cooch3

COOCH BEHAR

The Narayan Dynasty

GENEALOGY

continued from the previous page.

1627 – 1632 Sri Sri Maharaj Bira Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Nija Behar, eldest son of Sri Sri Maharaj Lakshmi Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Nija Behar, by the Patrani or principal wife, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1627. Removed his capital to Atharakota, where he constructed a fine palace and several important temples. Although his reign was peaceful and free of invasions and he interested himself in education, Bira spent much of his time on amusements and pleasure. Several subordinate rulers began to wrest greater control over their own affairs. Some, including the rulers of Bhutan, ceased to forward taxes and tribute and there was a rapid falling off of other territories and tributaries. Even the Raikat, head of the family and guardian of the coronation umbrella, pulled away and nolonger regarded himself as a subject. m. many wives. He d. at Atharakota Palace, 1632, having had issue, including, one son and four daughters:

1) Sri Sri Maharaj Pran Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Nija Behar - see below.

1) Mahadevi or Mahashi (both terms mean senior Queen). m. ca. 1621, Sri Sri Sri Hindupati Raja Harihara Indra Sen, Raja of Vijayapur, son of Sri Sri Sri Hindupati Raja Raghava Narendra Sen, Raja of Vijayapur, in Nepal, while the latter was still alive. She had issue, three sons.

2) Sri Sri Rajkumari Maheshwari Devi. m. ca. 1621, Sri Sri Sri Hindupati Raja Harihara Indra Sen, Raja of Vijayapur, son of Sri Sri Sri Hindupati Raja Raghava Narendra Sen, Raja of Vijayapur, in Nepal, while the latter was still alive. She had issue, one son.

3) Sri Sri Rajkumari Rupamati Devi*. m. ca. 1627, as his first wife, Sri Srimant Maharajadhiraja Sri Sri Kavindra Jaya Pratap Malla, Maharaja of Kantipur (d. 6^th April 1674), son of Sri Srimant Maharajadhiraja Sri Sri Sri Jaya Lakshminarasimha Malla, Maharaja of Kantipur, in Nepal. She d. at Kantipur, before 1649.

4) Sri Sri Rajkumari Anantapriya Devi*. m. after 1649, as his second wife, Sri Srimant Maharajadhiraja Sri Sri Kavindra Jaya Pratap Malla, Maharaja of Kantipur (d. 6^th April 1674), son of Sri Srimant Maharajadhiraja Sri Sri Sri Jaya Lakshminarasimha Malla, Maharaja of Kantipur, in Nepal.

* In some sources Rupamati and her sister Anantapriya are said to be daughters of Sri Sri Viranarayana Mahapati, Maharaja of Bihara Mahanagara. Rapamati is styled Maharani Sri Sri Sri Rupamati Devi, and her sister styled Maharani Jagatjanani Sri Sri Sri Ananatapriya Devi (i.e. mother of the nation) and d. after 1690.

1632 – 1665 Sri Sri Maharaj Pran Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Nija Behar, son of Sri Sriman Maharaja Bira Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Nija Behar, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1632. Islam Khan of Chittagong invaded the realm in 1637, forcing Pran Narayan to flee into Assam. However, apart from disrupting parts of the countryside he was unsuccessful in winning any further territory, enabling Pran Narayan to return and recover his realm in 1638. He went to war with the Ahom ruler 1659 over the occupation of Koch Hajo (Kamarupa) by the latter in 1657, but was severely defeated. Pran later attempted to regain some of the earlier losses by invading Bengal during the contest for the Imperial throne between Aurangzeb and his brothers. He succeeded in capturing Dacca in 1661, but was beaten back by Mir Jumla, who advanced into Nija Behar and captured the capital, forcing him into the Bhutan hills. Sayyid Muhammad Sadiq, the appointed Muslim administrator being directed to destroy all the Hindu religious sites and to erect mosques in their place. Returned to the capital with a large following and a newly raised army, destroyed the garrison and forced the Muslims out to Gauhati. Invaded for a second time by an army led by Shaista Khan in 1664, Pran eventually came to a settlement restoring the status quo. A ruler learned in Sanskrit literature, poetry and music, with a remarkable memory and aptitude for remembering people, events and texts prompting him to gather together four others of similar erudition who formed a Pancha Ratna Sava (or Society of Five Gems). He d. from illness, at Atharakota Palace, 1665, having had issue, three sons:

