Education news
Jammu and Kashmir Merger Day: History and Key Events of 26 October 1947
· Source: Amar Ujala
Every year, 26 October is observed as Merger Day to mark the signing of the Instrument of Accession by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947. This historic step led to the arrival of the Indian Army in Srinagar to protect the princely state from tribal invaders.
What Happened on 26 October 1947
At the time of India's independence on 15 August 1947, Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh. Following an attack by tribal raiders on 24 October 1947 that threatened Srinagar, Maharaja Hari Singh sought military aid from the Indian government. The Indian government set the condition of signing the accession document before deploying help. On 26 October 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, granting India authority over defence, external affairs, and communications. On 27 October 1947, the Governor-General of India, Lord Mountbatten, accepted the document, and Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar.
The Role of Brigadier Rajinder Singh
Following news of the tribal raid, Brigadier Rajinder Singh moved towards the Uri sector with his military unit to stop the advance of the attackers and defend the routes leading to Srinagar. Despite having limited resources, Brigadier Rajinder Singh and his troops fought the invaders for several days. Even after being critically injured, he did not abandon the front and ultimately lost his life.
Important Dates in Jammu and Kashmir's History
Students preparing for competitive examinations must remember these crucial historical dates:
| Date | Historical Event |
|---|---|
| 15 August 1947 | India gained independence. |
| 24 October 1947 | Tribal raiders launched an attack on Jammu and Kashmir. |
| 26 October 1947 | Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession (Merger Day). |
| 27 October 1947 | Lord Mountbatten accepted the accession, and Indian troops reached Srinagar. |
| 23 September | Maharaja Hari Singh's birth anniversary (declared a holiday by an order dated 19 September 2022). |
Demand for Dogra History in Curriculum and Official Holidays
Demands have been raised regularly to include Dogra history in the syllabus of schools, colleges, and universities in Jammu and Kashmir. The objective is to inform students about the political, economic, social, and cultural conditions during the Dogra rule. Additionally, under an order issued by the General Administration Department of Jammu and Kashmir on 19 September 2022, a public holiday was declared on 23 September for the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh across government offices and educational institutions in the Union Territory.
Questions
Why is 26 October celebrated as Merger Day in Jammu and Kashmir?
On 26 October 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to merge Jammu and Kashmir with India.
What powers were given to India under the Instrument of Accession?
The Instrument of Accession established India's jurisdiction over defence, external affairs, and communications.
When did the Indian Army land in Srinagar in 1947?
Indian troops arrived in Srinagar by air on 27 October 1947, following the acceptance of the accession by Lord Mountbatten.
When is the official holiday for Maharaja Hari Singh's birth anniversary?
The holiday is observed on 23 September, as announced by the Jammu and Kashmir General Administration Department in an order dated 19 September 2022.
Written in English by Disha Stars from the Amar Ujala report (read the original in Hindi). Check dates and links on the official website before you act.
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