In a quiet corner of West Bengal stands a palace — grand, red, and full of whispers from another time. This is the Cooch Behar Rajbari, and behind it lies a royal legacy that shaped not just a town, but an entire chapter of Bengal’s history.
Ever wondered who lived inside those arched halls? Who ruled Cooch Behar before it became part of modern India? Let’s dive into the story of the royal family of Cooch Behar — from their powerful past to their present-day journey.
The royal lineage of Cooch Behar dates back to the 16th century, founded by Maharaja Biswa Singha, and flourished for hundreds of years. But the most well-known king was Maharaja Nripendra Narayan, who ruled in the late 1800s.
🌟 His legacy?
Building the Cooch Behar Palace, inspired by Buckingham Palace
Introducing English education, health reforms, and women’s rights
Marrying Suniti Devi, one of the most influential Maharani figures of the time
Together, they transformed Cooch Behar into a progressive princely state — modern yet rooted in tradition.
What made the Cooch Behar royals stand out wasn’t just their architecture or attire — it was their role in Bengal’s political and cultural evolution.
📖 Here’s how they left their mark:
Maharaja Nripendra Narayan was a reformer and visionary
Maharani Suniti Devi founded girls’ schools and fought for female education
The family was closely connected to British-ruled India but stayed proudly Bengali
One of the most fascinating links? Their daughter Princess Gayatri Devi, who went on to become the Queen of Jaipur and a globally admired royal figure.
Their reach and relevance weren’t limited to Cooch Behar — they influenced royalty across India.
So… where is the royal family of Cooch Behar today?
After Independence in 1949, Cooch Behar merged with the state of West Bengal. The royal title was dissolved, but the family continued to live in the region and maintain cultural ties.
🏠 The descendants now lead quieter lives, but they’re still respected locally.
📚 Some are involved in preserving the region’s history and heritage.
🎥 And yes — now and then, they’re featured in documentaries or interviews about India’s royal past.
While the Cooch Behar royal family now may not rule a kingdom, their legacy still shines through the palace walls, festivals like Rash Mela, and the pride of the local people.
The story of the Cooch Behar royals isn’t just about palaces and titles — it’s about progress, pride, and people who left behind more than just riches. They gave their town a heartbeat, a culture, and a history that still makes Cooch Behar feel special.
Want to walk through their world? Start with the full Cooch Behar Travel Guide: Palaces, Temples, and Local Gems — where you’ll find every royal corner waiting for you.
