Raj Darbhanga - Earthquake of 1934

Earthquake of 1934

A major earthquake measuring 8.3 on the Richter magnitude scale struck northern Bihar on 15 January 1934. The earthquake destroyed many cities, towns, and villages. Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur were the most affected towns. Darbhanga town was almost completely destroyed. It is estimated that over 1,500 people lost their lives in Darbhanga and over 2,000 in Muzaffarpur. Most of the buildings destroyed were made of mud. However, it also destroyed buildings made using modern construction technologies. Lakshmeshwar Vilas Palace was rendered uninhabitable. Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) was completely destroyed and was never rebuilt. Rambagh Palace also suffered extensive damage.

Maharaja Kameshwar Singh was not in Darbhanga at the time earthquake struck. He immediately returned to Darbhanga when he heard the news. A survey was authorised by Maharaja Kameshwar Singh investigating the cause of the collapsed buildings. The report stated the major factor that led to the death of many people was the fact that the buildings were constructed in narrow lanes and the people could not reach any open space. They, therefore, got trapped in the falling debris. Maharaja Kameshwar Singh planned to make Darbhanga a modern city with proper town planning and infrastructure to prevent such large scale casualty in the future. With his active support, the Darbhanga Improvement Act was passed which constituted a trust for replanning the congested areas in the town of Darbhanga.

Maharaja Kameshwar Singh created a taskforce for acquisition of land for subsequent improvement of Darbhanga. However, this act was misunderstood by the people as an indirect method of acquiring their property for his own personal gain. This led to massive protests and Maharaja Rameshwar Singh finally abandoned the plan.

After the earthquake, Raj Darbhanga constructed several major buildings in town. The Lakshmeshwar Vilas Palace and Rambagh Palace were rebuilt. A new Palace named Nargona was constructed for Maharaja Kameshwar Singh. Bela Palace was built for the Maharaja's younger brother. The Raj Palace Grounds was a major scene of construction activities. The Raj Head Office Building (now housing the head office of L. N. Mithila University), the European Guest House, Indra Bhawan, Printing Press, Indian Guest House, and Chowringhee were also constructed into an integrated complex. Staff quarters were constructed near the Palace Grounds using the latest construction technology. These staff quarters were connected by wide roads and were surrounded by open space.

Raj Darbhanga initiated several public benefit programmes to help people rebuild their houses as well as the general infrastructure of city. Tower Chowk was built as a market hub of Darbhanga.