Ayush_Kumar_

Synopsis: A Prince’s War: Rewriting Kashmir’s Fate

Karan Malhotra, a 26-year-old corporate worker from 2024, never expected his life to end under the wheels of a speeding truck. But fate had other plans. Waking up in 1943 as Karan Singh, the son of Maharaja Hari Singh, ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, he finds himself at the crossroads of history.

With World War II raging, India's independence movement at its peak, and Kashmir caught in the storm of political upheaval, Karan must navigate a turbulent era where every decision shapes the future. The Quit India Movement has shaken British rule, Subhas Chandra Bose has allied with Japan, and the fate of princely states hangs in the balance. Armed with knowledge from the modern world, can Karan alter the course of history?

Will he fight to keep Kashmir independent, align with India, or forge an entirely new path? As he battles political intrigue, power struggles, and his own father’s rule, Karan must decide—will he be a mere spectator of history or a kingmaker who rewrites it?

A story of power, destiny, and the burden of knowing the future—where India’s freedom and Kashmir’s fate rest in the hands of a man from another time.

A Prince's War: Rewriting Kashmir's Fate

A few days had passed, and Karan had finally uncovered Sheikh Abdullah's true intentions. He had Mahadev Singh, his trusted butler, investigate and report directly to him.

"Mahadev, what have you learned?" Karan asked as he sat in his study, his sharp gaze fixed on the older man.

Mahadev bowed slightly. "Your Highness, Sheikh Abdullah is not merely seeking reforms. His ultimate goal is to overthrow imperial rule and establish a democratic system influenced by the Indian National Congress."

Karan's fingers drummed against the table. "How does he plan to achieve this?"

"He aims to strengthen the National Conference this year, gathering more support from the people, particularly the Muslim majority. By next year, he intends to launch the Quit Kashmir Movement, directly challenging His Majesty's rule. The movement will call for an end to monarchy and full self-governance."

Karan leaned back, exhaling sharply. "So, he is not simply looking for reforms; he wants to dismantle the monarchy itself."

Mahadev nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. He has been careful, working in the shadows, but his intentions are clear. If given time, he will amass enough public support to create a real threat to the throne."

Karan nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. "This cannot be allowed to happen unchecked. Thank you, Mahadev. You have done well. You may go."

Mahadev bowed once more and exited the chamber, leaving Karan alone with his thoughts.

He could not allow Sheikh Abdullah to dictate the future of Kashmir. But neither could he simply suppress the movement without repercussions. A balance had to be struck—one that allowed political representation while keeping the monarchy intact.

For several days, Karan considered his options, finally arriving at a solution—a reformation of the political system that would balance democracy with monarchy.

Karan took a deep breath and reviewed his plan. He knew that Sheikh Abdullah's growing influence had to be countered with strategic reforms rather than outright suppression.

His plan was to create an Imperial Council, divided into two parts:

Lower House (Legislative Assembly): This would consist of 251 members, elected through a general election. The Prime Minister would lead this assembly and head the cabinet, which would include ministers for agriculture, health, military, internal security, industry, business, and home affairs.

Upper House (House of Nobles): This would have 151 members, where 40% would be nominated by the king, while the rest would be elected by the Lower House and local district representatives.

The King's Role: The Maharaja would act as a constitutional monarch, similar to a president with veto power, ensuring that critical decisions could not be taken without royal approval.

A Constitution for Kashmir: A proper constitutional framework would be established to ensure checks and balances between the monarchy and the elected government.

This system would allow a degree of democracy while ensuring that the monarchy still held influence.

The next step was to convince his father.

Maharaja Hari Singh was a proud and strong-willed ruler. Persuading him to accept such a drastic change would be a challenge, but Karan was prepared.

Determined, he left his chambers and walked towards the royal court.

A New Political Order