In a major controversy, Rashtriya Bajrang Dal has launched strong protests against popular educator and YouTuber Khan Sir for making allegedly disrespectful remarks about Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Dogra ruler of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. The protestors claimed that Khan Sir’s statements not only lacked historical accuracy but also hurt the sentiments of the Dogra community and the larger people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Protests Erupt Over ‘Insult’ to Dogra Legacy
State President of Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, Rakesh Bajrangi, condemned Khan Sir’s comments, stating that he has no understanding of Maharaja Hari Singh’s contributions or vision for Jammu and Kashmir. Bajrangi claimed that Khan Sir’s remarks amounted to an insult to the Dogra heritage and that such statements would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Bajrangi also demanded legal action, asserting, “The administration must register an FIR against Khan Sir and put him behind bars. The Dogra community will not tolerate any kind of disrespect toward Maharaja Hari Singh.”
What Did Khan Sir Say About Maharaja Hari Singh?
In a recent interview, Khan Sir made controversial remarks, alleging that Maharaja Hari Singh delayed Kashmir’s accession to India out of personal interest. He claimed the Maharaja wanted Kashmir to become another Switzerland, and that he only acceded to India on 26 October 1947—more than two months after independence—when his relatives were taken by Pakistani forces. Khan Sir went on to call the Maharaja “selfish.”
Khan Sir: Maharaja Hari Singh was a fool. Sardar Patel focused more on South and less on North, he didn't focus much on Kashmir.
— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) July 11, 2025
It is so embarrassing that Khan Sir doesn't even know that Nehru was handling Kashmir. Ye UPSC ka teacher hai 😭😭pic.twitter.com/f9QcoQrO6Y
These statements triggered backlash not just from activists but also from prominent voices in Jammu and Kashmir, who accused Khan Sir of historical distortion.
Royal Family Responds: ‘Very Unfortunate’
Kunwarani Ritu Singh, a member of the Dogra royal family, strongly criticized Khan Sir’s remarks. “I was reading and hearing about his statement yesterday, and I believe it is very unfortunate,” she said, expressing deep disappointment over the incident.
Sonam Mahajan Rebuts with Historical Facts
Political commentator Sonam Mahajan issued a detailed rebuttal on social media platform X, accusing Khan Sir of peddling misinformation. Mahajan wrote:
“Khan Sir, the self-styled YouTube professor, called Maharaja Hari Singh greedy and selfish. This is not just historically incorrect and intellectually bankrupt but also reeks of deep bias.”
Khan Sir, the self-styled YouTube professor, in his recent rant, called Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh a greedy, selfish man who ‘surrendered’ to India only after his family members were allegedly picked up by Pakistani forces. This is not just historically incorrect and…
— Sonam Mahajan (@AsYouNotWish) July 14, 2025
She clarified that Maharaja Hari Singh did not surrender, but legally acceded to India through the Instrument of Accession, a sovereign choice granted to all princely states. Mahajan criticized Khan Sir for confusing “surrender” with “accession,” stating that such errors undermine public understanding of India’s history.
Unveiling the Historical Context
Sonam Mahajan emphasized that Pakistan violated the Standstill Agreement by invading Jammu and Kashmir on 22 October 1947, unleashing terror through tribal militias and regular forces. Hindus and Sikhs were brutally attacked, and the Maharaja had no choice but to seek India’s help.
She further argued that Maharaja Hari Singh faced complicated challenges—including distrust from Jawaharlal Nehru, who favored Sheikh Abdullah, a leader with pro-Pakistan leanings who was later jailed for anti-India conspiracies.
“Despite being cornered politically and militarily, Maharaja Hari Singh resisted with whatever forces he had. To blame him for the fall of Kashmir is not only historically inaccurate but morally wrong,” Mahajan added.
Distortion or Dangerous Propaganda?
Mahajan warned that when educators like Khan Sir twist historical facts, it becomes dangerous propaganda, not just casual misinformation. “This distortion of history provides cover to real aggressors and shifts the blame onto the victims,” she wrote.
She concluded by asserting that the real greed in 1947 was that of Islamist expansionism, and that the Dogra Maharaja acted in the best interest of his people under extreme circumstances.
Call for Apology and Legal Action
Rashtriya Bajrang Dal and several Dogra activists have called for a public apology from Khan Sir and demanded that he educate himself on the historical and political complexities of Jammu and Kashmir’s accession.
The incident has sparked a wider debate on the importance of historical accuracy, especially when public figures and educators are involved. As the controversy deepens, demands for accountability and correction continue to grow.
Khan Sir’s comments on Maharaja Hari Singh have ignited widespread anger in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly among Dogras who see the late Maharaja as a symbol of resilience and patriotism. With political leaders, activists, and royal descendants stepping forward to defend the Maharaja’s legacy, the issue highlights the fragile line between free speech and responsible discourse, especially when discussing historical figures of national significance.
