Maharajadhiraj Kameshwar Singh: The Final Monarch of Darbhanga and India’s Third Wealthiest Individual

The Maharaja of Darbhanga: A Legacy of Leadership, Innovation, and Philanthropy

The last Maharaja of Darbhanga, Maharajadhiraj Sir Kameshwar Singh Goutam Bahadur, was a man of many talents and accomplishments. Born in 1907 to Maharaja Sir Rameshwar Singh Goutam, Kameshwar Singh was destined for greatness from a young age. He was home-schooled by an English lady and ascended to the throne of Darbhanga Raj in 1929 at the age of 23, following his father’s death.

The royal family of Darbhanga lived a life of luxury and opulence, as Darbhanga Raj was the largest landed estate in the states of Bihar and Orissa. Under the rule of the Khandaval dynasty of Maithil Brahmins, Darbhanga witnessed significant historical events during Kameshwar Singh’s reign.

Kameshwar Singh was not just a ruler, but also a prominent figure in both politics and industry. He was the third richest man in India and was invited to participate in discussions on the constitutional future of British India during the Round Table Conferences in London. One of his most notable achievements was commissioning celebrated artist Clare Sheridan to create the bust of Mahatma Gandhi, making him the first Indian to do so. This bust was presented to the Viceroy of India, Lord Linlithgow, to be displayed at Government House (present-day Rashtrapati Bhawan).

In addition to his political endeavors, Kameshwar Singh was a successful industrialist. He expanded the business inherited from his father, venturing into sectors such as sugar, jute, print newspaper, and electricity. He even established Darbhanga Aviation, a private airline service, in 1950, although it ceased operations in 1962. Kameshwar Singh also owned two leading dailies, The Indian Nation and Aryavart, published in English and Hindi respectively from Patna.

His contributions extended beyond politics and industry to sports as well. He founded the All India Football Federation in Darbhanga in 1935 and initiated the Darbhanga Cup Tournament. Under his patronage, four stadiums were built, showcasing his commitment to promoting sports and physical fitness among the youth.

The royal family of Darbhanga was known for its lavish lifestyle and extravagant possessions. Kameshwar Singh’s personal collection of jewelry was said to rival that of the Nizam of Hyderabad. One of his most prized possessions was the Riviere diamond necklace once owned by Marie Antoinette, Queen of France. The necklace, crafted with 29 graduating stones and 13 pear-shaped pendants, was auctioned at Sotheby’s London in 1937, garnering widespread attention and acclaim.

Kameshwar Singh’s philanthropic efforts were also noteworthy. He advocated for equitable compensation to individuals affected by the abolition of the zamindari system and supported various charitable causes throughout his lifetime.

Overall, Maharajadhiraj Sir Kameshwar Singh Goutam Bahadur left behind a legacy of leadership, innovation, and philanthropy that continues to inspire generations to this day. His contributions to politics, industry, sports, and the arts have left an indelible mark on the history of Darbhanga and the nation as a whole.