Palaces,Temples of Darbhanga Raj
Palaces are the most important attractions in Darbhanga.Just a kilometre from the bus
and train terminals,most of the palaces are located inside a walled campus.There are plenty
of temples dedicated to Kali and Durga, built by erstwhile kings of Darbhanga. Major temples
include Shyama Kali temple and Kankali temple, the latter being the family deity of the
Khandavala dynasty.
Several temples were constructed by Raj Darbhanga at the site where the Maharajas of
Darbhanga were cremated. An interesting fact of these temples was that till the decade of
1980s, jackals use to come to the complex every evening and were offered food by the priests
of the temples. However, due to rapid urbanisation of Darbhanga town, especially in areas
around these temples, the jackals do not come to the complex any longer.
The Madheshwar temple and laxmeshwari Tara Mandir are among the compulsory pilgrim
stops in the city, as also the Ram Sita Mandir, built by Maharaja Chhatra Singh Bahadur in 1817,
at Ahiari village outside Darbhanga.
Darbhanga has several palaces built during the Darbhanga Raj. Darbhanga town was reconstructed on modern lines in
1881 with wide, tree-lined roads with spacious bungalows alongside. The town ship was rebuilt after the
devastation of the 1934 earthquake.
Laxmeshwar Vilas Palace
Also known as Anandbag Palace, this palace was severely
damaged in 1934 earthquake. It was rebuilt. The interiors of its elegant durbar hall is modelled on the
interiors of Louis XVI's Palace in Versailles. This palace was donated to Kameshwar Singh Sanskrit
University. The durbar hall is now the Senate hall of Sanskrit University.
Nargauna Palace
Nargauna Palace, the residential quarters of the last Maharaja,was constructed after the earthquake of 1934. The building was built using the best technology for prevention of damages resulting from earthquakes. It now houses L N Mithila University.
Rambag Palace
It is situated inside Darbhanga's own 'Red fort' and is the oldest palace in Darbhanga. A
modern hotel has now come up on the fort premises.
Bela Palace
Built for Raja Bisheshwar Singh (Raja Bahadur), younger brother of Maharaja Kameshwar
Singh, it is the best preserved palace. It was taken over by the Government of India and now a
Postal Training College is situated in the palace.
Dilkhush Bag
It is situated inside the Darbhanga Fort. It is one of the two palaces inside the fort. It is
almost in ruins now.
Moti Mahal
Moti Mahal was destroyed in the earthquake of 1934. It was not rebuilt. Only one room
of Moti Mahal exists today
The European Guest House
A palatial structure on the Raj campus, it now houses the Makhana Research Institute.
Mahatma Gandhi stayed here during his visits to Darbhanga.
The Raj secretariat, another impressive building on the campus, now houses the office of
L N Mithila University. The ruins of the palace complex at Rajnagar in Madhubani district is
another place worth a visit. On way to Rajnagar, one can also view the palace at Bhouara on
the outskirts of Madhubani. |
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