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 scorching sun hung high in the sky as 3,000 soldiers stood in a perfect formation, sweat dripping down their brows but their posture unwavering. The camp had changed drastically in the past 20 days since Karan had taken direct command. Training had become relentless—formation drills, obstacle courses, endurance tests, and hand-to-hand combat exercises were now a daily routine.

Higher-ranking officers from other cantonments had also arrived to undergo training here for four months before returning to their respective camps to train additional soldiers.

Standing on a raised platform beside General Rajendra Pratap Singh, Karan observed the disciplined troops with a sense of pride.

Karan: "General, how is the recruitment process progressing?"

General Singh: "The initial preparations are complete, Your Highness. By next month, we will begin the next phase of recruitment."

Karan: "Good. Now, I want to start the next phase of training for these 3,000 soldiers—cross-border running, mountain warfare, and high-altitude combat. They need to be trained in ambush tactics and survival skills."

General Singh: "Understood, but there is a concern. According to the training manual, each soldier needs to fire 50 live rounds per day, and we lack sufficient ammunition."

Karan: smirking "Don't worry about that. I will handle it within a month. Until then, have them train with prop guns to familiarize themselves with handling weapons. Once real ammunition is available, training will progress smoothly."

Karan turned towards the gathered troops. His sharp gaze swept over them before he spoke:

"For the past 20 days, you have endured pain, sweat, and exhaustion. But this is only the beginning. If you wish to become an unstoppable force, you must embrace discipline and hardship.

From today, your efforts will determine the future of Kashmir!"

The soldiers, energized by his words, stood straighter, a sense of pride swelling in their chests.

"Your benefits will reflect your dedication. Your pay will increase by 40% during battle. If you fall in service, your families will receive pensions until your children can support themselves. If possible, we will provide jobs for them based on your rank and contribution."

Cheers erupted from the soldiers, their morale rising significantly.

"But remember—obedience is non-negotiable. Any failure in discipline will be met with strict military action!"

A synchronized salute followed as the soldiers roared in unison, their voices echoing through the camp.

After leaving the camp, Karan sat in his carriage, deep in thought. His butler, Mahadev Singh, soon entered.

Karan: "Mahadev, update me on the **manufacturing of black powder, grenades, and textiles."

Mahadev: "Your Highness, the production of black powder has been steady. As per your early instructions, we have been manufacturing it consistently.

As for grenades, the first batch was successfully manufactured five days ago. However, the process is slow—only 30 grenades have been completed."

Karan: "Why is the production slow?"

Mahadev: "Currently, each blacksmith is responsible for making a complete grenade, which takes approximately five hours."

Karan: shaking his head "That's inefficient. Divide the blacksmiths into four specialized groups—one for the casing, one for the fuse, one for the explosive filling, and one for assembling. This will increase production efficiency. Apply this method to any future manufacturing projects."

Mahadev: "Understood, Your Highness."

Karan: "What about clothing and quilts?"

Mahadev: "The craftsmen are working three shifts daily. So far, they have produced 1,800 sets of clothes and 200 quilts."

"When will the British delegation arrive for business negotiations?"

Mahadev: "In three days, Your Highness."

Karan leaned back, deep in thought.

"Then we must prepare for our first trade of gold."

Advancing Military and Industrial Production