Foundations of Power – Military, Industry, and Diplomacy

The next morning, Karan called for Mahadev Singh, his trusted butler.

Karan: "Mahadev, I want you to compile a detailed report on all government officials in Jammu City. Investigate their backgrounds, financial records, and any involvement in corruption or crime. I want a full list as soon as possible."

Mahadev: nodding "It will be done, Your Highness. I will ensure discretion."

Karan: handing him a note "Also, have the blast furnace constructed according to these schematics. Cement production must start immediately, following the exact proportions in this document. Additionally, purchase large quantities of steel bars—we will need them soon."

Mahadev: "The cement factory is still under construction. Do you wish to wait until it is completed?"

Karan: shaking his head "No, the full factory will take a year to be operational. We need cement immediately. Find a temporary manufacturing setup, and start production now. The wages for laborers will be set at 20 to 30 annas per day."

Mahadev: concerned "That is expensive, Your Highness. Current labor wages range between 8 to 12 annas."

Karan: firmly "That is precisely the problem. They cannot survive on such low wages. Pay them fairly and offer one anna for overtime work. Additionally, recruit 500 laborers from Jammu and surrounding villages under these conditions."

Mahadev: "As you command, Your Highness."

Karan: "How is the training at Satwari Camp progressing?"

Mahadev: "Training is going well, but the general is concerned about the lack of weapons for practical drills."

Karan: "Tell him to wait one more month. The Prime Minister will arrange the necessary arms. What about recruitment?"

Mahadev: "So far, we have secretly recruited 1,200 trainees and transported them to Ladakh for intensive training. They are currently learning formation drills and combat exercises while constructing a new training ground. Additionally, as per our agreement with the British, 500 recruits have been enlisted openly."

Karan: nodding "And the auxiliary force of unqualified soldiers?"

Mahadev: "They are ready. They have mastered basic formations, riot control tactics, and police baton training. We have gathered 800 men across various camps and stationed them at Satwari Camp."

Karan: "Good. Select 300 of them and have them transferred here within ten days."

Mahadev: "I will arrange it immediately."

Karan: "What is the status of production at Ranbir Palace's industrial units?"

Mahadev: "For textile manufacturing, we have produced 500–600 standard uniforms and 400 new army uniform sets. Including previous stock, we now have 3,000 army uniforms and 600 quilts."

Mahadev: "Regarding weapons manufacturing, we have produced 200 kg of gunpowder, 150+ grenades, 60 rifles, 11 pistols, 2 submachine guns, and 800–900 bullets."

Karan: raising an eyebrow "What about artillery production?"

Mahadev: sighing "We have failed six times. However, the designs are near completion. One worker was seriously injured during testing."

Karan: "Ensure that his family is compensated. Give them ₹100. What is the current workforce size?"

Mahadev: "We have over 100 workers, but to avoid suspicion, I have divided them into separate groups across different locations in the city."

Karan: nodding in approval "That was a wise decision. Send half of the newly manufactured army clothes and quilts to Ladakh's training ground. Also, transfer all newly produced weapons there. We must equip our soldiers."

Mahadev: "Understood."

Karan: "Additionally, relocate 60% of our weapons manufacturing workforce to a secret facility in Ladakh. Inform them that wages will be increased by 20% as an incentive."

Mahadev: "I will arrange it immediately."

Mahadev: "Your Highness, Balakrishna, who was sent to Bengal for refugee recruitment, has successfully gathered 15,000 people. They will begin arriving in batches within two days."

Karan: "Good. Prepare temporary housing for them outside Jammu city, using tent settlements."

Karan: "Also, the potato will be harvest in 20 days so collect the harvest as soon as possible according to agreement of 30% tax and 20% to 30% sell it at 80% of market price to government and sell potato to British according to contract and after that store the potato required for consumption for refugees accordingly and rest store them in given location that I have given for root construction area or city and be used as wages to labor and separate some for planting in this winter where there will be less cold ."

Mahadev: "I will ensure it is done."

Karan sat down at his desk and pulled out a sealed letter. His expression was serious as he handed it to Mahadev.

Karan: "Deliver this to Singapore—to Subhash Chandra Bose. Ensure it is sent in absolute secrecy. No one must know."

Mahadev: bowing deeply "Understood, Your Highness. I will make sure this reaches its destination without detection."

As Mahadev left the room, Karan leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. He had set everything into motion. Now, all he had to do was wait and prepare for the next phase of his plans.