The legend of Mithila extends over many centuries. Both Gautama Buddha and Vardamana Mahavira are said to have lived in Mithila. It also formed the center of Indian history during the first millennium, and has contributed to various literary and scriptural works.
The name Mithila is derived after Mythical King 'Miti'. He was supposed to have been created from body of his father King Nimi. He established the capital of his kingdom at Mithilapuri and hence the region came to be called Mithila. Since he was born out of body of his father, he took the title Janaka. After this, the Kings of Mithila were called Janaka. The most famous Janaka was Kushadhwaja, father of Sita. He was 21st Janaka of Mithila. This Dynasty was also called Videha Janaka. There were 57 kings in the dynasty of Videha Janaka.
Ancient History and Myths
The most important reference to Mithila is in the Hindu epic, Ramayana where Lord Rama's wife Sita is said to have been the princess of the land, born to King Janaka, who ruled Mithila from Janakpur. Other famous kings of Mithila during ancient period are King Bhanumath, Satghumanya, Suchi, Urjnama, Satdhwya, Kriti, Anjan, Arisnami, Srutayu, Supasyu, Suryasu, Srinjay, Sourmabi, Anena, Bhimrath, Satyarath, Upangu, Upgupt, Swagat, Snanand, Subrachya, Supraswa, Subhasn, Suchurut, Susurath, Jay, Vijay, Critu, Suny, Vith Habya, Dwati, Bahulaswa, Kriti Tirtiya.It is said that the last king of Janak Dynasty was of bad character. He was dethroned by public under leadership of Acharyas (Learned Men). Thereafter, Mithila remained without king for hundreds of years. Instead of king, a democratic system was followed were the ruler was elected by the people and the decisions were taken in a collective manner. In fact, Mithila may be referred as the first democracy of the world. This continued for several centuries till the region was attacked and conquered by Magadh empire.
Thereafter several dynasties such as Vajjisangh, Lichhavi, Shaishunaga, Nanda, Maurya, Sunga, Kant, Gupta, Vardhan etc. ruled there from time to time. There was no significant ruler in Mithila after Janaks till 5th–6th century when Jaywardhan Raja Salhesh became the king. He made his capital at Mahisautha-Sirha (presently in Nepal). He defended the region against attacks by Tibetans several times. Hence, he was called Shailesh (king of Mountains) from Jaywardhan which in local dialect was called Salhesh.
In the Medieval & Modern History of India, Mithila has never been ruled as a separate state. Till the 14th century, Mithila being a part of erstwhile Bengal, was ruled by Bengal Kings. Later on, after fall of Bengal to Muslim Rulers, Mithila became a part of Ghulam/Tuglaq/Mughal kingdoms. Starting with the Oinwara dynasty, all the rulers of Mithila listed hereunder were not independent kings. Their status was more or less of Rent paying Rajas/ Subedars/Jamindars despite the fact that several of them were granted the Titles of Raja/ Maharaja/Maharajadiraj by Muslim/English Rulers.
Around 6th century to 9th century (Pal Dynasty)
Mithila, being part of erstwhile Bengal, was ruled by Pal Dynasty for three centuries. Pal Dynasty were followers of Buddhism.The last king of Pal Dynasty was Madanpal. Madanpal proved to be a weak king and was defeated by Adishur Samant Sen's army.Around 9th century to 11th century (Sen Dynasty)
Sen Dynatsy were followers of Hinduism and hence people of Mithila, being followers of Hinduism, helped Samant Sen in defeating Madanpal. Mithila thus came under the rule of Sen Dynasty. Eminent scholar Vachaspati Mishra (from Village Thardhi in Madhubani district) was from this period, Sen Dynasty had five kings - Samant Sen, Hemant Sen, Vijay Sen, Vallal Sen and Laxman Sen (until the 11th century).Around 11th century to 14th century (Deva Dynasty)
Nanya Deva defeated the last King of Sen Dynasty, Laxman Sen and became King of Bengal and thereby Mithila which till bifurcation of Bihar from Bengal was a part of that State. Nanya Deva had come from west and had his first capital at Simraun Garh (Birganj).Krnat Dynasty also had five kings namely Nanya Dev, Gang Dev, Narshingh Dev, Shakrasingh Dev and Hari Singh Dev. Of these Hari Singh Dev became the most famous. He was instrumental in initiating and implementing PANJI Prabandha system in Maithil Brahmins and Maithil Kayasthas (Karn Kayasthas).There capital was Kamaldalan(kamladityastahn)present andhra tharhi. He was also great patron of art and literature. In the court of Hari Singh Dev the Royal Priest was Pt. Kameshwar Thakur the author of 'VARNA RATNAKAR', which is considered to be the first prose, an encyclopedia in any north Indian language. Pt. Kameshwar Thakur later became founder of Oinwar Dynasty.