1) Sri Sri Maharajkumar Vishnu Narayan. Harbouring ambitions for the throne, he assisted the Muslims in trying to locate and seize his own father, but their attempts, though successful in capturing his artillery and some treasure, proved fruitless in extricating him from his hill fort. He d.v.p. having had issue, a son:
- a) Rajkumar Mana Narayan. He d. before 1682, having had issue, an only son:
  - i) Sri Sri Maharaj Mahendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar - see below.

2) Sri Sri Maharaj Moda Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Nija Behar - see below.

3) Sri Sri Maharaj Vasudeva Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Nija Behar - see below.

1) Sri Rajakumari Prabhavati Devi [Maharani Sri Sri Sri Prabhavati Devi, of Kantipur]. m. after 1649, as his third wife, Sri Srimant Maharajadhiraja Sri Sri Kavindra Jaya Pratap Malla, Maharaja of Kantipur (d. 6^th April 1674), son of Sri Srimant Maharajadhiraja Sri Sri Sri Jaya Lakshminarasimha Malla, Maharaja of Kantipur, in Nepal. She had issue, two sons.

1665 – 1680 Sri Sri Maharaj Moda Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Nija Behar, second son of Sri Sri Maharaj Pran Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Nija Behar, educ. privately. Raised to the gadi by his grand uncle, the Nazir Deo Mahi Narayan, following the death of his father in 1665. Reigned under his control until able to muster enough support from a group of loyal courtiers and followers, who then did battle with the Nazir Deo, defeated him and removed him from office ca 1667. Joined forced with Raja Ram Singh I of Amber in his invasion and conquest of Assam in 1666-1667. He d.s.p. at Atharakota Palace, 1680 (succ. by his younger brother).

1680 – 1682 Sri Sri Maharaj Vasudeva Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Nija Behar, third son of Sri Sri Maharaj Pran Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Nija Behar, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his elder brother in 1680. Immediately challenged by the sons of Mahi Narayan, who invaded with an army of Bhutanese but rescued by his kinsmen, Jaga Deb and Bhuja Deb Raikat. Unfortunately, the Bhutias still managed to escape with a large and valuable booty, including the ceremonial state umbrella, the sword, sceptre and throne of Vishwa Singha, and an array of Royal insignia held sacred by Kochis. Attacked for a second time by Jagna Narayan in 1682, after the Raikats had departed for their native Baikunthapur. He was k. (beheaded) on the orders of his cousin, Jagna Narayan, while attempting to mount a horse to flee from his enemies near Atharakota Palace, 1682.

1682 – 1693 Sri Sri Maharaj Mahendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Nija Behar. b. at Atharakota Palace, 1677, only son of Rajkumar Mana Narayan, educ. privately. Raised to the gadi by Jaga Deb and Bhuja Deb Raikat, following the assassination of Maharaja Vasudeva and the defeat of his assassin, Jagna Narayan, in 1682. Faced repeated invasions by the Mughals, beginning with Ibadat Khan in 1687, and forced to cede province after province, leaving him with a realm greatly reduced in size and population. Having lost most of his most able supporters and his vassals having accepted Mughal sovereignty, he was forced to settle his differences with Jajna Narayan and to appoint him as Nazir Deo and C-in-C. He d.s.p. at Atharakota Palace, 1693.

1693 – 1714 Sri Sri Maharaj Rupa Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar, elder son of Kumar Sri Jagat Narayan, educ. privately. Raised to the gadi on the death of his cousin, 1693. Attempted to to restore the power and prestige of the kingdom, but could not withstand the power of the Mughals and lost Western Kamarupa. Forced to nominally transfer the chaklas of Boda, Patram and Purvabhag to the Moghuls in 1711, he became their vassal and lessee of some of his own former territories as a mere zamindar. Removed his capital from Atharakota to Guriahati Gram, which he renamed Behar. A very learned and religious man, celebrated for his sanctity. He d. at the Royal Palace (Rajbari), Behar, 1714, having had issue, four sons and several daughters, including:

1) Sri Sri Maharaj Upendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar - see below.

