Maharaja Pratap Singh, who ruled Kashmir during the late 19th and early 20th century, is remembered as a ruler with a forward-looking vision for his kingdom. He inherited a region of breathtaking natural beauty, but also one with daunting challenges. Kashmir’s mountainous terrain made even the most basic tasks of governance—such as connecting villages, transporting goods, or ensuring medical care—immensely difficult. Yet, despite the odds, Pratap Singh took it upon himself to lay the foundations of a modern Kashmir.

DEVELOPING INFRASTRUCTURE

One of his primary areas of focus was infrastructure. Roads and canals were vital for improving communication, agriculture, and trade in a region where mountains and rivers created natural barriers. Building a reliable network of roads helped connect remote valleys to urban centers, while canals contributed to better irrigation and enhanced agricultural productivity. These works not only supported the economy but also improved the quality of life for ordinary Kashmiris, reducing their isolation and dependence on uncertain natural conditions.

DEVELOPING EDUCATION

Maharaja Pratap Singh also placed a high value on education. He envisioned Kashmir as a land where knowledge and learning would flourish. In an era when formal education was still not widespread in many princely states, his emphasis on schools and institutions reflected his progressive mindset. By expanding opportunities for education, he hoped to empower the younger generation, equip them with modern skills, and integrate Kashmir into broader intellectual and cultural currents.

HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS

Alongside education, health care was another pillar of his vision. The Maharaja understood that an effective health care system was necessary for the welfare of his people. Reliable medical facilities and organized systems of treatment were especially important in a region prone to harsh winters, epidemics, and the health risks of a rugged environment. His efforts helped set the groundwork for improved medical access in Kashmir, though much still needed to be done.

FINANCIAL STRAIN
However, these ambitions came with financial strain. The challenging terrain of Kashmir made construction projects far more expensive than in less demanding regions. Building roads through mountains, carving canals along valleys, and setting up modern facilities often exceeded the allocated budgets. Maharaja Pratap Singh frequently found himself short of funds to sustain these development initiatives.

GENERATING FUNDS

Faced with this situation, he sometimes turned to the royal treasury for solutions. It is recorded that he sold some of the most prized possessions of his court to generate funds. These were not ordinary items but rare and highly coveted gemstones that had been acquired over generations. Kashmir sapphires, famed worldwide for their velvety blue hues and exceptional quality, were among the treasures offered for sale. Rubies from Burma—considered the finest in the world—and exceptional Colombian emeralds of deep green brilliance also left the treasury during his reign.

SELLING VALUABLE TREASURES

Two such treasures that Maharaja Pratap Singh reluctantly parted with, are worth mentioning. A cushion cut Kashmir sapphire weighing at least 200 carats and a priceless emerald from Colombia, an emerald cut gemstone weighing around 271 carats. The blue sapphire being referred to as the Zanskar Crown, is claimed to have been traced to Russia in recent times. The narrative is that the big Kashmir sapphire was once set in a flamboyant necklace, along with diamonds and rubies. Rumors about the Colombian emerald, have lost momentum – this after the claim that, the large emerald was recut into 3 smaller pieces. Meticulously handcrafted jewels showcasing these emeralds were apparently, sold to a high profile Hollywood actress in late 1900s. It is not uncommon for such transactions, to be made confidentially. Sadly such sales or transfers, also shroud the provenance of significant assets.

The decision to part with such treasures highlights both the financial pressures of governance and the Maharaja’s commitment to his developmental vision. Rather than hoarding wealth, he chose to utilize it for the long-term benefit of his people. While this meant that some of Kashmir’s most exquisite gems found their way into private collections and international markets, the funds they raised contributed to building the roads, schools, and medical systems that supported the region’s progress.

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT

In retrospect, Maharaja Pratap Singh’s efforts reveal the complex balance between ambition, resource constraints, and sacrifice. His rule was not without challenges, but his determination to modernize Kashmir left a legacy of progress. The gems may have departed the treasury, but the development they financed became part of Kashmir’s enduring foundation.

Gloria Butler