Kings from 1326AD to 1526 (Oinwar Dynasty)
In 1326, Firoz Shah Tughlak attacked and conquered Mithila region. The last king of Karnat Dynasty Harisingh Dev fled to Nepal. According to historian Dr. Upendra Thakur anarchy prevailed in Mithila region for next 27 years. In 1353 Firoz Shah Tughlak appointed Pt. Kameshwar Thakur as KARAD RAJA (rent paying king). Kameshwar Thakur belonged to village named Oini, which is presently in SAMASTIPUR District. The dynasty was named after the village Oini as Oinwar Dynasty. Kameshwar Thakur, being of scholarly nature, was unable to collect and pay tax to Firoz Shah Tughlak. Thus, Kameshwar Thakur was dethroned and his son, Bhogishwar Thakur was made next King of Mithila region. This dynasty was one of the few ruling dynasties of India who were Brahmins. Thereafter, the Mithila region had Kings from Brahmin caste only.The list kings of Oinwar Dynasty is as under:
- Kameshwar Thakur
- Bhogishwar Thakur
- Ganeshwar Singh
- Kirti Singh
- Bhavesh Thakur (also known as Bhav Singh) – He was younger son of Kameshwar Thakur. Since Kirti Singh died issueless, the kingdom passed over to Bhavesh Thakur.
- Dev Singh
- Shiv Singh – He declared himself to be independent King and stopped paying taxes to Tughlak empire. Due to his decision to challenge authority of Tughlaks empire, Ibrahim Shah Tughlak attacked Mithila. In the battle, Shiv Singh was killed.
- Padma Singh – He was younger brother of Shiv Singh.
- Queen Bishwas Devi – Padma Singh died issueless at an early age. After his death, his wife Queen Bishwas Devi ruled Mithila region, but she too died soon after taking over reign of Mithila.
- Hari Singh – He was cousin of Padma Singh. Since Padma Singh died issueless, the throne passed to Hari Singh.
- Nar Singh
- Dhir Singh (ruled 1459–1480)
- Bhairav Singh (ruled 1480–1515) - He was a very popular king and initiated several development works like digging of ponds construction of roads, wells, temples, etc. He was a great patron of art and culture as well.
- Rambhadra Singh Dev
- Laxminath Singh Dev – He was the last King of OINWAR dynasty. Sikandar Lodhi attacked Mithila region in 1526 and Maharaja Laxminath Singh Dev was killed in the ensuing battle.
1526–1577 - Period of Anarchy
Sikandar Lodhi made his son-in-law, Alauddin, the ruler of this area. During this period, Mogul Empire was beginning to take its root in Delhi. Alauddin was not a successful ruler and for next 50 years, anarchy prevailed in Mithila region.When Akbar became emperor, he tried to bring normalcy to Mithila region. He came to the conclusion that only after a Maithil Brahmin was made King, peace can prevail and rent can be collected in Mithila. In 1577, Emperor Akbar declared Pt. Mahesh Thakur as the ruler of Mithila. Pt. Mahesh Thakkur was of the mool 'Kharaure Bhaur' and hence that dynasty was called 'Khandwala Kul' and the capital was made in the northwest of Sarisab-Pahi and Rajgram.
1577–1947 – Khandavala Dynasty
- Raja Mahesh Thakur (expired 1558).
- Raja Gopal Thakur He was eldest Son of Raja Mahesh Thakur. He died suddenly and was king for a very small period only.
- Raja Parmanand Thakur He was second son of Raja Mahesh Thakur. He too ruled for a brief period before his death.
- Raja Subhankar Thakur (expired 1607) - He was fifth son of Raja Mahesh Thakur.
- Raja Purushottam Thakur (ruled - 1607–1623) (expired 1623). He was son of Raja Shubhankar Thakur. He was killed in 1623.
- Raja Narayan Thakur (ruled 1623–1642)
- Raja Sundar Thakur (ruled 1642–1662) (expired 1662).
- Raja Mahinath Thakur (ruled 1662–1684) (expired 1684).
- Raja Nirpat Thakur (ruled 1684–1700) (expired 1700).
- Raja Raghu Singh (ruled 1700–1736) (expired 1736) - Raja Raghu Singh obtained lease of whole of Sarkar Tirhut including Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur at an annual rent of Rs.100,000, which was a huge amount at that time. The annual revenue of Sarkar Tirhut in 1685 AD was officially returned at Rs.7,69,287. At one time, during reign of Raja Raghu Singh, Nawab Mahabat Jung, Nawab Subahdar of Behar, got jealous of the wealth of Raja Raghu Singh and imprisoned his family at Patna. Raghu Singh escaped capture and later succeeded in getting the estate back along with large grant with Mughal Governor on the condition that "Do Justice, Relieve Distress, And Put The Country In Flourishing Condition. This condition was fulfilled by Raja Raghu Singh and subsequent Maharajas of Darbhanga. He built a mud fort at Bhawara near Madhubani.
