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Mukesh Kumar Srivastava, Darbhanga. Darbhanga Raj: There was no dearth of royal families in India, but the identity of Darbhanga Raj was always based on compassion, charity and patriotism more than power or glory. Even after the advent of democracy, Darbhanga Raj has been at the forefront among the royal families which people remember with respect and honour.
The biggest reason for this was late Kameshwar Singh, the last and 20th Maharajadhiraja of Tirhut State. Who left behind a tradition which became such a symbol of charity that it was recorded in golden letters in history.
Dedicated not only life but also legacy to the country
Maharajadhiraj Kameshwar Singh dedicated every moment of his life to education, culture, social welfare and national interest. During World War II, he showed his patriotism by donating three fighter planes and 50 ambulances to the country.
This is because the Indian soldiers who fought on behalf of the British in the Great War faced minimal problems, but the most unique example of Darbhanga Raj's charity came to light after his death. When the executor looking after his estate also followed the same path.
After the demise of Maharajadhiraj on 01 October 1962, the country was once again going through a crisis. The India-China war had posed a big challenge to the nation. At such a time, the Darbhanga royal family and the executors of the trust gave priority to the national interest above personal interest.
Airstrips, planes and entire treasury in the name of the country
Among the three executors who were entrusted with the responsibility of looking after the property under the will of Maharajadhiraj, the prominent name was the then Chief Justice of Patna High Court, Laxmikant Jha. Under his leadership, a historic decision was taken that the property of Darbhanga Raj would be used for national defence.
First of all, the luxury aircraft of the royal family along with the airstrips of Darbhanga (90 acres), Purnia and Cooch Behar were handed over to the Government of India. Today there are Indian Air Force airbases at all three places. Darbhanga Airport is also being operated for civil aviation under the UDAN scheme.
Golden chapter of gold donation history
After this came the moment which took Darbhanga Raj to the pinnacle of charity. 15 maunds i.e. about 600 kg of gold was publicly donated to the country in the premises of Indra Temple of Darbhanga Raj Complex.
It is said that this decision was taken on 3 November 1962 and on 10 January 1963, the then Finance Minister Morarji Desai himself reached Darbhanga. The gold of the entire treasury was weighed in front of him and was dedicated to the defense fund. At that time, a total of about 15 maunds of gold was given to the government, the echo of which reached the national and international media.
There was criticism, but history gave the answer.
There were also criticisms on this historic decision. Some people accused Laxmikant Jha that he took this decision in the desire to become the Chairman of the Law Commission. But time rejected these allegations.
Raman Dutt Jha, former development officer of the Legislative Council and researcher of Darbhanga Raj, says that Laxmikant Jha was the first Indian citizen who became the Chief Justice of Patna High Court. He maintained both the dignity of the royal family and the interest of the country equally.
Donation in the presence of the Queen
The news of donation of 15 maunds i.e. 600 kg of gold was published on the front page in a reputed English newspaper of that time. It is preserved even today as documentary evidence. In the news, there is also mention of the presence of both the queens i.e. Queen Rajlakshmi and the third Queen Kam Sundari Devi at the time of gold donation. This proves that there was no dispute regarding this donation.
Wills, trusts and equitable distribution of property
Maharajadhiraj had prepared a will on 5 July 1961 to look after his property. In this, Mukund Jha, Girindra Mohan Mishra and Justice Laxmikant Jha were appointed executors, keeping the first Maharani Rajalakshmi and the third Maharani Kam Sundari Devi from their rights. This arrangement was made because all three queens had no children.
The second queen Kameshwari Priya died during the lifetime of the Maharaja. After the death of Maharaj, the responsibility was handed over to a three-member team. Under the will, the executor had to hand over all the things to the trustees after completing his work.
Meanwhile Laxmikant Jha died on 3 March 1978. After this, the Kolkata High Court appointed two retired judges Justice SA Masood and Shishir Kumar Mukherjee as administrators.
A part also for public interest
In his presence, the document of current assets and outstanding was prepared and handed over to the then trustees Dwarkanath Jha, Madan Mohan Mishra and Kamnath Jha on 26 May 1979. Under this, the Supreme Court gave its approval on 15 October 1987 to the family settlement filed on 27 March 1987. Under this, property was divided among the families. In this, a part was also kept reserved for public interest.
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