RAIBAGHINI (Bengal's Royal Tigress)

Maharani Bhavashankari was a ruler of Bhurishreshtha kingdom of Bengal. Her domain included extensive areas of current day Howrah, Hooghly, Bardhaman and Midnapore, was famous for her warrior skills and brave attitude. Mythically referred to as a warrior empowered by the Maa Chandi, she fought off invading Pathan armies and earned fame even among the great Mughal ruler, Akbar, who awarded her with the name ‘Raibaghini’ or Royal Tigress.