Biswa Singha of Kamata

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article does not cite any references or sources. (March 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Bishu or more popularly known as Maharaja Biswa Singha ( Bengali: মহারাজ বিশ্বসিংহ Ruled: 1522-1554) was throned after the death of Maharaja Chandan and the second king of Kamata-Koch kingdom. His brother Sisya Singha held the royal umbrella atop the crown and was entitled as "Raikat" or 'family guardian' and over his descendants gained the post of Prime Minister. He was given a piece of land at Baikunthapur under present Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. The Raikat kings of Jalpaiguri were his descendants.

Apart from being a great king Maharaja Biswa Singha was also a good administrator as well. He invaded the kingdom of Soumarpith, Bijni, Bidyagram and Bijaypur and turned out victorious. Next he attacked Bhutan and after wining over king of Bhutan he had treaty with king of Bhutan. Biswa Singha also won over major portions of Gaur, West Bengal ruled then by Hossien Shah. On the request of his mother he shifted his capital from Chikna Mountains to Hingulabas in the plains. During his reign Muslim invaders, including Turuk Khan and Nasrat Shah, the king of Gour attacked his kingdom numerous times but after facing defeat they were forced to retreat. His bravry and courage helped the Kamata- Koch Kingdom a strong base hold.

Maharaja Biswa Singha was inclined towards education. He sent his son Nara Narayan & Sukladhaj to Varanasi for their education.

Maharaja Biswa Singha was a religious person and a worshiper of Shiva and Durga. He brought several priest from places like Kanauj, Mithila and established various temples. In 1554 A.D. at the age of 53 he set out for the Himalayas to lead the rest of his life as saint after crowning his second son Nara Narayan.