Dogra Impact on Kashmir Valley - Some Economic Aspects

A lot of loose talk is put out about the cruelty of the Dogra rule in Kashmir valley, especially on the economic front. However, the picture is myopic to say the least, given how the Dogras, post their control of Kashmir valley, actually did several important changes to the Valley economy, leading it towards modernization on par with the rest of the country, and even ahead of it in several areas. While it may be a point of contention that several of these reforms were put forth under the pressure of the Britishers, the progenitors can never be disputed. One such set of considerations pertains to the revival of the Kashmir economy under the Dogra rule, which is often brushed under the carpet. I will just point out three areas of reforms that the Dogras undertook to highlight how their rule was in fact beneficial to the Kashmir valley, and the normal narrative of oppression is not as straightforward as it seems. 

Controlling Famines

At the time of accession, Kashmir was a land that saw frequent famine breakouts. Productivity being an issue, it also had witnessed the lopsided practices, owing to the anarchy of the region, absurd agricultural practices. Rice was frequently in shortage in the Valley, and bringing in rice from other parts was always a challenge due to the geography constraints. Much of this of course was also a part of the anarchy of the Valley, which was only somewhat brought under control under the Sikh rule; however, with the weakening of the Sikh rule post the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, there was significant anarchy in the Valley administration.

Upon taking charge, one of the first things that Maharaja Gulab Singh did in 1846 was to create a monopoly and create a public distribution system of sorts that provided rice to all at a fixed price. This was critical to the survival of the Valley, given how a majority of the residents of Kashmir at the time were already noted to be weavers and artisans. What is ironic is that while this helped to stabilize the foodgrain supply within the Kashmir valley for the first time in centuries, the move is seen purely from the perspective of oppression of farmers. 

Introducing and Reviving Cash Crops

Grapes in Kashmir (Source: Kashmir Life)

The Dogra rule also saw the rejuvenation of agriculture, which can be seen in the case of two particular crops – grapes and hops. Kashmiri grapes were famous for the longest time ever – however, their production had declined significantly. Maharaja Ranbir Singh took personal interest in reviving it by importing cuttings of grape vines from France and Iran, and bringing in experts from the two countries to help raise knowledge and awareness on it. Further, over one lakh cuttings were subsequently distributed among the interested people, who were also trained in the cultivation of grapes by the government, and were given performance incentives like rewards and gifts. Not just that, wine making factory also came up to ensure that the grapes could be fully utilized beyond fruit, exhibiting a far-fetched attitude of using the potential of Kashmir valley to become the next Bordeaux region of the world and adding value to the crop via processing.

Hops (Source: Tribune India)

Another crop that Kashmir subsequently became famous for were hops. This was introduced by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1876, especially around Sopore, which went on to become a significant contributor to state revenue via taxation. Hops were sent to Murree and many other parts of India, where beer was brewed. The quality of these hops is vouched for even in today’s times by many a brewer. Hops were a important crop from the perspective of the distillery industry in India - the hops enable due to their properties the various tastes and textures that one can observe about beers. Good quality hops are critical to the quality of the beer that is brewed, thus helping it fetch attractive prices. 

 

Pushing for the Revival of the Shawl and Silk Industries

Jamawar Shawl of Kashmir (Source: The Hindu)

In the 1840s, shawl making was declining, with the looms and weavers both falling sharply due to migrations to Punjab amidst the anarchy of the Valley. Moreover, the conditions of the shawlbaf, the weaver, was not good, given the high taxes they paid and the poor wages in general of the staff. In 1847, they struck work, and migrated en masse to Lahore just to draw attention of Maharaja Gulab Singh, who took heed of their concerns in an open darbar and made a slew of announcements to reform the industry structure including reduction of taxes, fixing minimum salaries, pricing of only the final good, freedom to work under different kharkhandars or the factory owners. These measures brought some relief, and coupled with a booming market of Kashmiri shawls in Europe in the period of 1850s up to the 1870s saw the revival of the shawl industry. Subsequently, fall in demand in Europe also caused a decline in the industry in Kashmir among other factors; however, stability was finally brought into the business alongside some level of relief for the shawl makers.  

Resham Khana, Srinagar, set up by Maharaja Pratap Singh (Source: Indian Express)

Similar was the case with the silk industry. Just like shawls, Kashmiri silk was world famous, but was suffering severe decline. Maharaja Ranbir Singh took the initiative in 1869 to revive it via state monopoly business. Under the stewardship of Babu Nilamber Mukherji, the quality and output quantity of silk both saw significant improvements. Procurement from rearers of silk worms helped improve silk production, given how incomes vastly increased for the people involved in it. Moreover, the government pushed for silk production through other means by planting lakhs of mulberry trees across the Valley. Of course, disease struck the cocoons, leading to a significant fall in production; however, efforts were made by the government to revive the industry on war footing, which included importing new silk worms among other steps. Though it did help the industry revive; however, the peak had already been passed on this one.

These are but a highlight of how the Dogra rule had in fact undertaken several steps to not just stabilize an anarchical situation, but also introduce new industries. Dogra rulers were visionaries in many ways, and not just some cruel despots as several popular narratives try to make them out.