What was the name of the Hindu ruler of Kashmir at the time of Independence?

Hari Singh

Prior to 1947, the region of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) existed as a Princely State. Its ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, held the intention of preserving an autonomous status for his state, rather than merging with either India or Pakistan. Interestingly, Pakistani leaders contended that the Kashmir region rightfully belonged to Pakistan due to its Muslim-majority population. However, this viewpoint diverged from the self-perception of the state's inhabitants, who primarily identified themselves as Kashmiris. The idea of regional aspirations is encapsulated by the term "Kashmiriyat."