HISTORY IN HIS EYES

My Conversation with Dr. Karan Singh

- Vikas Thakur

‘Why did you want to meet me?’ asked the gentle figure across the highly polished teak table.

It was the summer of 2024, and | was in the study at Karan Mahal, Srinagar. Sitting across from me was one of the most respected men in India.

Dr. Karan Singh, erstwhile prince and maharaja, former Sadr-e-Riyasat (Governor), ex-union cabinet minister, scholar, and author, is a nonagenarian gentleman. He wore a faint smile, and a twinkle shone in his eyes. He was clad in his trademark full-sleeve dark-colour shirt, and a Gandhi topi adorned his pate.

I was immediately put at ease when he welcomed me into the room in chaste Dogri. It took me aback, as I had expected English or Hindi from this highly educated man.

‘Sir, you have witnessed history unfold before your eyes. | feel overwhelmed in the presence of someone who has interacted with Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, and so many other towering personalities of our great nation. As I speak with you, I feel the presence of all of them. You know everything about this fascinating and vibrant region of India that has always captivated me,’ I said, and he seemed pleased.

I told him how his and Sheikh Abdullah's autobiographies had given me a 360-degree view of J&K. ‘I will address you as Dr. Karan Singh. I think you like it that way,’ I said, and he nodded, laughing.

‘You know,’ he said, ‘Karan Mahal was once called Taley Manzil, in honour of the Nawab of Palanpur, a close friend of my father. Maharaja Hari Singh was a truly secular man. He had announced at his coronation that “Justice is my religion.” He did many progressive things. But the time of kings was over. The world was moving towards democracy, and it was difficult for Maharajas and Rajas to understand.’