Maharajadom of the United Kingdom

In 1816, the Rajadom of Jammu became a part of the Sikh Empire and was given to Raja Ranjit Singh. The Raja of Jammu, Jit Singh, was expelled and found refuge in Rajputana. Ranjit Singh appointed a governor to administer the newly conquered area which was expanded in 1819 with the annexation of Kashmir by a Sikh force. In 1820, in appreciation of services rendered by the family, and by Raja Gulab Singh (1792-1857) in particular, Ranjit Singh bestowed Jammu as a hereditary fief upon Kishore Singh. Kishore Singh died in 1822 and Gulab Singh was confirmed as Raja of Jammu by his suzerain, Ranjit Singh. After the death of Raja Ranjit Singh, Raja Gulab Singh asserted his independence and is thus the founder of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Ranbir Singh was succeeded by his son Pratap Singh (1848-1925), who reigned from 1885 until his death. Dissatisfied with this situation, Jammu threatened to rebel and secede from the kingdom. In an effort to quell the rising nationalism, Pratap Singh in 1921, created a dual monarchy. Each nation was set up as sovereign, but joined in a personal union with the Dogra Dynasty.