Kameshwar Singh Goutam Bahadur, popularly known as the Darbhanga Maharaj, was born on November 28, 1907, into the distinguished Maithil Brahmin family of Darbhanga Raj. He was the son of Maharaja Rameshwar Singh and took over the responsibilities of the royal family in 1929 upon his father’s death.
The Darbhanga Raj was one of the wealthiest zamindaris in India, and at the time, Kameshwar Singh was recognized as the third richest man in the country. His immense wealth greatly influenced his philanthropic endeavors, industrial pursuits, and political career.
- Birth: 28 November 1907, Darbhanga, British India
- Death: 1 October 1962
- Family: Son of Maharaja Rameshwar Singh Goutam, the King of Darbhanga Raj, and brother of Lakshmi Daiji
Index of Contents
Darbhanga Raj
The Darbhanga Raj, also known as Raj Darbhanga, ruled over territories that are now part of Mithila and the Darbhanga district in Bihar. Their primary seat was in the city of Darbhanga. The estate, covering an impressive area of 2,410 square miles (6,200 km²), included 4,495 villages across 18 circles in Bihar and Bengal, employing over 7,500 officers for management.
This estate was renowned as the largest and best-managed zamindari in India at the time of the zamindari abolition. The family’s roots trace back to Mahesh Thakur, who established their lineage in the early 16th century.
Cultural Contributions
Darbhanga is recognized as the cultural capital of Bihar, rich in music, folk art, and literary traditions. The works of Maithili poet Vidyapati, whose songs are still sung at various religious and social occasions, exemplify this cultural heritage.
Kameshwar Singh’s upbringing within this rich cultural milieu allowed him to influence various sectors profoundly, especially education, culture, and infrastructure.
Maharaja Kameshwar Singh’s rule was marked by significant contributions to the community, which earned him great respect among his people. He played a crucial role in modernizing Darbhanga, focusing on improving infrastructure and transportation.
His dedication to education was evident in his support for institutions such as Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University and Patna University. He also significantly donated land and resources to promote education in the region.
Political Involvement
As a prominent political figure, Kameshwar Singh was a member of the Indian Constituent Assembly, where he helped shape the Constitution of India. He served in the Rajya Sabha from 1952 to 1958 and again from 1960 until he died in 1962.
His leadership extended to various socio-political organizations, where he advocated for landholders’ rights and cultural preservation, making a significant impact during India’s pre- and post-Independence eras.
Philanthropy
Kameshwar Singh was a dedicated philanthropist, donating significantly to the establishment of educational institutions, promoting vernacular languages, and supporting the Mithila Post-Graduate Research Institute.
He was actively involved in landholder associations and aimed to uplift rural Bihar. His leadership roles included serving as president of the All India Landholders’ Association and being a key figure in the Maithil Mahasabha and the Sri Bharat Dharma Mahamandal.
Royalty
The royal family of Darbhanga possessed a lavish jewelry collection, rivaling that of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Kameshwar Singh notably purchased Marie Antoinette’s Riviere diamond necklace, which was auctioned at Sotheby’s in London in 1937. The auction attracted considerable attention, with BBC broadcasting the sale live.
Legacy
Kameshwar Singh Goutam Bahadur’s legacy is characterized by his commitment to education, culture, and public welfare. He skillfully balanced tradition with modernization, solidifying his status as a forward-thinking monarch.
His contributions to the cultural and educational landscape of Bihar have left a lasting impact, and he is remembered not only as a ruler but also as a compassionate leader dedicated to the welfare of his people.
His spirit of leadership and service continues to inspire generations, marking him as one of the last great rulers of the Darbhanga Raj.
Heritage
Palaces of Darbhanga
Darbhanga, rich in history and culture, boasts several magnificent palaces that date back to the Darbhanga Raj era, each with its unique story and architectural brilliance.
- Nargona Palace: Constructed after the 1934 Bihar earthquake, Nargona Palace was built using advanced technology of the time to mitigate earthquake damage. It has since been donated to Lalit Narayan Mithila University.
- Lakshmi Vilas Palace: This palace, severely damaged during the same earthquake, was rebuilt and later donated to the Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University. Roper Lethbridge praised it, stating, “The new Palace at Darbhanga, with its immense stables, its botanical and zoological gardens, and its many beautiful surroundings, is well known in England by the sketches that have appeared in the London illustrated papers.”
- Ram Bagh Palace: As the oldest palace in Darbhanga, Ram Bagh Palace is situated within the fort and is still owned by the Raj Darbhanga family, though it currently stands in a dilapidated condition.
- Bela Palace: Built for Raja Bishweshar Singh, the younger brother of Maharaja Kameshwar Singh, this palace is one of the best-preserved structures. It has been repurposed by the Central Government as a Postal Training College.
- Dilkhush Bag: One of the two palaces located inside Darbhanga Fort, Dilkhush Bag is now almost in ruins.
