Strengthening the Kingdom

Karan strode through the palace corridors, his mind racing with the weight of the conversation he was about to have. The intricate carvings on the walls, the rich tapestries depicting past victories, and the golden glow of the chandeliers barely registered in his thoughts. He had always admired the grandeur of his home, but now, the significance of preserving and strengthening his kingdom outweighed any appreciation of its beauty.

Servants bowed as he passed, and guards stood at attention, their disciplined expressions betraying no emotion. Karan felt a newfound sense of responsibility settle over him. These men, these walls, this kingdom—it was his duty to protect them.

As he approached his father's chamber, he took a deep breath and knocked on the heavy wooden doors.

"Enter," came the deep, commanding voice from within.

Karan stepped inside and was immediately struck by his father's presence. Maharaja Hari Singh sat behind an ornate desk, his piercing gaze assessing him. Draped in regal attire, with medals of honor adorning his chest, he radiated an aura of authority that few could challenge.

"You seem troubled, Karan," his father said, setting aside some documents. "What brings you here?"

Karan took a seat across from him. "Father, I have been thinking about the future of Kashmir."

The Maharaja raised an eyebrow. "And what conclusions have you reached?"

"There is unrest brewing," Karan began carefully. "Sheikh Abdullah is consolidating power, and by next year, he will launch the Quit Kashmir Movement. His goal is to overthrow the monarchy and establish a democracy under the influence of the Indian National Congress."

The Maharaja's expression darkened. "I am aware of his ambitions. But as long as the British remain, he cannot act freely."

Karan nodded. "That is true, but the British will not remain forever. Once they leave, Kashmir will face pressure from all sides. India will push for integration, and we will have no leverage unless we strengthen ourselves internally."

Hari Singh leaned back in his chair, his fingers interlocked. "So, what do you propose?"

Karan took a deep breath. "We introduce an Imperial Council—a system that integrates democracy while maintaining the monarchy's authority. We work with Sheikh Abdullah instead of against him. By bringing him into the system, we can control the reforms instead of having them forced upon us."

His father's eyes narrowed. "You want me to share power with those who oppose us?"

"Yes," Karan admitted. "But on our terms. The council will have two houses: an elected lower house and a partially appointed upper house. The monarchy will retain veto power. This will keep the kingdom stable while preventing full-scale rebellion."

Silence filled the room as the Maharaja considered his words. Finally, he spoke. "You are asking me to change the very foundation of our rule."

"I am asking you to secure our future," Karan countered. "If we resist change completely, we will be swept away by history. But if we shape the changes ourselves, we will remain in control."

After a long pause, Hari Singh sighed. "This is not an easy decision."

"No, but it is the right one," Karan pressed. "And we must act now, before external forces decide our fate for us."

Finally, with a heavy heart, the Maharaja nodded. "Very well, I will agree to this council. But you will oversee its formation."

Karan inclined his head. "I will not fail."

Encouraged by his father's agreement, Karan continued. "There is another matter. I want to take charge of the army. We need to expand and strengthen our forces for any future turmoil."

His father agreed without hesitation. "That, I can support. Take command and do what is necessary."

After leaving his father's chamber, Karan summoned his butler. "Call the general of the army. I need to speak with him immediately."

Karan strode through the palace corridors, his mind racing with the weight of the conversation he was about to have. The intricate carvings on the walls, the rich tapestries depicting past victories, and the golden glow of the chandeliers barely registered in his thoughts. He had always admired the grandeur of his home, but now, the significance of preserving and strengthening his kingdom outweighed any appreciation of its beauty.

Servants bowed as he passed, and guards stood at attention, their disciplined expressions betraying no emotion. Karan felt a newfound sense of responsibility settle over him. These men, these walls, this kingdom—it was his duty to protect them.

As he approached the war council chamber, a deep voice rang out from inside. "Enter."

Karan took a deep breath, adjusted his posture, and stepped through the doors to meet his general.

A short while later, a tall, grizzled man entered. General Rajendra Pratap Singh saluted. "Your Highness."

Karan wasted no time. "General, tell me about our army's current status."

"We have approximately 11,000 soldiers, stationed in Jammu, Srinagar, Gilgit, and Ladakh for border protection," the general replied.

Karan nodded. "That is not enough. I want an army of 25,000, trained to rival a 50,000-strong force. Implement strict qualifications, remove unfit soldiers, and divide officers into two groups for intensive training. New recruits will train in Ladakh, in secret."

The general looked surprised but then nodded. "It will be done."

Karan leaned forward. "The current army lacks modernization. Strength alone is not enough—we need discipline and strategy. I want every soldier to be trained in mountain warfare, guerrilla tactics, and long-range combat. The terrain is our greatest advantage, and we must master it."

The general nodded. "Ladakh's harsh environment will forge strong soldiers, but training there will be difficult."

"Difficult but necessary," Karan said. "I also want strict discipline. Soldiers must understand loyalty and obedience to the kingdom. Training will include not just physical endurance but also mental resilience. I want daily drills, survival exercises, and unarmed combat training. No soldier should break in the face of war."

"I understand, Your Highness," General Singh said. "But with these new standards, recruitment will slow down."

"That is fine," Karan said firmly. "I would rather have 25,000 elite soldiers than 50,000 undisciplined men. Those who cannot meet the standards will be removed."

The general stroked his beard. "We will need experienced trainers."

"Select the best officers and divide them into two groups. Half will undergo advanced training first, then return to train the others. This will ensure consistency. As for new recruits, their training will be twice as rigorous. Only the best will stay."

General Singh bowed slightly. "You have a clear vision, Your Highness. I will see to it personally."

"One last thing," Karan added. "I want a code of conduct—a doctrine that every soldier will follow. Strength, honor, and unwavering loyalty to the kingdom."

The general's eyes gleamed with approval. "I will draft it immediately."

As the general left, Karan leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. There was much to do, but now, he had taken the first step.

The future was his to shape