Darbhanga, Bihar – A wave of grief has enveloped the Mithila region following the passing of Maharani Kamasundari Devi, the third wife and last Maharani of the late Maharaja Kameshwar Singh of Darbhanga. The Maharani, aged 95, had been unwell for the past six months and breathed her last at the Maharaja Kalyani residence in Darbhanga.

Upon hearing of her death, members of the royal family immediately began making arrangements for her final rites. Tributes have been pouring in from dignitaries, local leaders, and cultural figures who remembered her for her contributions to the region’s literary and cultural heritage.

Life and Legacy

Maharani Kamasundari Devi was born in 1930 and married Maharaja Kameshwar Singh in 1940 as his third wife. The Maharaja, the last ruler of the Darbhanga estate, passed away in 1962. He had previously married Maharani Rajlakshmi and Maharani Kameshwari Priya. While Maharani Rajlakshmi died in 1976 and Kameshwari Priya in 1940, Kamasundari Devi continued to uphold the royal family’s legacy for decades.

Following the Maharaja’s demise, Maharani Kamasundari Devi dedicated herself to philanthropic, literary, and cultural activities in Darbhanga. She founded the Kalyani Foundation in his memory, which became a focal point for promoting education and preserving regional culture. Among her notable contributions was the establishment of a library in the Maharaja’s name, which continues to house more than 15,000 books and serves as a resource for scholars and students of Mithila culture.

Through the foundation, the Maharani also organized cultural events and literary gatherings, fostering an environment that encouraged the preservation of the region’s art, literature, and music. Her dedication to the community made her a beloved figure, and her passing is being described as the end of an era for the Darbhanga royal family.

Condolences and Tributes

Local leaders, cultural representatives, and members of the royal family have expressed deep sorrow at her passing. They highlighted her tireless efforts to maintain the cultural and literary heritage of Darbhanga. Many noted that her role in sustaining the Kalyani Foundation and her active participation in public and philanthropic initiatives ensured that the legacy of the Darbhanga royalty remained alive even decades after the princely state ceased to exist.

The royal family has announced that arrangements are being made for the Maharani’s funeral, which is expected to follow traditional ceremonies befitting her status as the last Maharani of Darbhanga.

End of an Era

Maharani Kamasundari Devi’s death marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in the history of the Darbhanga royal lineage. Beyond her royal association, she is remembered for her philanthropic and cultural initiatives that have left a lasting impact on the community.

Residents of Darbhanga and the wider Mithila region are mourning the loss of a figure who symbolized not only the royal heritage but also the spirit of service, education, and cultural preservation. Her efforts in promoting libraries, literary activities, and cultural awareness will continue to be remembered by generations to come.

With her passing, the Darbhanga royal family loses its last living Maharani, bringing to a close a century-old tradition of leadership, patronage, and public service in the region. The Maharaja Kalyani residence, which she managed and maintained with dedication, stands as a testament to her enduring contribution to the city and its people.

Maharani Kamasundari Devi’s life, spanning over nine decades, was one of service, cultural preservation, and commitment to the betterment of her community. As condolences continue to pour in, her legacy is expected to inspire future generations in Mithila to uphold the values of education, culture, and philanthropy that she championed throughout her life.