A pall of sadness engulfs Mithila as news breaks of Maharani Kamasundari Devi’s demise. The 92-year-old last queen of Darbhanga succumbed at Nargona Palace, concluding a life of quiet power and profound generosity.
Entering the royal fold through marriage to Maharaja Kameshwar Singh, she embodied resilience during India’s shift to democracy. Outliving her husband by over six decades, she stewarded the family’s trusts, directing funds to critical areas like women’s education and rural healthcare.
Her contributions extended to reviving Maithili language initiatives and supporting classical dance forms. Visitors to the palace recall her warmth during festivals, where she personally blessed attendees. Philanthropy was her creed; scholarships in her name continue to empower underprivileged youth.
Reactions were swift and heartfelt. Bihar’s cultural minister lauded her as a ‘living legend,’ while artists mourned the loss of their greatest patron. Streets in Darbhanga wore a deserted look, with shops downing shutters voluntarily.
Anticipating large crowds, authorities have arranged for her funeral at the ancestral ghat. In death, as in life, Kamasundari Devi unites Mithila in reverence. Her story—from palace princess to people’s benefactress—remains a testament to enduring nobility in modern India.