Jharia, renowned for its coal mines, has been home to a rich legacy, especially from my family’s side. My grandfather, Raja Kali Prasad Singh, owned all the underground rights in Jharia. During the late eighties and early nineties, I had the privilege of witnessing the grandeur of Durga Puja, when my grandfather would release the Nilkanth bird to bring good luck to the town. The event always drew a huge crowd, and I accompanied my grandfather and father, Rajkunwar Bishweshwar Prasad Singh, during these times.
The Contributions of Raja Kali Prasad Singh
My grandfather, the last Raja of Jharia, served as the Member of Legislative Assembly (M.L.A.) for the Sindri constituency. He was the donor, founder, and trustee of R.S.P. College in Jharia. Additionally, he constructed numerous temples, tanks, schools, and colleges, leaving a lasting impact on the region. His philanthropic work was recognized by the Jharkhand Government in 2003.
During a famine that struck Jharia and Dhanbad, my grandfather stood by the people. He fed the community for several months, offering unwavering support during their time of need. His dedication to the welfare of others fills me with pride.
My Father’s Legacy
My father, Raja Bishweshwar Prasad Singh, married Rajkumari Snehalata Kumari Devi of Rairakhol State. He passed away on March 11, 2022, but his legacy lives on. A prominent advocate in the Dhanbad Court, my father also founded the Kids Garden Secondary School in Jharia to provide an English-medium education to children in a town that lacked such schools. He was an avid reader and a great philanthropist, always helping the poor and needy. Each year, he made sure to sponsor the education of at least ten children, providing them a chance at a brighter future. He also supported poor girls in getting married and settled.
The Royal Family’s Historic Contributions
Our family’s historic palace, where our Lakshmi Janardan temple, Kul Devi Bhagawati temple, and Durga Maa Badi temples are situated, was once a three-storey building with a lift. Raja Durga Prasad, my great-grandfather, was known for his foresight and business acumen. Jharia’s coal mines were a significant part of our family’s wealth, and both my grandfather and father were owners. TISCO (Tata Iron and Steel Company) paid royalties to my grandmother, Rani Usha Devi.
A Lasting Legacy in Jharia
Jharia will always remember the contributions of my family, with great respect and gratitude for the positive impact they made on the community.
My father Raja Bishweshwar Prasad Singh married to Rajkumari Snehalata Kumari Devi of Rairakhol State.My father passed away this year in March 11 th 2022. He was a leading advocate in Dhanbad Court. He is the founder of Kids Garden Secondary School of Jharia. As there was no English medium school in Jharia my father took this initiative. He was voracious reader and great philanthropist.Very down to earth and always helped the poor and the needy. Every year he made it a point to educate atleast ten children free of cost from his account. He has helped poor girls to get married and settle down.I am proud of his high thinking.He is also founder of a college.
There is old palace where our temple of Lakshmi Janardan. Our kul devi Bhagawati and our Our Durga Maa badi temples are there. It was a three storeyed palace where lift was installed.Raja Durga Prasad my great Grand father was a very farsighted person and a great businessman. Jharia is famous for coalmines and my Grand father and father were owners.TISCO used to pay royalty to my Grand mother Rani Usha Devi.
Jharia will always remember you all with due respect.
