|
|
|||||
|
||||||
|
||||||
 |
Coochbehar History
Archeological records indicate that the medieval history of Cooch Behar dates back to the Pala-Senas period in 11-12th century A.D. Sculptures, coins, temples and mosques in the area proves this fact and the remains found at Rajpat, Dinhata, exposes the ancient capital of Kamtapur ruled by the Khen kings. It is believed that deep within the mound at Rajpat, which is presently protected by the Archeological Survey of India, lays the palaces of Kamtapur and the Kamteswari Temple.
The legacy of the Narayan Dynasty can be found in the royal palaces, buildings and temples built by the successive kings in Cooch Behar; for instance, the Rajbari Palace, and other heritage buildings were erected during the rule of these kings. Nearby Places Buxa Tiger Reserve < > Gorumara Park < > Jaldapara <> Jalpaguri <> Malbazar <> Rasikbil
|
|
It
is believed that the ancient Koch kingdom of Cooch Behar was known as
‘Kamta’ and the kings called themselves ‘Kamteshwar’
or the lords of Kamta.
The
Narayan dynasty was formed on the ruins of the Kingdom of Kamrup, established
by the first Maharaja, Chandan Narayan in 1510 A.D.; he was of Koch and
Mech descent. After him, his successor to the throne, Maharaja Vishnu
Narayan and his son Maharaja Nara Narayan expanded the empire by conquering
vast areas of land in the region.
The
royal families of Cooch Behar were heavily influenced by British culture,
tradition and education and enjoyed great privileges from Queen Victoria.
This trend was made popular, especially, by Maharaja Nripendra Bahadur
Narayan who ruled Cooch Behar from 1863 – 1911; two of his daughters
married Europeans and all his children was educated in England. The family
belonged to the Rajbanshi and was very cultured, modern and broad-minded
in their views; they actively promoted social reforms and Indian literature
in India and the European countries.