Kamsundari Devi Remembered as the Last Maharani of Darbhanga
Kamsundari Devi, the last surviving Maharani of the historic Darbhanga royal family, passed away on January 12 at the age of 93. She breathed her last at Kalyani Niwas in Darbhanga, Bihar, the same ancestral residence that stood as a symbol of the region’s royal and cultural heritage. She had been unwell for several months, and her passing brings a silent close to an era that once defined Mithilanchal’s social and cultural identity.
Kamsundari Devi was more than a royal figure. For many in Darbhanga and nearby regions, she represented stability, dignity, and service. Even as royal influence faded over the decades, she continued to be respected for her conduct, simplicity, and commitment to public welfare. Her death is being seen not just as a personal loss to the family, but as a historical moment for Bihar.
Kamsundari Devi’s Life Rooted in Service and Responsibility
Born into royalty, Kamsundari Devi grew up during a time when princely states still held influence in India. However, her life changed significantly after independence, when royal privileges were gradually withdrawn. Instead of retreating into isolation, she adapted to the changing times with grace.
She remained closely connected to social causes, religious institutions, and charitable work in the Mithilanchal region. Locals recall her quiet involvement in education support, temple maintenance, and assistance to the underprivileged. She avoided public attention and rarely sought recognition, which only deepened the respect people had for her.
Kalyani Niwas, where she spent much of her later life, became a place associated with tradition rather than power. Visitors describe her as soft-spoken and approachable, despite her royal background. Her presence alone reminded many of a time when leadership was defined by responsibility rather than authority.
Kamsundari Devi and the End of a Royal Chapter in Mithilanchal
With Kamsundari Devi’s passing, the Darbhanga royal family’s direct link to its historical past has effectively ended. The Darbhanga Raj was once among the most influential zamindari estates in India, playing a major role in culture, education, and administration across North Bihar.
While modern governance replaced royal systems long ago, figures like Kamsundari Devi served as living reminders of that transition. She carried the memory of a royal household that had witnessed British rule, independence, and democratic India.
Many cultural historians believe her death closes a chapter that will now exist only in records and oral history. Younger generations know the Darbhanga royals mostly through textbooks and old buildings. Kamsundari Devi was one of the few remaining personal connections to that era.
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Following the news of her passing, messages of condolence came from political leaders, cultural figures, and local communities. Though no official ceremonies matched the scale of past royal traditions, the respect shown by ordinary people reflected her lasting influence. Also Read: Sridhar Vembu and a Divorce That Is Reshaping India’s Biggest Private Tech Fortune
Conclusion
Kamsundari Devi’s death is not just the loss of a person, but the quiet conclusion of a royal legacy rooted in dignity and service. As the last Maharani of Darbhanga, she lived through India’s greatest transitions and carried her role with restraint and grace. Her memory will remain part of Mithilanchal’s cultural history, long after the palaces stand silent.
