Why did india seize control of kashmir in 1947?
- the majority of the population was hindu
- pakistan had agreed to indias takeover
- the people of kashmir had voted to be a part of india
- it was the route through which almost all invaders of india had come
There are several reasons why India seized control of Kashmir in 1947:
1. The majority of the population in Kashmir was Muslim, and the Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, was Hindu. This led to tensions and unrest in the region, prompting India to intervene.
2. Pakistan had agreed to India's takeover of Kashmir in exchange for the princely state of Junagadh. However, the situation quickly escalated into conflict, leading to the First Indo-Pakistani War.
3. The people of Kashmir had voted to be a part of India in a referendum conducted in 1947. However, Pakistan and some factions in Kashmir disputed the legitimacy of the referendum.
4. The strategic importance of Kashmir cannot be overlooked, as it serves as a crucial route through which invaders of India historically passed. Controlling Kashmir was seen as essential for India's security and defense.
Overall, the decision to seize control of Kashmir was influenced by a combination of historical, religious, political, and strategic factors.