Heir Apparent: An Autobiography

by Karan Singh

Book by Singh, Karan

176 pages, Hardcover

First published May 5, 1983

About the author

He is an author of distinction. He is known for his books on philosophy and political science. He has also written a number of poems and travelogues.

Reviews

[Kajal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure why this book has such few reviews and ratings. To be fair, I only found out it existed as I was wandering through my family bookshelf hunting for my next read. The hard-bound age-stained book with yellowing pages and "Heir Apparent" written across the front in gold piqued my curiosity.
Right from the start, it felt like I'd found someone's diary that I shouldn't have access to. Karan Singh is a lovely writer and thoughtful leader who was really just trying to do the right thing from a very young age despite all the adversities life threw his way. It's hard to 'rate' someone's life story, but when one's life is so public I guess I'm grateful for the insight into such contentious years and I'm sorry this book didn't go on beyond 1953.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heir Apparent: an autobiography (Haardcover) by Karan Singh -sadar -i Riyasat- The book is the first part of the autobiography which relates to the period 1931 to 1952. Singh was born in Cannes, France of Maharaja Hari Singh of J&K. He was educated in Doon School, Dehradun. He graduated –BA degree from J&K University. Important events mentioned in this book are- first, India attained independence from the British on 15th August, 1947. Indian Kings numbering 566 had individual treaties with the British Crown under which generally the British guaranteed their defence from external threats and a Resident was posted to observe and the advice the King. Kings had three options- accede to India or Pakistan or remain independent. Before deciding to accession with either country, the Kings had to respect the wishes of the population. An instrument of accession had to be executed by the King to merge their territories with Union of India. Pakistan wanted that J&K should join Union of Pakistan while India wished to that J&K should join Union of India. Sheikh Mohammad Abudullah leader of National Conference was jailed. Nehru wanted plebiscite. Patel Home Minister wanted that Maharaja Hari Singh should decide in favour of Indian Union. Pashtun tribesmen invaded Kashmir and defeated the forces of Maharaja Hari Singh. Maharaja Hari Singh appealed to India for help. Although the Indian Prime Minister Nehru was ready to send troops, the Governor General, Lord Mountbatten of Burma advised the Maharaja to accede to India before India could send its troops. Hence considering the emergency situation, the Maharaja signed the instrument of accession to the Dominion of India which was signed on 26-10-1947. Indian Troops arrived and first Indo-Pak war was fought. In 1949, Hari Singh abdicated in favour of his son Karan Singh who became Regent and titular Maharaja of J&K up to 1952. The book is now history by one important participant of incidents. It is a must read for all.