DEWAN KRIPA RAM (1826-1830 A.D.)

To assist him in this task were Bhai Maha Singh and Shiekh Gulam Mohi-un-din who well realized tha the success of the commitment of the Governor depends upon the efforts to revitalize agriculture and shawl industry which were the two main sources of revenue.

Finding the vast lands fallow, as a result of death of its owners or migration to other places, Shiekh got prepared a new statement of holdings and granted agriculturist security of tenure. Shawl weavers and other artisans involved in the process of its manufacture were recalled and their problems solved sympathetically.

Dewan Kripa Ram for his indolent habits,would spent most of his time in merriment in Dal Lake. The sound of the paddles harmonized with the  tinkling sound of bells worn by boat women—the act enjoyed by him and for this he has earned from the Kashmiries the sobriquet, “Kripa Shorin”.

The horrible practice of sati was revived and a few such cases are reported by contemporary historians.

As a result of confidence building measures of aides of Dewan Kripa Ram some kind of cordial relation had developed between the rulers and the ruled and  the  economy of the province showed some positive signs of revival, but a severe earthquake shook the Valley in 1828 taking a heavy toll of life and property of its inhabitants.

On external front, Kripa Ram had to face tough times when Bomba Chief Raja Zabardast Khan, under the influence of Syed Ahmad of Bareilly, launched an attack from Uri to dislodge the Sikhs from Kashmir. Kripa Arm showed great qualities of a soldier and himself guided the operations and chased the enemy right upto Muzaffarbad. The economy of the provine again got shattered and there was fall in State revenue. Kripa Ram was recalled and a new Governor namely Bhima Singh Ardali was appointed in an officiating capacity.