The correct answer is C. Maharaja Gulab Singh.
Maharaja Gulab Singh was the founder of the Dogra dynasty and the first Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. He was born in 1792 in Jammu, the son of Raja Suchet Singh. In 1822, he was appointed as the governor of Jammu by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire. In 1846, after the First Anglo-Sikh War, he was granted the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir by the British East India Company in exchange for his support in the war. He ruled the state until his death in 1857.
Maharaja Gulab Singh was a shrewd and capable ruler. He was able to consolidate his power in Jammu and Kashmir and expand the boundaries of the state. He also introduced a number of reforms, including the introduction of a new legal code and the construction of roads and canals.
Maharaja Gulab Singh was a controversial figure. He was accused of being autocratic and oppressive. However, he was also respected for his administrative skills and his ability to maintain peace and order in his state.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the founder of the Sikh Empire. He was born in 1780 in Lahore, the son of Mehtab Singh. In 1799, he became the leader of the Sikh army. He led the Sikh army to victory in a number of battles, including the Battle of Multan in 1818 and the Battle of Jamrud in 1837. He died in 1839.
Maharaja Hari Singh was the last Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. He was born in 1895 in Jammu. He ascended the throne in 1925. In 1947, he signed the Instrument of Accession, which made Jammu and Kashmir a part of India. He died in 1961.
Maharaja Ranbir Singh was the second Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. He was born in 1830 in Jammu. He ascended the throne in 1857. He died in 1885.