(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)
Maharaja Hari Singh’s 1928 tour of Europe remains one of the most organised temporary transfers of power in Jammu and Kashmir’s princely history. Before leaving Jammu on May 14, 1928, the Maharaja issued a detailed 21 point 12-page administrative order, laying out how the State was to function during his absence. The document—part directive, part governance manual—revealed his meticulous approach to continuity and control.
At the core of his plan was a four-member Cabinet, entrusted with the Civil, Military, and Private domain administration. The team included Sir Albion Banerji (Rajmantradhurina), Maj. Gen. Rai Bahadur Janak Singh, G.E.C. Wakefield and Khan Bahadur Sheikh Abdul Qauoom. They were instructed not to remain absent under any circumstances, and were empowered to run the State without altering existing policies.
This archival order, assessed by Kashmir Rechords, reveals that a layered backup system ensured stability. In Maj. Gen. Janak Singh’s absence, Col. Anderson, Chief of Military Staff, was to be co-opted. Rai Bahadur Rishibar Mukerji, Director of Private Domain and Captain M.W. Reed, handling both personal and military secretary duties, could be added to the Cabinet when required.
The Maharaja’s directions were strict:
* No changes to the Constitution.
* No modification or reversal of existing orders.
* All major financial decisions and matters involving the British Government or other States were to be held over.
The Cabinet was required to meet twice a week—Monday and Thursday—at Gulabi Ghar in Jammu and at the Council Chamber in Srinagar. All correspondence from Europe was to be routed through American Express Company, Haymarket, London.
Supporting this entire administrative mechanism was P.K. Watal, the Minister-in-Waiting, who served as Secretary to the Cabinet and ensured precise coordination across departments.
While historians debate whether the Maharaja’s European trip was prompted by health, personal engagement, or political consultations, what stands out is the administrative clarity with which he left. His detailed order ensured that governance continued without disruption, and the State remained stable in the hands of his most trusted deputies.
Maharaja Hari Singh’s 1928 tour thus became not just a royal visit abroad, but a lesson in structured delegation—an early example of how a ruler prepared his State to run smoothly even in his absence.
