Last erstwhile Queen of Darbhanga Raj, Kamasundari Devi, passes away; wave of grief sweeps Mithila
Darbhanga, January 12
A wave of grief has swept across the entire Mithila region of Bihar following the death of Maharani Kamasundari Devi, the third wife and last erstwhile Maharani of Maharaja Kameshwar Singh of Darbhanga. The 'Queen' had been unwell for the past six months and breathed her last at the Maharaja's Kalyani residence in Darbhanga. Upon learning of her death, members of the royal family immediately began making arrangements for the funeral. Numerous dignitaries, including members of the royal family, are expressing their condolences on her passing.
Maharaja Kameshwar Singh married Kamasundari Devi in 1940. He had previously married Maharani Rajlakshmi and Maharani Kameshwari Priya. Maharani Kamasundari Devi was born in 1930. Maharaja Kameshwar Singh was the last ruler of Darbhanga and died in 1962. His first wife, Maharani Rajlakshmi, died in 1976, while his second wife, Maharani Kameshwari Priya, died in 1940.
After the Maharaja's death, Maharani Kamasundari Devi established the Kalyani Foundation in his memory. Through this foundation, she established a library in the Maharaja's name, which still houses more than 15,000 books. The Maharani continued to manage literary and cultural activities through the Kalyani Foundation. The Maharani's death is being seen as the end of an era for the Darbhanga royal family.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Truly the end of an era. My grandmother used to tell stories about the Darbhanga Raj and their patronage of Maithili arts. With Maharani Kamasundari Devi's passing, a living link to that glorious past is gone. Deepest condolences to the family.
While we mourn her passing, it's also a moment to reflect. The royal families held immense wealth and land. I respect her charitable work, but we must also acknowledge the feudal past. Her foundation did good work, though.
Reading about her establishing a library with 15,000 books is inspiring. In an age where we're losing touch with physical books, such legacies are priceless. A remarkable life of service to culture.
Om Shanti. The contribution of the Darbhanga royal family to preserving Maithili language and Mithila painting is unparalleled. Her death is a great loss for Bihar's heritage.
She lived through so much history - from the Raj to independence. To have dedicated her life to philanthropy and preserving her husband's memory is commendable. A life well lived. Heartfelt prayers for her family.
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