The state of Jammu & Kashmir would not have existed without the Dogras. Yet no community has received less credit from historians for what they built. This authoritative account corrects that record - tracing the extraordinary story of the Dogras from the rise of Maharaja Gulab Singh to the signing of the Instrument of Accession in 1947. Originally written by Captain A.H. Bingley and now revised and expanded by senior journalist Balram Puri. What this book covers: Maharaja Gulab Singh — from Ranjit Singh's favourite general to founder of the Dogra Empire The Treaty of Amritsar 1846 and the creation of J&K General Zorawar Singh — one of the most remarkable military commanders in world history — and the trans-Himalayan conquests of Ladakh The conquest of Gilgit-Baltistan by General Baj Singh and Mehta Basti Ram A century of Dogra rule — four Maharajas, 1846 to 1947 The progressive social reforms of Maharaja Hari Singh — abolition of enforced labour, temple entry for Dalits in 1929, girls' education The Dogra contribution to Indian Army, Pahari painting — Basoli, Guler and Kangra miniatures — and the Dogri language Dr. Karan Singh's historic role in the transition from feudalism to democracy "The Dogra factor in the creation and maintenance of the J&K state cannot be minimised." Essential reading for students and scholars of Indian history, J&K history, military history and Rajput heritage.

1. Dogra Rulers
2. Maharaja Gulab Singh
3. Maharaja Ranbir Singh
4. Maharaja Pratap Singh
5. Maharaja Hari Singh
6. Karan Singh