History of kashmir

Answer 1

For centuries, Kashmir was part of the Indian kingdoms, ruled by maharajas, or princess. In 1846 Kashmir became the British Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. When predominantly Hindu India won independence in 1947, British partitioned the western part of India to create Paskistan as a homeland for South Asia's Muslims. As the leaders of the existing Indian states decided which country to join, widespread rioting broke out between Hindus and Muslims. In the face of the choas, the prince of Jammu and Kashmir sought to remain autonomous. As a Hindu, his loyalties were with India, but the majority of the population waes the Muslim. A Muslim uprising, perhaps supported by Pakistan, sent the prince fleeing to Dehli, where he signed his state over to India. India then sent troops to put down the uprising. The Pakistani army responded, and the first India-Pakistan war began. India claimed a legal and historical right to Kashmir, but pakistan insisted it would be a better homeland for the Muslim enclave. Each side also has strategic needs: India wants Kashmir as a buffer betwwen itself and China, while Pakistan relies on the river waters flowing from the Kashmir for irrigation and electricity.