19-05-2025
Mango lovers flock to historic Dumraon orchard for rare varieties
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Buxar: With the arrival of the mango season, historic Bada Bagh — the grand orchard of the erstwhile Dumraon estate (now in Buxar district), known for its rare and diverse
mango varieties
— is abuzz with visitors and traders alike.
"I've come here to buy 40kg of raw Shukul mangoes and pre-book the Langda variety," said Kedar Prasad, a mango seller from Navanagar. "The mangoes grown here are unmatched, especially because of the wide variety and the care taken during cultivation," he said.
Among 45 varieties grown in the orchard are popular names such as Alphonso, Dudhiya Langra, Amrapali, Dussehri, Jardalu, Chaunsa and Krishnabhog. The prized
Alphonso mango
, originally from Maharashtra and celebrated for its rich fragrance and taste, is now thriving on Dumraon's soil — a region once thought unsuitable for the species.
"This was possible only because of our family's deep interest and dedication to horticulture," said Shivang Vijay Singh, a member of the Dumraon royal family. "When I planted Alphonso saplings, people said they wouldn't survive here. But I took the risk — and now, these trees have been bearing fruits for the last two to three years. Though the number is small and not yet viable for commercial sale, it's a significant achievement for us," he said.
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Among the orchard's treasures is the rare Khatma Vilkhair mango, now believed to exist only in the Bada Bagh within the entire Shahabad region. "About a hundred years ago, the nawab of Kowath (in Rohtas district) gifted six saplings of this variety from his private garden to then maharaja Keshav Prasad Singh of Dumraon," said a member of the royal family. Today, two dozen trees of this unique variety — known for its distinct aroma and flavour — thrive in the orchard.
Spread across 56 bighas, Bada Bagh is not only a hub of mango diversity but also a site of natural and architectural beauty. Formerly known as Bagh-e-Kala and Badka Bagh, the orchard is enclosed by boundary walls and features a carefully planned layout with pathways and greenery that offer a serene, picturesque atmosphere.
"The peace and beauty of this place are truly captivating," said Akhileshwar Kumar, a visitor from Dahibar village in Buxar.
According to Shivang Vijay, even the late maharaja Kamal Singh personally oversaw its upkeep. Today, the responsibility lies with the current maharaja, Chandra Vijay Singh.
As the mangoes begin to ripen in the coming days, many of these varieties will make their way to local markets, where residents eagerly await their seasonal treat.
