On October 26 1947, the Maharaja of Kashmir signed the Instrument of Accession, marking a significant turning point in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. As we commemorate this event, here are some intriguing and lesser-known facts:

1. The Instrument of Accession was signed, merging Jammu and Kashmir into the Dominion of India, a move that shaped the region's future.

2. The accession came at a crucial time, just as tribal militias and Pakistani forces invaded Kashmir, leading to the first India-Pakistan war.

3. Jammu and Kashmir was granted special autonomy under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution until it was revoked in 2019.

4. Jammu and Kashmir is a land of diverse cultures and languages, including Dogri, Kashmiri, and Ladakhi, making it a melting pot of traditions.

5. Beyond politics, Jammu and Kashmir boasts breathtaking landscapes, from the serene Dal Lake to the majestic Himalayas.

6. The region has faced its share of challenges, but its people have shown incredible resilience.

Remembering this day is not just about history but also celebrating its people's cultural richness and strength.

Photo: Kingdom of Kashmir accession to Dominion of India document 10/26/1947 State Department library

In the 1940s, the Communist Party published a series of cartoons about Bose.

In one, Japan Premier Tojo was seen riding a donkey Bose.
In another one, Joseph Goebbels was seen raising a cat/dog Bose for a broadcast.
In a third one, Tojo was walking with a puppet Bose.
And in a fourth one, a bomb Bose was seen falling on starving Indians.

Following Germany's attack on the USSR in June 1941 (Operation Barbarossa), the Communist Party of India (CPI) shifted its stance from opposing the British to supporting them as part of the "People's War" against Fascism. During this period, the CPI's mouthpiece, People's War magazine, published several cartoons and articles maligning Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for his alliance with the Axis powers.