History Of Darbhanga and its Cultural Significance.

Darbhanga : “Heart of Mithilanchal”

Darbhanga is located in the Mithila region of North Bihar and one of the oldest cities in India, popularly known as “Heart of Mithilanchal” and “Cultural Capital of Bihar”. Darbhanga is the 5th largest city and municipal corporation in Bihar & serves as the headquarters of the Darbhanga district & Darbhanga division.

Darbhanga is historically the capital of the Mithila region, considered as a core center for the Maithili language & culture. Maithili language, spoken in mithila region of Bihar & nepal is supposed as sweetest language in the world. Darbhanga is steeped in rich history & culture with several remarkable royal palaces, Darbhanga fort, historical monuments, beautiful ponds, Religious Sites & exotic wildlife that stand as testaments to its rich cultural heritage.

Here’s a more detailed look at Darbhanga’s history:

Origin of the name:

Darbhanga has been named after its principal town and headquarter, which is assumed to be founded by Darbhangi Khan, who was military head of Tuglaq forces stationed at Urdu. It is also believed that the name Darbhanga was derived from “Dwar-Banga” which is the combination of two words, “Dwar” (Gate) & “Banga” (Bengal) that literally means ‘Gateway of Bengal’. It has also been noticed that Maithili & Bengali both languages have some phonetic similarities.

History of Darbhanga:

Ancient Origins:

Darbhanga boasts a rich history rooted in the ancient Mithila region, dates back to the Ramayana & Mahabharata periods, with King Janak, Sita’s father, who was king of Mithila (modern-day Darbhanga). which is now evolved into a cultural and educational hub.

Kingdom of Videhas:

Darbhanga was historically part of the kingdom of Videhas during the Ramayana period, ruled by the wise King Janak, father of Sita.

British Rule

Under British rule, Darbhanga was part of Sarkar of Tirhut until 1875, later known as Darbhanga raj.

Darbhanga Raj:

Darbhanga was the capital of the Darbhanga Raj, also known as Raj Darbhanga, an estate established in the 16th century and contains the Anandbagh palace. It was ruled by the Khandaval dynasty of Maithil Brahmins from 1577 until India’s Independence.

Mahesh Thakur:

Mughal Emperor Akbar granted the Darbhanga Raj, to Mahesh Thakur, a scholar and ruler of Mithila in the 16th century. His Family is known as Khandavala Family (Richest Landlord) also known as Royal Family of Darbhanga.

Maharaja Kameshwar Singh:

Maharaja Kameshwar Singh Bahadur was the last Maharaja of Darbhanga, ruled from 1929 to 1947 till independence of India.

Modern Darbhanga:

Darbhanga is known as the “Heart of Mithilanchal” & the 5th largest city in Bihar, It is a vibrant cultural hub and educational center in Bihar.

Rich Cultural Tapestry:

Darbhanga is the land of rich cultural Significance, Linguistic Diversity, Literature, strong musical heritage, Traditions, prominent folk art, Justice and Philosophy for centuries. Also known as “Cultural Capital of Bihar”. Darbhanga is a hub for Maithili, hindi, Sanskrit & urdu language and a center for music (particularly dhrupad), Folk Art (Mithila painting or Madhubani art) & Literature contributing to the rich cultural tapestry.

Educational Hub:

Darbhanga is home to several educational institutions, including Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga Medical College, Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University, CM Science College, CM college.

Maithili language:

Darbhanga is “Heart of Mithila” & known for its patronage of Maithili culture and language. Maithili language, spoken in this region of Bihar & nepal is supposed as sweetest language in the world.

Geographical Area:

Darbhanga is situated in the fertile, alluvial plains of North India & considered an important city in North Bihar, bounded by Madhubani district in the north, Saharsa district in the east, Samastipur district in the south, and Sitamarhi & Muzaffarpur district in the west. Darbhanga is lying between the lower ranges of the Himalays & the Ganges River.

Darbhanga Tourism:

Darbhanga’s historical and cultural heritage attracts tourists, with royal palaces, darbhanga fort, beautiful ponds, historical sites & ancient temples constructed by Maharaja Kameshwar Singh being major attractions in the city.

Darbhanga Fort:

Darbhanga Fort, also known as Raj Quila & Rambagh Fort was built in the early 20th century by Maharaja Kameshwar Singh Bahadur. The fort symbolises the rich Maithili culture & was once the stately abode of the Darbhanga Raj family.

Anandbagh Palace:

Anandbagh Palace was constructed during the reign of Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh in the 1880s. It is a notable example of the tapestry of architectural marvels of the Darbhanga Raj.

List of Historical and Religious Sites in Darbhanga

• Darbhanga Fort
• Shyama Mandir
• Chandradhari Museum
• Kankali Mandir
• Anand Bagh Palace
• Nargona Palace
• Bela Palace
• Ahilya Asthan
• Kusheshwar Asthan
• Nawadah Durga-sthan
• Mahinam-Mahadeo-sthan
• Manokamna Mandir
• Madhweshar Mandir
• Bela Durga Mandir
• Kali Temple
• Lakshmivilas Palace
• Rambag Palace