cooch2

COOCH BEHAR

The Narayan Dynasty

GENEALOGY

Sumati

Bhadrajit

Bhidrasraba

Basudama

Damabhu

Hari Das [Hariya], Mandal

(with whom we treat)

Hari Das [Hariya], Mandal, a Mech chief of Chikna, son of Damabhu (s/o Vasudama s/o Bhadrasrava s/o Bhadrajit s/o Sumati a supposed prince of the family of Sahasrarjuna, who succeeded the Haihaya lunar dynasty), by his wife, Urvasi. He was regarded as the incarnation of Mahadeva, and chosen as Mandal (or administrator) of a land bounded by the Himalayas to the north, to the east of by the river Manas, south by the Brahmaputra and west by the river Sankos. Established his seat at Chikna, between the Saralbhanga and Champamati rivers, in Goalpura. m. (first) when she was aged 9 years, Hira Devi, a lady regarded as the incarnation of the Goddess Bhagavati, daughter of Hajo, a Koch Chief, who gradually managed to unite the Koch tribes, previously under independent chiefs, and occupy Rangpur and Kamarupa. In some accounts, Hajo is called Sailaraja, ruler of an area east of Bhutan (in the Toyang country), and his wife, Mira. m. (second) Jira. He d. before 1545, having had issue, two sons by his first wife, and two sons by his second wife:

1) Shishu [Sisu], who became Sri Sri Raikat Sisya Singha [Sivakumara], Raikat of Siliaguri (s/o Hira) – see India Zamindars (Baikunthapur).
2) Vishu [Bisu], who became Sri Sriman Maharaja Vishwa Singha Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Behar (s/o Hira) – see below.
3) Sri Sri Raja Chandan Narayan [Chandana], Raja of Chikna* (s/o Jira) - see below.
4) Kumar Madan Narayan [Madana]* (s/o Jira). He k. in an affray with the officers of the Hindu ruler of Chikna, ca. 1510.

*Although these sons are given here on ‘traditional grounds, they are both absent in numerous accounts and genealogies, leaving the courts to conclude in 1894 that there was insufficient evidence for assuming that Chandana and Madana belong to the Cooch Behar Royal Family.

1511 - 1522 Sri Sri Maharaj Vishwa Singha Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Behar (Kamarupa). b. at Chikna, 21^st March 1502, as Bisu [Vishnu], son of Hari Das [Hariya], Mandal, a Mech chief of Chikna, by second wife, Hira Devi, daughter of the Koch chief, Hajo. Succeeded on the death of his elder half-brother, 1522 (when his elder full brother held the state parasol over his head during his coronation, taking the title of Raikat or head of the family). Succeeded his father at Chikna, and subsequently established his capital at Kamata. He greatly expanded his domains by conquering Soumarpith, consisting of Bijni, Bidyagram and Bijaypur, and then demanding tribute from the Deva and Dharma Rajas, and after conquering the foothills of Bhutan, he succeeded in agreeing an annual tribute from the former. Next, came the defeat of the Muslim rulers under Turukh Khan and Nusrat Shah of Gour, from whom he wrested Baikunthapur and Jalpaiguri. The capital was removed from Mount Chikna to Hingulavasha in the plains, fulfilling a dying injunction from his mother. Brahmin priests and followers were encouraged to settle there, several temples and places of worship being established to accommodate their needs. A great administrator who laid the foundations of the state, dividing his territories into manageable administrative units, appointing twelve ministers of state from amongst his Mech boyhood companions, one of whom became Councillor for Foreign Affairs and another Councillor for Internal Affairs. Abdicated in favour of his second son and retired to the mountains as a mendicant, 1554. m. (first) 1511, a daughter of the slain Chief of Chikna. m. (second) Maharani Sri Sri Pravhati Devi. m. (third) Maharani Sri Sri Madhumati Devi. m. (fourth) Maharani Sri Sri Sudamni Devi [Vishvadhati], who is given as the mother of Nara Narayan and Sukladhwaja, but probably only adopted them, supposed daughter of Turk Kotwal, of Astgrama, born to him before he converted to Islam. m. subsequently according to the gandharva rite in a single day, eighteen wives: m. (1) Rani Ratnakanti Devi, a lady from Nepal. m. (2) Rani Hemaprabha, a lady from Gaur. m. (3) Rani Padmavati, a lady from Gaur. m. (4) Rani Chandrakanti, a lady from Kamarupa. m. (5) Rani Purnakanti, a lady from Kamarupa. m. (6) Rani Hemakanti, a lady from Kamarupa. m. (7) Rani Rati, a lady from Kamarupa. m. (8) Rani Tilottama, from Kashmir. m. (9) Rani Chandra, a lady from Benares. m. (10) Rani Chandranana, a lady from Benares. m. (11) Rani Joya, a lady from Benares. m. (12) Rani Vijaya, a lady from Benares. m. (13) Rani Jayanti, a lady from Benares. m. (14) Rani Lalita, from Sonitpur (Tezpur). m. (15) Rani Labanyavati Mayee, from Sonitpur. m. (16) Rani Padmamala, from Sonitpur. m. (17) Rani Satarupa, a lady from Mithila. m. (18) Rani Kanchana Malini, a lady from Mithila. m. (a) Lilavati, Kanyaptri. He d. from smallpox, at Kamatpur (Kantanagar), 1554, having had issue, eighteen sons by different wives:

