Agrarian Reforms and Social Stratification in Kashmir (1925-1947)

Summary

This article examines agrarian relations and social stratification in Kashmir between 1925 and 1947, focusing on Maharaja Hari Singh's rule. It highlights the economic pressures faced by the predominantly agricultural economy and the resulting political movements advocating for peasant rights. The Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference (later National Conference) and other groups demanded redressal of grievances, including land reforms and better governance. The Maharaja responded with measures like the Glancy Commission, which recommended proprietary rights for cultivators and better community representation in government services. Administrative reforms included anti-corruption efforts and modernizing governance. Agrarian challenges persisted due to population pressure, limited cultivable land, and uneven irrigation, leading to declining landholding sizes. The study emphasizes the interplay between economic conditions, political consciousness, and administrative responses during this period.