Military Strategy of Dogra Rulers of J&K State: Its Present Relevance

Abstract

Military strategy means a policy implemented by military organisation to pursue desired strategic goals. In the 19th century, military strategy was viewed as one of the triangle of ‘arts’ or ‘sciences’ that govern the conduct of warfare, tactics, the execution of plans and manoeuvring of forces in battle, the logistics and the maintenance of an army. The study of formation of any state is incomplete till it is not studied from military point of view. The study of military strategy in the formation and consolidation of J&K State is of utmost importance in the present scenario to formulate policies regarding India’s relation with Pakistan and other neighbouring countries. The State of Jammu &Kashmir extends over an area of 2,22,870 kms and occupied a dominating position in the political geography of
undivided India. It was one of the largest states of Indian Union. As the ruler of J&K state was a general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore Darbar, so his military strategy was inherited from Sikh administration with essential modifications suitable to the conditions of mountainous region. The present paper explains the military strategy of Dogra Maharajas of Jammu and Kashmir both in the formation and consolidation of the state on strong foothold.