1) Raja Nara Singha [Nri Singha], Raja of Panga (s/o Ratnakanti). Succeeded as Maharaj on the abdication of his father, but renounced his rights in favour of his younger brother during the preparations for the installation ceremony 1554, apparently keeping a vow made to his younger brother’s wife on her wedding day. Thereafter, settled at Panga, in Rangpur, where he lead the life of a mendicant. The Assam chronicles relate a different turn of events. The younger son, Nara Narayan, had apparently been nominated successor by his father but had been in Benares with his brother Sukladhwaja at the time. Whereupon Nara Singha took possession of the throne until the brothers heard of the event, returned in 1555 and expelled him from the kingdom. He fled to Nepal, then to Kashmir and was eventually allowed to settle in and govern the conquered territories of Bhutan that had been left to him by his father. He had issue, several sons:
- a) Sri Sri Raja Anirudhra Narayan, of Panga. He was k. in battle with the Muslims, ca 1588, having had issue, several sons.
- b) Vyasketu.
2) Sri Sri Yuvaraja Malla Deva [Bal Gosain], who succeeded as Sri Sri Maharaj Nara Narayan Mahadeva Vikramaditya, Raja of Nija Behar (s/o Hemaprabha) - see below.

3) Sri Sri Raja Sukladhwaja Sangram Singha [Shukl Gosain] [Chilarai Dewan]. b. 1512 (s/o Padmavati), educ. under Brahmananda Sanyasi, at Benares. C-in-C 1555-1571, distinguished himself in the battles against Gour and Assam, returning with immense treasure after his successful Ghoraghat campaign. Famous for his audacity and bravery, he once made his horse leap across the Bharali river like a chil or eagle, thus earning the sobriquet Chilarai. Granted Tufanganj as his fief, with Fulbari as his seat. Granted a division of his territories by his elder brother Nara Narayan. The latter taking the western portion of Kamarupa or Nija Behar, and Sukladhwaja becoming ruler of eastern Kamarupa (including modern day Assam), the two territories being divided by the Gadadhar (Svarnakoska) River. Invested with the titles of Sri Sri Yuvaraja and Sangram Singha. A distinguished scholar, learned in Sanskrit literature, astrology, and law. m. Chandra Prabha Devi, a niece of Pratap Roy, Bhuiya of Pandu, and daughter of his brother Svetadhana, who had been killed by Vishwa Singha. He d. 1571, leaving descendants who founded the families of Bijni, Darang, and Beltala:

