Awakening to Reality – A Prince’s Resolve

It had been fifteen days since Karan's negotiations with the British. Two days after finalizing discussions, he had disguised himself and, accompanied by his butler and two soldiers, had ventured beyond the palace walls for the first time. His goal was simple—to see Kashmir through the eyes of its people. But as he traveled through the cities, towns, and villages of Jammu, what he witnessed shattered his expectations.

Now, seated in his chamber with his eyes closed, his expression was grim and troubled. His heart, once filled with ambition and confidence, now carried the weight of harsh reality. The land he had imagined—the paradise of history books—was nothing like what he had seen with his own eyes.

The beauty of Kashmir's landscapes could not mask the harshness of life for its people. The roads were unpaved, the villages lacked basic necessities, and hunger, disease, and corruption ruled the land. Even in the wealthier areas, inequality was stark—the elite lived in comfort while the common people struggled to survive. He looks down notes he has written on his lap and read one more time to see the reality he sees in the journey.

Infrastructure in Cities & Villages

The cities of Kashmir, including Srinagar and Jammu, had a basic but deteriorating infrastructure. Roads were poorly maintained, with mud and gravel paths turning into impassable stretches during rains and snowfall. Wooden houses and small brick buildings lined the streets, but without proper urban planning, the cities were crowded, chaotic, and unsanitary. Electricity was a luxury, available only to government buildings and the wealthy, while the common people relied on lamps and firewood. The bridges, mostly wooden, were weak and often washed away by seasonal floods, isolating entire regions for weeks. Markets lacked proper waste management, with garbage and animal waste piling up, spreading disease and filth.

The rural villages were even worse, with most people living in mud houses with thatched or wooden roofs. There were no proper roads, forcing villagers to travel on narrow dirt paths or rely on animals for transportation. Clean water was a rarity, with people fetching water from rivers, lakes, or wells, many of which were contaminated. Sanitation was non-existent, with open defecation being the norm, and healthcare was virtually absent, forcing people to rely on herbal medicine and home remedies for survival. Education was a privilege few could afford, and for most children, formal schooling was an unreachable dream.

📌 Overall: The cities were dirty, crowded, and poorly managed, while villages were trapped in extreme poverty, with no access to basic necessities.

Cleanliness & Sanitation

The water supply was a major issue, with only the wealthy in Srinagar and Jammu having access to piped water. The common people depended on natural water sources, many of which were contaminated, leading to outbreaks of cholera and typhoid. Waste disposal did not exist, with garbage either burned, dumped in the open, or thrown into rivers, further polluting the environment. Public toilets were scarce, and markets were breeding grounds for disease, with rotting food and animal waste littering the streets. Diseases like dysentery and tuberculosis thrived under such conditions, making death from illness an everyday occurrence.

📌 Overall: Kashmir's sanitation was abysmal, leading to frequent disease outbreaks. The cities were barely tolerable, while villages were drowning in filth and neglect.

Law & Order: Crime & Governance

The Maharaja's government-controlled law enforcement, but corruption was rampant. The police served the wealthy, ensuring their safety while ignoring the suffering of the poor. Justice was slow and biased, with court cases dragging on for years, often favoring those who could afford bribes. Political activists were regularly arrested, as his father sought to suppress opposition from the National Conference and Muslim Conference.

Crime was widespread, with black market trade, smuggling, and theft becoming common due to food shortages. Though violent crimes were rare, local feuds and revenge killings were still part of rural life. Religious and political tensions simmered beneath the surface—while Hindus and Muslims coexisted, Kashmir's uncertain future created unrest. The British encouraged neutrality, fearing that any conflict could destabilize the region and weaken their control.

📌 Overall: Law and order were dictated by the elite, and justice was often out of reach for the common people. The British played their own games, ensuring that Kashmir remained under their influence.

For three days, Karan had remained locked in his room, processing the harsh truth.

In his past life, he had read web novels about reincarnated protagonists who used their modern knowledge to introduce advanced technology, reforms, and ideas to primitive societies. They would effortlessly solve every problem, gain love and admiration, and build a utopian empire.

But reality was not a novel.

The rich and powerful in Kashmir were not bound by law—they openly exploited the poor. Corrupt officials thrived, ensuring that only the wealthy had opportunities. The common people had no sense of belonging or faith in the system—only endless suffering.

Even if he modernized Kashmir, even if roads, factories, and industries were built, how would that help those who lived in misery? The same elite would continue to control everything, while the poor remained shackled to oppression.

"I cannot change everything... but I will do what is within my power."

With renewed determination, Karan stood up, ready to take action.

As he rose, a loud growl came from his stomach.

Only now did he realize—he had not eaten in two days.

Just as he was about to call for food, the door opened. Mahadev Singh, his loyal butler, stood there holding a tray of food.

Mahadev: bowing slightly "Your Highness, I have brought your meal."

Karan: moved by his butler's concern "You were waiting outside this whole time?"

Mahadev: "I was worried, Your Highness. You had not eaten, and your well-being is of utmost importance."

Karan: softly "Thank you, Mahadev. I appreciate your loyalty."

Mahadev: smiling "Shall I inform the kitchen to prepare fresh food?"

Karan: shaking his head "No, this is fine. I will eat this."

As he sat down to eat, he suddenly remembered his next task.

Karan: looking up "Mahadev, inform my father that I will visit him this evening. There is something I must discuss."

Mahadev: bowing "As you command, Your Highness."

As Mahadev left, Karan ate in deep thought, knowing that his real mission was just beginning.