Darbhanga, Allahabad

Darbhanga
Neighborhood of Allahabad
Government
• Body	Allahabad Municipal Corporation

Darbhanga Colony (formerly known as Lowther Estate) is a neighborhood of Allahabad, India. It was formerly owned by the Royal family of Darbhanga. It still houses the Lowther Castle in the colony. Darbhanga Colony played important a role in Independence movement of India as the Fourth and Eighth annual convention of Indian National Congress was held in here.

Location

With its central location in the city it as bordered by Georgetown. Other locations in Allahabad are at optimum distance from it such as the Civil Lines, Colonelgunj, Rambagh, etc.

Culture

Durga Puja celebrations organized by the Darbhanga Colony Puja Committee is one of the best organized events in Allahabad attracting lakhs of devotees. It is acknowledged as the largest agglomeration of people second only to the Kumbh Mela.

Lowther Castle

Lowther Castle (also known as Darbhanga Castle) was the residential building of the then Maharaja of Darbhanga, Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh. He purchased a large property known as Lowther Castle and allowed Indian National Congress to hold its convention there. This property was renamed as Darbhanga Castle. Again, in the year 1892, the annual convention of Indian National Congress was held in Darbhanga Castle.^[1][2] The annual convention of Congress of 1892 was held on December 28, 1892 at the extensive grounds of Darbhanga Castle, now known as Darbhanga Colony.^[3] It was later donated to Government of India after independence and Darbhanga House was constructed.

References

1. The Congress – First Twenty Years; Page 38 and 39
2. How India Wrought for Freedom: The story of the National Congress Told from the Official records (1915) by Anne Besant.
3. Indian Politics Since the Mutiny by Sir Chirravoori Yajneswara Chintamani