a) Sri Sriman Maharaja Raghudev Narayan, Raja of Kamarupa (Koch Hajo). Appointed as Heir Apparent by Maharaja Nara Narayan and invested with the title of Patkunwar. Superceded by the birth of Lakshmi Narayan and compensated by being invested as Chhoto Raja and ruler of Koch Hajo at Ghila, 1581. Assumed the title of Kamarupisvra. He quarrelled with Lakshmi Narayan but was defeated in battle, losing all his elephants and the Royal accoutrements and insignia. A subsequent contest resulted in Raghudev winning the day and repulsing the former from Ghila. Constructed the temples of Hajo 1583 and Pandunath 1585. Accepted the protection of the Emperor at Delhi, 1596. He d. on a full moon day in the month of Agyahnan, 1603, having had issue, eighteen sons:
- i) Sri Sri Rajkumar Indra Narayan. He was k. (strangled) by a Mech at the instigation of his brother Parikshit, ca 1603.
- ii) Sri Sri Raja Parikshit Narayan, Raja of Kamarupa (Koch Hajo). Succeeded as Raja of Ghila following the murder of his brother, 1603. Attacked his cousin, Maharaja Lakshmi Narayan, thus precipitating the Mughal invasion of Cooch Behar. Submitted to Mukarram Khan in 1612, who received him with great honour and bestowed costly presents upon him before annexing his realm in 1613 and sending him as a prisoner to the Emperor at Delhi. He d. on a pilgrimage to Tribeni, 1616, having had issue:
  - (1) Sri Sri Rajkumar Bijit Narayan, who became Sri Sri Raja Chandra Narayan, Raja of Bijni – see India Zamindars (Bijni).
  - (2) Sri Srin Rani Mangaldahi Devi. m. Sri Sri Budhha Swarga Narayan Deva Sri Raja Susengpha [Pratab Singh], Raja of Assam (d. 1641). She had issue - see India Pensioners (Assam).
- vii) Sri Sri Rajkumar Man Singha, Raja of Namrup. Fled from court and given asylum by the Raja of Assam in 1608, who later installed him at Namrup.

4) Sri Sri Raja Kamal Narayan [Gohain Kamala], Dewan Raja of Khaspur (s/o Chandrakanti). Minister for Roads & Communications under his father. Deoyan (Dewan) of Cachar after the defeat of the Assamese 1562, but he later declared his independence and founded the new kingdom stretching out from the North Cachar Hills to the Logai Valley with his capital at Khaspur.

5) Sri Sri Rajkumar Maidan Narayan (s/o Purnakanti). Minister for Public Works under his father.

6) Sri Sri Rajkumar Ram Chandra Narayan (s/o Hemakanti). Lord Treasurer under his father. He was k. in battle with the Ahoms, 1546.

7) Sri Sri Rajkumar Surya Singha (s/o Rati). Master of the Goldsmiths under his father.

8) Sri Sri Rajkumar Man Singha (s/o Tilottama).

9) Sri Sri Rajkumar Mecha Narayan (s/o Chandra). Master of the Ordnance under his father.

10) Sri Sri Rajkumar Vrishaketu Narayan (s/o Chandranana). Master of the Blacksmiths under his father.

11) Sri Sri Rajkumar Rama Narayan (s/o Jaya). Master of the Music under his father.

12) Sri Sri Rajkumar Ananta Narayan (s/o Vijaya). Master of the Weavers under his father.

13) Sri Sri Rajkumar Dipa Singha (s/o Jayanti). Minister for Animal Husbandry under his father. He was k. in battle with the Ahoms, at Changinimukh, on the south bank of the Brahmaputra, January 1546 (when his widow or daughter was taken prisoner).

14) Sri Sri Rajkumar Hemadhara Narayan (s/o Lalita). Minister for Religious Education under his father. He was k. in battle with the Ahoms, 1546.

15) Sri Sri Rajkumar Megha Narayan (s/o Labanyamayee). Master of the Threadmakers under his father.

16) Sri Sri Rajkumar Jagat Narayan (s/o Padmamala). Minister for Religious Institutions & Temples under his father.

17) Sri Sri Rajkumar Rup Chandra Narayan (s/o Satarupa). Minister for Agriculture under his father.