2) Sri Sri Rajkumar Narendra Narayan. He d.v.p. young.

3) Sri Sri Rajkumar Vishnu [Vidya] Narayan. He d.v.p. young.

4) Sri Sri Rajkumar Kharga Narayan, 2^nd Diwan Deo 1738. m. Isharani Satyabhama Aye Devati. He d. 1765, having had issue, five sons:

a) Kumar Sri Ram Narayan [Rama], 3^rd Diwan Deo 1765-1770. He was k. by his younger brother, Maharaja Dhairyendra Narayan, 1770, having had issue, a son:
- i) Kumar Sri Brajendra Narayan, 5^th Diwan Deo, who succeeded as Sri Sri Maharaj Brajendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar - see below.
b) Sri Sri Maharaj Rajendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur [Krishna], Raja of Cooch Behar - see below.

c) Sri Sri Maharaj Dhairyendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur [Gopal], Raja of Cooch Behar - see below.

d) Kumar Sri Surendra Narayan [Gobinda], 4^th Diwan Deo, of Patcchara. Appointed as Diwan Deo in succession to his elder brother, 1770. Held prisoner by the Deb Raja of Bhutan 1770-1774. He had issue, two sons:

i) Kumar Sri Jivendra Narayan, 7^th Diwan Deo, of Patcchara, educ. privately. Appointed as 8^th Chhatra Nazir Deo following the dismissal of Khagendra Narayan in 1785. Appointed as 7^th Diwan Deo in succession to his younger brother, 1799. m. (first) Srimathi Jaieshwari Aye Ishorni (d. before 15^th November 1838, when the family jagirs escheated to the state). m. (second) Srimathi Jibeshwari Aye Ishorni . He d. 8^th January 1819, having had issue, an only son:
- (1) Kumar Sri Sailendra Narayan, 8^th Diwan Deo, of Patcchara 1819-1821. He d. 1821.
ii) Kumar Sri Nagendra Narayan, 6^th Diwan Deo, of Patcchara. Granted a jagir of Patcchara for his residence but otherwise to have no further claims on the state or its government, 10^th December 1788. He d. before 12^th April 1799.

e) Kumar Sri Baikuntha Narayan [Jadumani] [Chhota Sahib] [Chael Khawa Sahib]. Conspired with Pensatama and the Deb Raja of Bhutan to seize the throne in 1772. Fl 1783 He had issue, two sons:

i) Kumar Sri Krishna Narayan. He had issue:
- (1) Kumar Sri Revendra Narayan (Snr.).
ii) Kumar Sri Tantra Narayan. He had issue, two sons:
- (1) Kumar Sri Keshava Narayan.

a) A daughter.

b) Another daughter (ynger sister of Maharaj Dhairyendra Narayan). m. at the Royal Palace, Behar, 1768, the Gelang Karzi.

1) A daughter. m. and had issue, a son:

a) Gouri Nath, Bara Kait Karzi. b. ca 1745.

1714 – 1736 Sri Sri Maharaj Upendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar (first time) - see below.

1736 – 1738 Sri Sri Maharaj Dina Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar, elder son of Kumar Sri Satya Narayan, Diwan Deo and Zamindar of Boda, Patram and Purvabhag. Adopted by Maharaj Upendra Narayan after his Patrani had failed to produce a son and heir. Appointed as Diwan Deo and virtual Regent of the kingdom, but failed to secure recognition as heir apparent. Joined forces with the Mughal Viceroy of Bengal and invaded Behar. Installed on the gadi by Faujdar Sayyid Ahmad 1736. Deposed by Maharaj Upendra Narayan, following his resumption of power 1738, and forced to flee into Bengal.