- Moti Mahal: Unfortunately destroyed in the 1934 earthquake, only one room of the Moti Mahal remains today.
In addition to these palaces, the Darbhanga Raj also extended its architectural footprint across various towns in India, including:
- Navlakha Palace complex at Rajnagar in Madhubani District.
- Palace at Bhouara near Madhubani, leased to the police department.
- Darbhanga House in New Delhi, located at 7 Man Singh Road, along with an adjoining property at 25 Akbar Road.
- Darbhanga House at 42 Chowringhee Street, Kolkata, which included a greenhouse donated to the Agri-Horticultural Garden at Alipur.
- Darbhanga Mansions on Carmichael Road, Mumbai, where the Income Tax Colony on Pedder Road also belonged to the royal family.
- Darbhanga House at Ranchi currently houses the head office of Central Coalfields Limited.
- Navlakha Palace in Patna, now donated to Patna University, which houses postgraduate departments and a Kali Temple.
- Other notable locations include Darbhanga House and Darbhanga Castle in Allahabad, Darbhanga House in Darjeeling, and several houses in Shimla, among others.
Darbhanga Fort
The Darbhanga Fort serves as another attraction, drawing visitors to its historical significance. Within the fort, only a few temples and a house for the family deity were constructed. The successors of the Darbhanga royal clan continue to reside within the fort, albeit in a nearly ruined house surrounded by mango trees.
Museums
Two notable museums in Darbhanga—Chandradhari Museum and Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh Museum—are located within the same campus near the railway station, just a five-minute walk away. These museums house an impressive collection of clothes, arms, coins, and artifacts donated by the royal family of Darbhanga.
Libraries
For those interested in ancient Indian culture and traditions, the European Library of Mithila University and the official library of Sanskrit University are invaluable resources. The library at Sanskrit University is renowned for its collection of around 5,500 ancient manuscripts covering subjects such as Epic, Philosophy, Vyakaran, Dharma Shastra, and Agam-Tantra.
Mangoes of Darbhanga
Lastly, Darbhanga is famous for its delicious Malda mangoes, thus establishing a rich tradition of mango cultivation. Although not much of the mango produce is exported, visitors can still find fresh, succulent mangoes directly picked from local orchards, embodying the agricultural richness of the area.
Darbhanga Maharaj Family Now
After a hiatus of 59 years, the Darbhanga Royal family has embarked on a significant initiative to restore the cultural heritage of the majestic Darbhanga Fort. This endeavor reflects their commitment to preserving the history and architectural grandeur of the fort, which has long been a symbol of the family’s legacy.
Restoration Efforts
Kumar Kapleswar Singh, the grandson of the last Darbhanga Maharaj, is leading the charge in the restoration efforts. He has taken proactive steps to revive the fort’s former glory, including the installation of an iron staircase and the procurement of hydraulic equipment to facilitate the restoration process.
This initiative not only aims to restore the physical structure of the fort but also seeks to rejuvenate its cultural significance within the community.
Family Engagement
The family remains actively engaged in various cultural and media-related endeavors:
- Kumud Singh, a descendant of the Darbhanga Maharaj family, serves as the editor of Esamaad.com, a weekly news portal focusing on Maithili language content. Through this platform, he contributes to the promotion of Maithili culture, literature, and current affairs, helping to keep the community informed and connected.
- Nandeshwar Singh, the father of one of the descendants, resides with his mother and relatives on a portion of the family estate in Bargoria. His presence on the estate signifies the continuity of the family’s lineage and their connection to the land associated with the Darbhanga royal heritage for generations.
- The family is also involved in various philanthropic activities, supporting educational institutions and health initiatives in the region. This aligns with the historical legacy of the Darbhanga Maharaj family, which has long been known for its contributions to education and public welfare.
In commemorating the life and legacy of Maharajadhiraj Kameshwar Singh Goutam Bahadur, we pay homage to a visionary leader, a benevolent philanthropist, and a custodian of princely grandeur whose imprint on history remains indelible.
From his pioneering initiatives in sports patronage to his unwavering commitment to education and cultural preservation, Maharaja Kameshwar Singh’s legacy continues to inspire generations. His vast contributions, from establishing educational institutions to fostering cultural revival in Mithila, reflect a deep sense of responsibility towards societal development.
His support for landholders, patronage of the arts, and dedication to philanthropy made him a visionary leader who was not only a monarch but a guardian of tradition and progress. Although some of his ambitious projects, such as the Raj Quila, remained incomplete due to political and legal challenges following India’s independence, Maharaja Kameshwar Singh’s enduring influence is still felt in the region.
His efforts in shaping modern Bihar and his contributions to the Constituent Assembly of India continue to resonate as a testament to his commitment to both his people and his country. His legacy as a leader, visionary, and philanthropist will be remembered for generations to come.