18) Sri Sri Rajkumar Surya Narayan (s/o Kanchana Malini). Minister for Trade & Commerce under his father.

19) Sri Sri Rajkumar Hari Singha (mother not stated).

18) Sri Sri Raj Kumar Surya Narayan.

1554 - 1587 Sri Sri Maharaj Nara Narayan Mahadeva Vikramaditya, Raja of Nija Behar, second son of Sri Sri Maharaj Vishnu Narayan [Vishwa Singha], Raja of Behar, educ. under Brahmananda Sanyasi, at Benares. Succeeded on the abdication of his father and the renunciation of his elder half-brother, 1554. Established his sovereignty over the territories of Rungpur, Jalpiguri, Bogra, Dinapur and Purneah and forced the Deva Raja of Bhutan and the Rajas of Assam, Manipur, Kachar, Jaintia, Tripura, Kairam, Dimuria and Sylhet to become his tributaries. His territories were invaded by Sulaiman Shah Kerani in 1569 and Husain Quli Khan in 1578, when he was forced to concede tribute and acknowledge himself as a vassal. Invaded Bengal together with his brother Sukladhwaja and, although not entirely successful, secured the Ganges as the boundary between his realm and the province. The brothers subsequently joined forces with Raja Man Singh of Jaipur in his attack upon Gour Pasha, on behalf of Emperor Akbar. He divided his large territories with his brother and helpmate, Sukladhwaja. The latter took the eastern territories of the old Kamarupa (including present day Assam), Nara Narayan retaining the old eastern provinces. At the time of the division, the kingdom encompassed a huge territory, its southern boundary being the Ghoraghat River, the west bounded by the Tirhut, the east bounded by the Brahmaputra and the north extending to the mountains of Tibet and Assam. He introduced the Narayani currency which lasted for three centuries, and constructed broad roads including the famous Gohain Kamal Ali. A distinguished scholar, learned in Sanskrit literature, astrology and the law, he encouraged religious teaching and education, requiring even the common people to study the religious books. He was also a great athlete and mallabir or wrestler. Received Ralph Fitch, the Elizabethan adventurer and explorer, in 1586. m. (first) Maharani Sri Sri Bhanumati Deo Aye Devati, daughter of Bhuiya Pratap Roy, of Pandu. m. (second) a daughter of Govinda Garmahali. m. (third) Maharani Sri Sri Bhubneshwari. He d. 1587, having had issue, two sons and one daughter:

1) Sri Sri Maharaj Lakshmi Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar (s/o Bhanumati) - see below.

2) Sri Sri Rajkumar Bali Narayan. He was k. in battle by accident, by Rupabar, shieldsman to Raja Parikshit. He had issue, a son:

a) Sri Sri Raja Madhusudan Narayan, Raja of Panga. He my have been adopted by Vyasketu of Panga (see above). He took up arms against the Mughals in 1614, following the arrest of Maharaj Lakshmi Narayan. Subsequently submitted to their rule and undertook several expeditions on their behalf in Kamarupa and Assam. He had issue, two sons:
- i) Sri Sri Raja Pasupati Narayan [Pasai], Raja of Panga. He had issue:
  - (1) Sri Sri Raja Vasudeva Narayan, Raja of Panga. He had issue:
    
    (a) Sri Sri Raja Ramchandra Narayan, Raja of Panga. Author of “Bhagavatsar” He had issue, three sons:
    
    (i) Sri Sri Raja Karindra Narayan, Raja of Panga. He d.s.p. having adopted a relation:
    
    1. Sri Sri Raja Pratap Narayan, Raja of Panga. He had issue:
    
    a. Sri Sri Raja Sivaprasad Narayan, Raja of Panga. He d.s.p.
    
    b. Kumar Sri Kandarpa Narayan. He had issue:
    
    i. A daughter, who had issue, a son:
    
    1a. Sri Sri Raja Kali Prasad Kishore Narayan, Raja of Panga. Adopted by his maternal grand uncle, Raja Sivaprasad Narayan, and succeeded to the Raj on his death. He had issue, two sons:
    
    1b. Sri Sri Raja Karindra Narayan, Raja of Panga. He d.s.p.
    
