Maharani Kamsundari Devi: Queen who gave 600 kg gold to the Indian Army passes away, leaving a legacy of patriotism and sacrifice

The death of Maharani Kamsundari Devi, the last surviving Maharani of the historic Darbhanga royal family, on Monday, January 12, at the age of 93, marks the end of a remarkable chapter in India’s royal and nationalist history. She breathed her last at Kalyani Niwas in Darbhanga, Bihar, after being unwell for several months. Revered across Mithilanchal, her life stood as a rare blend of royalty, restraint and resolute patriotism.

Must Read: Rani Lakshmibai’s 197th Birth Anniversary: MEET the Indian Army officer carrying forward a warrior Queen’s legacy

A Royal Lineage Rooted in Service

The Darbhanga Raj was among the most influential and culturally rich zamindaris of pre-Independence India, known for its patronage of education, Sanskrit scholarship, temples and social reform. Maharani Kamsundari Devi inherited not only royal privilege but also a deep sense of responsibility toward society. Even after the abolition of privy purses, she chose a quiet, dignified life, remaining deeply connected to the people of the region.

The 1962 War and a Golden Act of Patriotism

Maharani Kamsundari Devi’s most defining contribution came during the 1962 India-China war, a time when the nation faced one of its gravest military crises. 

Answering Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s appeal for national support, the Darbhanga royal family made an unprecedented gesture - donating nearly 600 kilograms of gold to the Indian Army. This extraordinary contribution significantly strengthened India’s defence fund and remains one of the largest individual wartime donations in Indian history. The family also offered three private aircraft and a 90-acre airstrip, which later evolved into the present-day Darbhanga Airport.

These acts transformed royal wealth into national strength, earning the Maharani enduring respect across generations. 

View this post on Instagram

Guardian of Culture and Compassion

Beyond wartime heroism, Maharani Kamsundari Devi quietly supported religious institutions, education, healthcare and local traditions in Mithila. She was widely admired for her humility, accessibility and compassion - qualities that made her more than a royal figurehead, but a moral pillar of the region.

Also Read: World's richest woman's net worth, way more than Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Mukesh Ambani and more combined!

An Enduring Legacy

With her passing, an era of principled royalty draws to a close. Yet Maharani Kamsundari Devi’s legacy - forged in gold, sacrifice and service to the nation - continues to inspire. In a time when patriotism was tested, she chose to give, not guard, her treasures, proving that true royalty lies not in crowns, but in conscience.