Darbhanga, once the jewel of Mithila’s crown, has lost its final royal matriarch. Maharani Kamasundari Devi passed away peacefully at her Nargona Palace residence, aged 92, sending waves of sorrow across the region.
Her life story is intertwined with the Darbhanga dynasty’s rise and reinvention. Wedded to Maharaja Kameshwar Singh amid the turbulence of 1946, she navigated the transition from monarchy to republic with poise. The maharaja’s death in 1962 left her as the family’s anchor, managing estates and perpetuating philanthropy on an immense scale.
Renowned for her patronage, she funded universities, orphanages, and cultural centers, transforming royal privilege into societal upliftment. A connoisseur of Madhubani art, she promoted it globally, hosting exhibitions that showcased Mithila’s artistic prowess. Her annual Durga Puja celebrations were spectacles of devotion and community unity.
The announcement triggered an outpouring of grief. Schools closed, temples held prayer meetings, and leaders queued to offer respects. Historians note her role in preserving over 100 manuscripts in the palace library, safeguarding Mithila’s intellectual heritage.
With state honors, her cremation will follow Vedic rites tomorrow. As Darbhanga reflects on her 70+ years of service, questions arise about the palace’s future. Yet, in the faces of those she helped, her enduring impact is clear—a queen whose reign was defined by compassion, not just coronets.