    2b. Sri Sri Raja Kamal Narayan, Raja of Panga. m. Rani Lakshmi Priya, who disputed the will made by her adoptive grand daughter-in-law and secured half the raj for herself, after the death of the latter. He d.s.p. when his widow adopted:
    
    1c. Sri Sri Raja Gajendra Narayan, Raja of Panga. He d.s.p. having adopted a son and successor:
    
    1d. Sri Sri Raja Jogendra Narayan, Raja of Panga. m. at Dhaliyabari Palace, Ratnapet, Cooch Behar, 20^th January 1868, Sri Sri Maharajkumari Ananda Mayi Devi (b. at Dhaliyabari Palace, Ratnapet, Cooch Behar, 18^th July 1860; d.s.p. at Chinsurah, Bengal, 23^rd December 1887), educ. privately, succeeded her husband as zamindarin of the Panga raj, and bequeathed the same to her half-brother by will dated 14^th February 1887; the will was disputed by Rani Lakshmi Priya, the adopted grandmother of Raja Jogendra, and the courts ordered a division of the raj between them, daughter of H.H. Sri Sriman Maharaja Narendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Maharaja of Cooch Behar, by his first wife, H.H. Maharani Nistarini Deo Aye Devati [Patrani Sahiba]. He d.s.p. of cholera at Calcutta, Bengal, 1869.
    
    (ii) Kumar Sri Karali.
    
    (iii) Kumar Sri Kapardi.
- ii) Kumar Sri Lambodar Narayan.

1) Sri Sri Rajkumari Bhanumati [Abhal Devi] [Rani Shri Kashmavati Devi Sahiba, of Amber]. m. at Nandpur, Bihar, 23^rd December 1596, Farzand Mirza Raja Shri Man Singhji (I) Bahadur, Raja of Amber (b. at Amber, Rajputana, 9^th May 1540; d. at Elichpur, 6^th July 1614), sometime Subadar of Kabul, Bihar, Orissa and Bengal, and C-in-C of the Imperial forces, eldest son of Amir ul-Umara, Raja Shri Bhagwant Das, Raja of Amber, by his first wife, Rani Shri Bhagvati Devi Sahiba, daughter of Pichayan Karam Pawar of Malpura. She d. (d. by sati) 6^th July, 1614, having had issue, two sons - see India(Jaipur).

1587 - 1621 Sri Sri Maharaj Lakshmi Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar. b. 1567 (or 17^th Falgun, Saka 1488), son of Sri Sri Maharaj Nara Narayan Mahadev Vikramaditya [Malla Deva], Raja of Nija Behar, by his first wife, Maharani Sri Sri Bhanumati Deo Aye Devati, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1587. A weak and uncharismatic ruler, he took little interest in military affairs and his generals were unable to match the growing power of the Mughals. Much territory was lost to the Gour Viceroy after repeated defeats at the hands of the armies of Akbar and Jahangir. Taken prisoner by the Mughals, together with Pariksit Narayan of Kamarupa, 1613. Forced to go cap in hand to Delhi in 1618 and to agree terms with the Emperor, where he accepted Mughal suzerainty in return for a confirmation against further molestation. Returning from Delhi with artists and architects, he built a new capital for himself at Atharokotha, with eighteen palaces for each of his sons. His alliance angered his neighbours, who formed and alliance and attacked him. Forced to summon help from the Mughals, he succeeded in defending his kingdom, but lost control over Assam, Tripura and Manipur, and had to pay a substantial sum in compensation to his deliverers. Supported Shah Jahan in his bid for power in 1620. Received the Portuguese explorers John Cbral and Stephen Cacella at Hajo in September 1626. During his reign, the realm came to be designated as Cooch Behar, to distinguish it from the Mughal province of Bihar. He d. at Cooch Behar, 1627, having had issue:

1) Sri Sri Maharaj Bira Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Nija Behar (s/o the Patrani) - see below.

3) Sri Sri Raj Kumar Bhima Narayan. He d.v.p. after 1596.