- Raja Bishnu Singh (ruled 1736–1740) (expired 1740).
- Raja Narendra Singh (ruled 1740–1760) (expired 1760). Raja Narendra Singh died issueless. He adopted Raja Pratap Singh, great great grandson of Narayan Thakur, son of Raja Shubhankar Thakur, younger brother of Raja Sundar Thakur as his successor.
- Raja Pratap Singh (ruled 1760–1776) (expired 1776). Raja Pratap Singh built Rajbari at Darbhanga and shifted the capital to Darbhanga from Bhawara.
- Raja Madho Singh (ruled - 1776–1808) (expired 1808). He was younger brother of Raja Pratap Singh and succeeded Raja Pratap Singh upon his death. In 1776, Raja Madho Singh received grant of Dharampur in District of Purnea, Bihar from Shah Alam, Mughal Emperor of Delhi. Raja Madho Singh had a long dispute with British Government over revenue payment and extent of his right over the land.
- Maharaja Chhatra Singh Bahadur (ruled 1808–1839) (expired 1839). He was second son of Raja Madho Singh. He was first in the family to hold the title of Maharaja Bahadur. Maharaja Chhatra Singh made over his estate and title to his eldest son Maharaja Rudra Singh Bahadur on ground of old age in 1839. He died a few days later after coronation of Maharaja Rudra Singh Bahadur.
- Maharaja Rudra Singh Bahadur (ruled 1839–1850) (expired 1850). After death of Maharaja Chhatra Singh Bahadur, younger brothers of Maharaja Rudra Singh Bahadur were involved in a long litigation for succession to the estate. It was ultimately held by High Court of Calcutta that ordinary Hindu Law of Succession can not apply in this case and the Raj Darbhanga family would have to follow the family custom or Kulachar. Accordingly, Maharaja Rudra Singh Bahadur being the eldest son of Maharaja Chhatra Singh Bahadur was declared to be Maharaja of Darbhanga. This permanently settled the issue of succession and thereafter the succession was based upon primogeniture..
- Maharaja Maheshwar Singh Bahadur (ruled 1850–1860) (expired 1860). Maharaja Maheshwar Singh Bahadur ruled for ten years. He expired in the month of October 1860 leaving behind two sons - Lakshmeshwar Singh and Rameshwar Singh, both of whom became Maharajas of Darbhanga later.
- Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh Bahadur (ruled 1860–1898) (born - September 25, 1858 – died December 17, 1898). Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh was a known philanthropist. His statue was installed in Calcutta in 1904 at Dalhousie Square as a tribute to him. Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh Bahadur was a minor at time of death of his father and thus Raj Darbhanga was placed under Court of Ward. He was the first Maharaja of Darbhanga who received western education. He was taught by a British tutor - Mr. Chester Mcnaughton. After attaining majority, Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh Bahadur took over the reins of Raj Darbhanga. He entirely devoted himself to public work and was recognized as one of the greatest nobles and philanthropists of India at that time.
- Maharaja Rameshwar Singh Bahadur (ruled 1898–1929) (born - January 16, 1860 – died July 3, 1929). Maharaja Rameshwar Singh Bahadur became Maharaja of Darbhanga after death of his elder brother Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh Bahadur, who died issueless. He was appointed to the Indian Civil Service in 1878, serving as assistant magistrate successively at Darbhanga, Chhapra and Bhagalpur. He was exempted from attendance at the Civil Courts. He was appointed a Member of the Legislative Council of Bengal (MLC of Bengal) in 1885. He was also a Member of Council of Governor General of India in 1899 and 1904, President of Bihar Landholder's Association, President of All India Landholder's Association, President of Bharat Dharma Mahamandal, Member of Council of State, Trustee of Victoria Memorial, Calcutta, President of Hindu University Society, M.E.C. of Bihar and Orissa, Member of Indian Police Commission (1902–03). He was awarded the Kaiser-i-Hind medal in 1900. He was the only member of India Police Commission who dissented with the report and suggested that the recruitment to the Indian Police Services should be through a single exam only to be conducted in India and Britain simultaneously. Further as per his suggestion the recruitment should be without any basis colour or nationality. This suggestion was rejected by the India Police Commission.
- Maharaja Kameshwar Singh Bahadur (ruled 1929–1947 i.e. till independence of India on 15 August 1947 when all the kingdoms merged with Union of India). (born - November 28, 1907 – died November 8, 1962). He was member of the Council of State 1933–1946, Member of the Constituent Assembly 1947–1952 and the Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) 1952–1958 and 1960–1962.He was the first person in India to get a bust of Mahatma Gandhi made by celebrated artist and niece of Winston Churchill—Clare Sheriden. The bust was presented to the then viceroy of India Lord Linlithgow to be displayed in Government House (now Rashtrapati Bhawan). This was acknowledged by Mahatma Gandhi in a letter to Lord Linlithgow in 1940.
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