1714 – 1736 & 1738 – 1763 Sri Sri Maharaj Upendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar, eldest son of Sri Sri Maharaj Rupa Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar, educ. privately. Appointed as Heir Apparent by his father. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1714. Faced a Mughal invasion under Faujdar Sayyid Ahmad 1736. Withdrew into the interior 1736-1738, then defeated and expelled the Mughals from the state with the help of the Bhutanese. Constructed his seat at Dhaliyabari, about four miles from Cooch Behar. m. (first) Maharani Sri Sri ... Deo Bara Aye Devati [Patrani] (d. by sati, at Cooch Behar, 1763). m. (second) Maharani Sri Sri ... Deo Chhota Aye Devati. m. (1) Lal Baiji, a former dancer. He d. at Dhaliyabari Palace, 1763, having had issue, an only son by his junior Rani:

1) Sri Sri Maharaj Devendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur (s/o Chhota Aye) - see below.

1763 – 1765 Sri Sri Maharaj Devendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur [Kata Raja], Raja of Cooch Behar. b. at Dhaliyabari Palace, 1759, son of Sri Sri Maharaj Upendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar, by his second wife, the Chhota Aye Devati, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, at the express invitation of his step-mother, the Patrani, 1763. Ascended the gadi and installed by her, at Dhaliyabari Palace, after which she committed sati. Reigned under a Council of Ministers, but the state having fallen under the control of the Bhutanese, a Bhutia officer was appointed to reside constantly at court as a watchman and quide, without whose approval no important decision could be made or order issued. The Raja came under the suzerainty of the HEIC (as zamindar of the ceded chaklas) after the assumption of the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, on 12^th August 1765. He was suddenly k. (beheaded with a single blow) by the Brahmin, Rati Sarma at the instigation of Ramananda Gosain, at the Padma Pukur tank, Behar, 1765.

1765 – 1770 Sri Sri Maharaj Dhairyendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar (first time) - see below.

1770 – 1772 Sri Sri Maharaj Rajendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur [Nakhai Raja], Raja of Cooch Behar, second son of Sri Sri Rajkumar Kharga Narayan, Diwan Deo, educ. privately. Raised to the gadi by the Deb Raja of Bhutan, after the latter had deposed and abducted his elder brother 1770. Reigned under the superintendence of the Bhutanese representative at court, Pensuthma. m. at Behar, April 1772, Maharani Sri Sri ... Deo Aye Devati. He d.s.p. from a fever, seven days after his marriage, at Behar, before 11^th April 1772.

1772 Sri Sri Maharaj Dharendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar (first time) - see below.

1772 – 1774 Sri Sri Maharaj Brajendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar, son of Kumar Ram Narayan, Diwan Deo, educ. privately. Raised to the gadi by the Deb Raja of Bhutan, 1772. Reigned under the regency of the latter, but was later taken to Bhutan for his own safety as a consequence of continuing unrest in Behar. He d. young at Chekakhata Fort, 1774.

1772 and 1774-1775 Sri Sri Maharaj Dharendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar. b. at the Royal Palace (Rajbari), Behar, 1768, elder son of Sri Sri Maharaj Dhairyendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Raja of Cooch Behar, by his first wife, wife, Maharani Sri Sri Kamteshwari Aye Devati, educ. privately. Raised to the gadi after the death of Rajendra Narayan, before 11^th April 1772. Reigned under the Regency of his mother, Maharani Kamteshwari. Fled with her and the rest of the Royal family to Balarampur, following an armed invasion by the Bhutanese. Entered into Treaty relations with the HEIC on 4^th December 1772 (ratified at Calcutta, 5^th April 1773), in which the Diwan Deo accepted British protection on his behalf and agreed to pay an annual tribute in return for the reinstatement of the Raja on his ancestral throne. Returned to Behar after the British had captured the forts of Dinhata, Baladanga and Nazirganj, then concluded a fresh treaty with the Deb Raja of Bhutan in 1774, which secured his release. Ascended the gadi and installed at the Madan Mohan Temple, following the expulsion of the Bhutanese, 1774. He then resumed residence in the Royal Palace (Rajbari) at Behar. He d.s.p. from fever, at the Royal Palace (Rajbari), Behar, 1775.

continued on the next page.

COOCH BEHAR 1	COOCH BEHAR 2	COOCH BEHAR 4
COOCH BEHAR 5	COOCH BEHAR 6	MAIN

I would be grateful to hear from anyone who may have changes, corrections or additions to contribute. If you do, please be kind enough to send me an e-mail using the contact details at:

CONTACT