Darbhanga: Kam Sundari Devi, the last Maharani of Darbhanga and the final surviving woman in India to hold the royal title of Maharani, passed away on Monday morning at the age of 96. She had been unwell for a long time and died peacefully at her residence, Kalyani Niwas, situated inside the historic Raj complex in Darbhanga, Bihar. Her death has marked the end of a unique era, as she was the last living symbol of India’s princely past in the modern republic.
Born into a time when royal families played a central role in public life, Kam Sundari Devi was married in 1940 to Maharaja Kameshwar Singh of Darbhanga, one of the most respected and influential rulers of his time. She was his third wife; his first two wives, Maharani Kameshwari Priya and Maharani Rajlakshmi, had passed away earlier. Even after India gained independence and royal titles lost official status, Kam Sundari Devi continued to be held in high regard by people across Mithilanchal, who saw her as a figure of dignity, tradition and grace.
The news of her passing has spread a deep sense of sorrow throughout the Mithilanchal region. People from different walks of life have expressed their condolences, and several senior officials, including the sub-divisional officer, visited the Raj complex to pay their respects. The Bihar government has announced that her last rites will be conducted with state honours, recognising her historical and cultural importance. Preparations are currently under way, and the final ceremonies will be held after the arrival of her grandson, Rajkumar Kapileshwar Singh.
Apart from her royal identity, Kam Sundari Devi was known for her work in social welfare and public service. In memory of her husband, she founded the Maharajadhiraj Kameshwar Singh Kalyani Foundation, which aimed to keep the Maharaja’s legacy alive and accessible to the general public. Through this foundation and her personal efforts, she supported initiatives in education, healthcare and social welfare. Her life reflected a quiet commitment to service rather than display, and her death has left behind a legacy of compassion, responsibility and respect that will be remembered long after the rituals are complete.
