Hemanta Kumari Debi
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Maharani Hemanta Kumari Devi | |
|---|---|
 Puthia Rajbari, the residence of Maharani Hemanta Kumari Devi | |
| Born | 1869 |
| Died | 11 July 1942 (aged 72–73) |
| Citizenship |  Bangladesh |
| Known for | Zamindar of Puthia |
| Spouse | Jatindra Narayan |
Maharani Hemanta Kumari Devi (1276 [Bengali calendar]; 1869 AD – 27 Asharh 1349 [Bengali calendar]; 11 July 1942 AD) was a Bengali philanthropist. She was born in Dhulla village, Manikganj district, Bangladesh. She is particularly remembered for her significant contributions to the development of Rajshahi city. For her philanthropic work, she was awarded the title of Maharani. While residing in Varanasi, she fell gravely ill and died.[1][2]
Zamindar of Puthia Maharani Sharatsundari Devi's son, Jatindra Narayan, married Hemanta Kumari Devi, the daughter of prominent Dhaka district zamindar Bhuvanmohan Roy, in 1880. Due to unhealthy habits, Jatindra Narayan developed various illnesses and eventually died in 1883.[3] Later, during her final years, Maharani Hemanta Kumari Devi's mother-in-law, Maharani Sharatsundari, became distressed by various issues and moved to Varanasi, India, where she died in 1886. Following these events, Hemanta Kumari Devi assumed responsibility for the Puthia zamindari at the young age of 18.[2]
Zamindari responsibility
Taking advantage of Maharani Hemanta Kumari's youth, real control of the zamindari passed into the hands of her father, Bhuvanmohan, and her uncle, Bhairab Chandra. After Bhuvanmohan died in 1890, Bhairab Roy took over the responsibilities of the estate. In 1895, Maharani Hemanta Kumari's only daughter, Princess Surendra Bala, was married to Bishweshwar Sanyal.[1] Unfortunately, Princess Surendra Bala died just 10 years after her marriage in 1905. For her numerous contributions, Maharani Hemanta Kumari was awarded the title of "Rani" during Lord Curzon's tenure in 1901, and later, in 1920, she was honored with the title of "Maharani" during Lord Arwin's period. Maharani Hemanta Kumari Devi died in 1942. In 1950, a nationwide movement against the zamindari system arose, leading to the dissolution of the Puthia royal family, similar to other regions, after the Maharani's death.[4] She built the 'Maharani Hemanta Kumari Water Works' in 1937 to ensure a constant supply of pure water for the people of Rajshahi. It is now known as Dhopakal.[5][2]
