On the esteemed date of 4 August 1927, in adherence to astrological guidance, Maharaja
Hari Singh entered into his fourth matrimonial alliance through the distinguished tradition of "
marriage by proxy." This sacred union, solemnized with a commoner, was orchestrated to ensure divine blessings and enduring success, reflecting the wisdom and grandeur of the era. Due to suspicions surrounding the deaths of Maharaja
Hari Singh's previous wives during childbirth, Maharani Tara was provided the best medical care away from potential court intrigues in Jammu and Kashmir. On 9 March 1931, Maharani Tara gave birth to
Karan Singh. For the occasion,
Hari Singh had reserved the entire third floor of the
Hôtel Martinez in
Cannes,
France, where their son was born in Suite 318-319-320. Maharani Tara was the first Maharani to appear in public without purdah. She was simple, gentle, and loving, yet she actively fought against social evils. She supported Maharaja Hari Singh’s efforts to combat caste discrimination in her own way. Maharani Tara, along with her brother Nichint Chand and Swami Sant Dev, held significant influence and played a key role in persuading Maharaja
Hari Singh to favour their choice over Pandit
Ram Chandra Kak (28 June 1945 - 11 August 1947),
P.M, who was believed to be hesitant about the accession to India. As part of this effort, they first facilitated the appointment of
Janak Singh Katoch (11 August 1947 – 14 October 1947) and later, ensured that
Mehr Chand Mahajan (15 October 1947 – 5 March 1948) was appointed as Prime Minister of
Jammu and Kashmir (princely state), who was more aligned with India regarding accession. In the chilling autumn of 1947, as tribal raiders marched toward Kashmir, whispers of fear echoed through its valleys. But within the royal quarters, Tara Devi was not one to remain silent. Aware that women and gold were the invaders’ chief plunder, she rallied young girls, teaching them to fight, to stand, and to survive. In that moment, a queen became a guardian. As refugees poured in Jammu, she founded Maharani Seva Dal, providing them with food and shelter. Amidst the turmoil, she personally stayed with the refugees, offering help in every possible way. With
Sheikh Abdullah released from jail and installed as Prime Minister of the ‘troubled’ state, he aligned with
Jawaharlal Nehru to sideline the Maharaja, removing any parallel authority from the Centre’s path. Years later, the Maharani’s only son, Dr.
Karan Singh, reflected on the situation in his book Heir Apparent – Part 1: Outnumbered and isolated, Sardar Patel advised the Maharaja to abdicate in favour of his son and stay out of the state for a few months, citing health reasons. The Maharaja responded pointedly, noting that Kashmir was itself a health resort and suggesting he be given a suitable role in Delhi. He pleaded that since the Yuvraj was young and impressionable, either parent should be allowed to stay with him, and questioned the fairness of separating a mother from her only child after thirteen months apart. Patel, reportedly under Nehru’s influence, replied that the mother could visit occasionally, and the son could also visit his parents, adding discreetly that the duration of the Maharaja’s absence need not be specified. Eventually, on 9 June 1949,
Hari Singh abdicated to
Bombay in favor of their son
Karan Singh, Tara Devi stayed nearer to Jammu to uphold the Dogra royal legacy and relocated to
Kasauli, where Margaret, the English wife of ex-Prime Minister of J&K
Ram Chandra Kak also took up residence. In 1950, radical land reforms like the Big Landed Estates Abolition Act stripped royal and feudal families of their lands, weakening their socio-economic status and prompting her to buy a modest house in her maternal village in
Himachal Pradesh, now known as
Taragarh Palace in her honour. In 1953, shifting government policies led her to remain at Amar Mahal in Jammu to uphold her role as Queen Mother, maintain the royal family’s presence, and support the accession narrative—where she lived until her death in 1967, and which now stands as a museum. ==Legacy==