The cultural heartland of Mithila is draped in grief following the death of Kamasundari Devi, the last Maharani of Darbhanga. At 92, she leaves behind a legacy of royal benevolence that defined an entire region for decades.
Kamasundari Devi’s journey began in a prominent family, leading to her marriage with the iconic Maharaja Kameshwar Singh. Post-independence, as titles faded, she became the living symbol of Darbhanga’s grandeur. From the opulent halls of Nargona Palace, she oversaw initiatives in healthcare, schooling, and the arts, channeling the family’s vast wealth into public good.
A devout follower of tradition, she championed Maithili culture through endowments to poets, musicians, and scholars. Her personal involvement in festivals like Chhath Puja and Kali Puja drew thousands, blending royalty with the people’s devotion. In an age of change, she stood as a custodian of Mithila’s painting traditions and folk arts.
Tributes poured in from across Bihar and beyond. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences, calling her ‘Mithila’s mother.’ Social media buzzed with anecdotes of her kindness, from funding weddings for the poor to mentoring young artists.
As preparations for her final rites unfold, the palace gates remain open for mourners. Her departure closes a chapter on India’s princely past, but her contributions to education and culture ensure her spirit lives on. Mithila’s queen has ascended, yet her influence remains etched in the land she loved.
