Spark Outrage, Dogra Royals Demand Apology

In a recent interview, YouTuber and educator Faisal Khan aka Khan Sir, made derogatory remarks against Maharaja Hari Singh, the last ruler of Jammu & Kashmir. Patna based Faisal Khan, accused the Maharaja for creating the Kashmir problem and called him greedy.

 

 

He accused Maharaja Hari Singh of delaying the decision to join India or Pakistan in 1947. He claimed the Maharaja wanted to turn Kashmir into a “Switzerland” and remain independent. He further said that some of Hari Singh’s relatives, including women, were taken away to Pakistan, and only after that did the Maharaja decide to surrender. He pointed out that while India gained independence on August 15, the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession only two months later, on October 26, 1947.

 

 

 

 

After British rule ended in 1947, all princely states had three options - join India, join Pakistan, or stay independent. Like several other rulers at the time, Maharaja Hari Singh initially chose to remain independent.

 

 

But on October 22, 1947, Pakistan sent armed tribal raiders (with army support) into Jammu and Kashmir. These raiders killed civilians, looted villages, and caused widespread chaos. Maharaja’s forces were outnumbered, and civilians were being killed and raped in Baramulla, Muzaffarabad and other areas. Facing this sudden attack, Maharaja immediately sought military help from India. But India needed him to first legally join the Union.

 

 

On October 26, 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, officially making Jammu & Kashmir a part of India. Only then did Indian troops fly into Srinagar and push back the attackers.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

“Ajatshatru Singh, grandson of Maharaja Hari Singh, called Khan Sir’s remarks wrong and unfortunate. He said it’s shameful for a teacher to speak without knowing the facts. Maharaja Hari Singh was a progressive ruler who joined Jammu and Kashmir with India on 26 October 1947, when Pakistan backed attackers had entered the state. Ajatshatru said Khan Sir has a duty to share the truth, not spread false claims. He demanded a public apology and warned of legal action if Khan Sir doesn’t take back his words”.

 

 

 

 

“Yesterday, I was reading and listening to his statement, and I believe it is very unfortunate. To speak this way about a man who handled the entire princely state of Jammu and Kashmir so well is highly inappropriate. Maharaja Hari Singh sacrificed his entire life for this state. Unfortunately, he (Khan Sir) has made very wrong statements. I think action should be taken against him, and a defamation case should be filed.”