The correct answer is: D. Gulab Singh
Gulab Singh was a Dogra Rajput prince who founded the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir in 1846. He was the first Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir.
Gulab Singh was born in 1792 in the village of Sialkot in the Punjab region of British India. He was the son of Raja Suchet Singh, the ruler of Jammu. Gulab Singh joined the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the ruler of the Sikh Empire, at a young age. He rose through the ranks of the army and became one of Ranjit Singh’s most trusted generals.
In 1846, the First Anglo-Sikh War broke out between the British East India Company and the Sikh Empire. The war ended with the defeat of the Sikh Empire and the signing of the Treaty of Lahore. Under the terms of the treaty, the British East India Company acquired the Punjab region from the Sikh Empire.
The British East India Company then offered to sell the princely states of Jammu and Kashmir to Gulab Singh. Gulab Singh agreed to purchase the states for a sum of 7.5 million rupees. He was formally installed as the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir on 15 November 1846.
Gulab Singh ruled Jammu and Kashmir for 25 years until his death in 1857. He was succeeded by his son, Ranbir Singh.
Gulab Singh was a powerful and ambitious ruler. He expanded the territory of Jammu and Kashmir by conquering neighboring states. He also built a strong army and a well-organized administration. He was a tolerant ruler who allowed Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs to practice their religions freely.
Gulab Singh was a controversial figure. Some historians have praised him for his achievements, while others have criticized him for his ruthlessness. However, there is no doubt that he was a significant figure in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Hari Singh was the last Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. He ruled from 1925 to 1953.
- Karan Singh was the son of Hari Singh. He was the Regent of Jammu and Kashmir from 1947 to 1953.
- Ranjit Singh was the ruler of the Sikh Empire from 1799 to 1839. He was not directly involved in the affairs of Jammu and Kashmir.