4) Sri Sri Raj Kumar Mahi Narayan, 1^st Chhatra Nazir Deo. He assumed the position of principal nobleman in the realm, following the withdrawal of the Raikat, and replacing the latter as bearer of the ceremonial coronation umbrella. He entered the capital with his four sons, three days before the death of Pran Narayan, believing that his sick nephew had died and attempted to seize the throne. Forced to retire in shame, he returned again but was compelled to install his younger grand nephew as Raja when his own sons quarrelled amongst themselves. However, he retained all actual power in his own hands as C-in-C and reducing the Maharaja to a mere pageant prince. Forced to flee the country after the Maharaja succeeded in killing several of his faithful courtiers and removing him from office, ca 1667. He wondered the country as a sannyasi and earned the title of Gosain, until captured when he sought refuge with the Raikat at Baikunthapur. Ancestor of the Nazir Deo family of Balarampur. He was k. in a scuffle with the officers of his grand-nephew, near Baikunthapur, after 1688, having had issue, four sons:

a) Kumar Sri Jagat Narayan. Fled to Bhutan following his father’s disgrace ca 1667. He d. before 1682, having had issue, two sons:
- i) Sri Sriman Maharaja Rupa Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar - see below.
b) Kumar Darpa Narayan. Fled to Bhutan following his father’s disgrace, ca 1667. He d. 1681, having had issue, three sons:

i) Kumar Sri Satya Narayan. 1^st Diwan Deo, educ. privately. Granted an Imperial sanad as Zamindar of the chaklas of Boda, Patram and Purvabhag after they were nominally ceded to the Mughals in 1711. Established his seat at Baramkhana. Appointed as Dewan Deo 1694. Dismissed 1738. He had issue:

(1) Kumar Sri Dina Narayan, who ascended the throne as Sri Sri Maharaj Dina Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar – see below.

(2) Kumar Sri Kanta Narayan, 2^nd Suba. Dismissed 1738.

(3) Kumar Sri Ksahtriya Narayan. He had issue, a son:

(a) Kumar Sri Kumud Narayan.

ii) Kumar Sri Shanta Narayan, 3^rd Chhatra Nazir Deo. b. 1642, educ. privately. Adopted by his uncle and succeeded him as Chhatr Nazir Deo, 1691. Although he hoped to become ruler on the death of Mahendra Narayan in 1693, his ambitions were opposed by the army, who installed his cousin instead. He d.s.p. 1738, aged 96 years), having adopted his grand nephew, Lalit Narayan – see below.

iii) Kumar Sri Kunda Narayan, 1^st Suba. He had issue, two sons:

(1) Kumar Sri Govinda Narayan.

(2) Kumar Sri Hari Narayan, 3^rd Suba. Appointed as Suba following the dismissal of Kanta Narayan, 1738. He had issue:

(a) Kumar Sri Bhairab Narayan, 4^th Suba.

(b) Kumar Sri Kandarpa Narayan, 5^th Suba. He had issue:

(i) Kumar Sri Kurindra Narayan, 6^th Suba. He had issue:

1. Kumar Sri Surendra Narayan, 7^th Suba.
c) Kumar Sri Jagna Narayan, 2^nd Chhatra Nazir Deo, educ. privately. Fled to Bhutan following his father’s disgrace, ca 1667. Attempted to seize the throne on several occasions, killing his kinsman, Maharaj Vasudeva Narayan in 1682. Forced to flee after his defeat at the hands of the Raikats on the banks of the Mansai River. Eventually reconciled to the minor Maharaja Mahendra Narayan in the wake of Ibadat Khan’s invasion and appointed as Chhatra Nazir Deo and C-in-C 1687. However, his success in stemming the invasion proved ineffective, with the loss of Fatehpur, Kazirhat and Kankina to the Muslims with ease. Usurped supreme power 1695-1703. He d.s.p. 1711.

d) Kumar Sri Chandra Narayan. He was k. in battle with officers loyal to Maharaja Moda Narayan, ca. 1667.

continued on the next page.

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