Raghunath Singha Dev II (also known as Raghunath Singh Deo II) was the fifty-fourth king of the Mallabhum. He ruled from 1702 to 1712.Malabhum, Bishnupur-Chandra, Manoranjan; 2004; Kolkata. Deys Publishing History of Bishnupur Raj-Malick Abhaayapada. 1982, West Bengal History Personal life Raghunath Singha Dev II and his wife Princess Chandraprava of Chetbarda had no children so his younger brother Gopal Singha Dev was the next king.Malabhum, Bishnupur-Chandra, Manoranjan; 2004; Kolkata. Deys Publishing History of Bishnupur Raj-Malick Abhaayapada. 1982, West Bengal Mughals Raghunath Singha Dev was the son of Durjan Singha Dev and a very brave king. He took care of his military force. He was also a very pious king and very much fond of music, dance and other performing arts. His time period. coincides the Aurangjeb and Bahadur Shah’s reign. During his rule Jijia tax(Jizya) was imposed.
Bishnupur gharana
During the time of Alamgir Aurangjeb, who was very orthodox, as per his order any type of performing art was strictly prohibited. Ignoring his order Raghunath Singha Dev II developed Bishnupur as a very important place of performing art. He brought Ustad Bahadur Khan a descendant of Tansen in a monthly payment of rupees 500 and Pir Box. Gradually Bishnupur gave us several vocalists, instrumentalists and other performing artists. A new gharana of classical music named as Bishnupur gharana developed.
Revolt
In his regime, Sobha Singha was Zamindar of Chetuwa — Baroda (Midnapur) rose in revolt against the Mughals. After the death of Sobha Singha, Raghunath married Chandraprava daughter of Shobha Singha.
Marathas During the ending phase of his reign Maratha (Bargi) raiders raided Bishnupur marking the start of Bishnupur's decline.
In popular culture
Film Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata, brings you the Fourth Documentary from 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹. The video is a presentation on the dhrupad gharana of Bishnupur kingdom.
References
Sources
O’Malley, L.S.S., ICS, Bankura, Bengal District Gazetteers, pp. 21-46(26), 1995 reprint, first published 1908, Government of West Bengal.