Author: Bihar Say | Amrita |

The Last Queen of Darbhanga: Bihar Mourns Maharani Kamsundari Devi at 96

Some lives don’t just end — they close a chapter of history.
Today, Bihar bows its head as the Queen of the Darbhanga royal family, Maharani Kamsundari Devi, leaves behind a legacy carved in culture, grace, and service.

Bihar Mourns the Loss of Maharani Kamsundari Devi

On Monday, Bihar woke up to heartbreaking news.
Maharani Kamsundari Devi of the Darbhanga royal family passed away at the age of 96.

As the news spread, a wave of grief swept across Darbhanga and beyond.
Meanwhile, people gathered at Kalyani Niwas to pay their final respects.

She had been unwell since November 2025.
However, even in frailty, her dignity never faded.

A Royal Life Rooted in Mithila’s Legacy

Born in the 1930s, Kamsundari Devi became part of the Darbhanga Raj family in the 1940s.
She married Maharaja Kameshwar Singh, one of Bihar’s most influential royal figures.

Notably, she was his third wife, after Maharani Rajlakshmi and Maharani Kameshwari Priya.
Both had passed away earlier.

Over time, Maharani Kamsundari Devi emerged as the last living member of the Darbhanga royal household.
Therefore, her passing marks the end of an era.

The Last Living Queen of Darbhanga Raj

After Maharaja Kameshwar Singh’s demise, she took charge.
Importantly, she handled complex legal matters involving royal trusts and properties.

Yet, she did not limit herself to administration alone.
Instead, she chose preservation over power.

As a result, her role evolved from queen to cultural custodian.

Education, Freedom, and Nation Building

Darbhanga Raj never separated wealth from responsibility.
Therefore, they invested deeply in education.

They donated 230 acres of land to establish India’s first university initiative.
At the same time, they funded the Indian National Congress.

Every year, from 1880, the family contributed ₹10,000 to sustain the freedom movement.
Their belief stayed firm — knowledge and service define true power.

Preserving Culture Through Kalyani Foundation

To honour Maharaja Kameshwar Singh’s memory, she founded the
Maharajadhiraj Kameshwar Singh Kalyani Foundation.

Through this foundation, Mithila’s literary and cultural heritage found protection.
Thousands of rare books and manuscripts were opened to scholars and citizens alike.

Moreover, the royal private library became a shared intellectual treasure.
Because of this effort, history remained accessible — not locked away.

A Patron of Education, Art, and Literature

Beyond royalty, Maharani Kamsundari Devi believed in knowledge as power.
Therefore, her initiatives supported education, art, and cultural research.

At the same time, she ensured that Mithila’s identity stayed alive in modern Bihar.
Consequently, artists, historians, and students benefitted immensely.

Her work spoke quietly, yet it echoed loudly.

Final Rites and Family Details

Her elder grandson, Ratneshwar Singh, will perform the last rites.
Meanwhile, younger grandson Kapileshwar Singh is travelling from Delhi.

The family will conduct the cremation following traditional royal customs.
As expected, dignitaries and citizens continue to arrive in Darbhanga.

Why Her Legacy Matters Today

Royalty may fade, but cultural stewardship never does.
Maharani Kamsundari Devi stood for continuity in changing times.

More importantly, she proved that heritage survives through responsibility.
That lesson remains relevant for Bihar today.

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