A Prince’s Challenge – Governance and Strategy

Karan arrived in front of his father's study room, took a deep breath, and knocked. A moment later, Maharaja Hari Singh's voice granted him permission to enter. As he stepped inside, his eyes immediately fell upon a middle-aged man seated across from his father—Raja Madhavrao, the Prime Minister of Kashmir. Karan greeted both men formally before taking a seat.

Hari Singh: placing a document on the table "Karan, the contract with the British representative, Sir Bertrand Glancy, has been finalized and signed. There were some minor adjustments, but overall, the deal is complete."

Karan took the contract and began reviewing the terms. His gaze soon landed on a particular section that made his expression darken—the wages allocated for lower-class workers were shockingly low.

Karan: looking up "Father, why are the wages so low? This amount is barely enough for survival."

Hari Singh: calmly "That is the standard wage for laborers. We also need to save money for the larger infrastructure projects ahead."

Karan clenched his fists as the faces of starving villagers flashed in his mind. The suffering he had witnessed outside the palace haunted him. His father noticed the shift in his demeanor and frowned slightly.

Hari Singh: "What is troubling you?"

Karan: taking a deep breath "Father, when I traveled outside the palace, I saw firsthand how the people of Kashmir are suffering. They are malnourished, overworked, and hopeless. If we do not improve their conditions, this kingdom will collapse from within."

Hari Singh: raising an eyebrow "Karan, this has been the natural order of things for centuries. The poor work, and the kingdom flourishes. What exactly is wrong with that?"

Karan: voice firm "Father, people are like a river, and a king is like a boat. As long as the river is calm, the boat floats. But if the river becomes violent, it will capsize the boat. Right now, the people of Kashmir are on the verge of overturning the boat."

Hari Singh: leaning back "Then we will use the army to maintain order. If the people rebel, we will crush the unrest before it spreads."

Karan: shaking his head "Father, that is a mistake. Look at what happened to France's royal family in the 18th century—they thought they were untouchable, yet the common people executed them. Even the British ruled over Indians for 200 years, but now, their empire is crumbling under revolts. You can guard your palace against thieves for a thousand days, but you cannot guard it forever. If we ignore the people's suffering, we are planting the seeds of our own downfall."

Hari Singh fell silent, absorbing his son's words. The argument was compelling, but solutions were required.

Hari Singh: after a long pause "You speak boldly, Karan. But how do you propose we fix this? Words alone will not feed the people."

Karan: after deep thought "Give me administrative control over Jammu city and ₹20 lakh in funding. This winter, I will implement reforms before our major construction projects begin next year. If I succeed, you will see proof that we must change our policies."

Hari Singh turned to the Prime Minister, who had been silently listening.

Hari Singh: "Madhavrao, what do you think?"

Raja Madhavrao: stroking his beard "The prince's reasoning is sound. If he can prove his vision in Jammu, then we may reconsider our policies on wages and infrastructure."

Hari Singh: nodding "Very well, Karan. We will revisit the contract wages after winter. If you succeed, we will increase wages and make further efforts to improve livelihoods."

Karan: smiling slightly "Then I accept your conditions, Father."

Karan: "Prime Minister, have you gathered the people for the Europe delegation?"

Raja Madhavrao: "Yes, they will leave next week."

Karan pulled out a notebook and slid it across the table.

Karan: "Give this to them. It contains detailed instructions on what they must do."

Raja Madhavrao opened the notebook, and his eyes widened as he skimmed through the contents.

Raja Madhavrao: serious tone "Prince Karan… are the things written here true? If so, then the **future of Kashmir may depend on how well they follow these instructions."

Karan: "Exactly. Make sure they understand the importance of their mission."

The Prime Minister nodded, standing up to leave. Just as he reached the door, Karan spoke again.

Karan: "One more thing. We need to secretly acquire weapons. Send trusted agents through Afghanistan to Central Asia to purchase guns, grenades, mortars, and modified civilian trucks. The war is nearing its end, and many nations are selling surplus weapons at cheap prices. This is the best time to secure a stockpile for Kashmir's future. These will be smuggled into Kashmir quietly."

Raja Madhavrao: freezing for a moment before looking at Hari Singh "Your Highness?"

Hari Singh: after brief thought, nodding "Do as Karan says. We cannot remain unprepared."

Raja Madhavrao: "I will make the arrangements." He bowed and left the room.

Karan: turning back to his father "This winter, I will be busy handling Kashmir's reforms, and you will be preparing for next year's construction projects. We can get additional funding for road construction."

Hari Singh: "We already allocated resources—what more do we need?"

Karan: "We can raise at least ₹20 lakh from wealthy merchants and noble families as they will also use road. We will also offer them benefits in return—if they invest, they will receive reduced toll tax for 1-2 years. After which out of 60 lakh we will get 20 lakhs."

Hari Singh: leaning back, contemplating " You did not mention with British so that you can take benefited from back… a strategic move."

After weighing the pros and cons, Hari Singh nodded in agreement.

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted their discussion. Ram Singh, a palace attendant, stepped inside and bowed.

Ram Singh: "Your Highness, dinner is ready. Her Majesty has requested both of you to join her."

Hari Singh: standing up "It seems our discussions will continue another time. Come, Karan. Let's eat."

Karan followed his father out of the study room, knowing that his fight for change had only just begun.