The correct answer is: C. Gulab Singh
Gulab Singh was the first Maharaja of the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir. He was born in 1792 in the village of Sialkot, which is now in Pakistan. He was the son of Raja Suchet Singh, who was the ruler of Jammu. Gulab Singh joined the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire in 1808. He rose through the ranks of the army and became one of Ranjit Singh’s most trusted generals. In 1834, Ranjit Singh gave Gulab Singh the jagir (estate) of Jammu. Gulab Singh ruled Jammu for 22 years. He was a successful ruler and expanded his territory. In 1846, he signed the Treaty of Amritsar with the British East India Company. The treaty gave Gulab Singh control of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Gulab Singh died in 1857. He was succeeded by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- A. Hari Singh was the last Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. He ruled from 1925 to 1950. He signed the Instrument of Accession in 1947, which made Jammu and Kashmir a part of India.
- B. Karna Singh was the second Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. He ruled from 1857 to 1885. He was the son of Maharaja Gulab Singh.
- C. Gulab Singh was the first Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. He ruled from 1846 to 1857. He was the son of Raja Suchet Singh, who was the ruler of Jammu.
- D. Mehar Chand Mahajan was a Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. He served from 1932 to 1947. He was a close advisor to Maharaja Hari Singh.