Descendant of Maharana Pratap, Arvind Singh Mewar Passes Away, Mewar in Mourning

Udaipur, – Arvind Singh Mewar, a descendant of the legendary Maharana Pratap and a distinguished member of the former royal family of Mewar, passed away on Sunday morning in Udaipur after a prolonged illness. He was 81. His last rites will be performed in Udaipur on Monday.

The news of his demise has left not just Mewar but the entire state of Rajasthan in deep sorrow. Several eminent leaders and personalities from India and abroad have expressed their condolences while remembering his remarkable and tireless contributions to heritage conservation and tourism development.

Among those mourning his loss are Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, former Chief Ministers Vasundhara Raje and Ashok Gehlot, former Governor Kalraj Mishra, Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa, along with several ministers and prominent figures. His nephew, Nathdwara MLA Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, also expressed deep grief over his passing.

The 76th Custodian of the Mewar Dynasty

Arvind Singh Mewar was the 76th custodian of the Mewar dynasty. Despite long-standing property disputes with his elder brother, Mahendra Singh Mewar, he never wavered in his commitment to upholding the traditions and responsibilities of the royal family. He meticulously performed every ritual and ceremony that had been followed for centuries in the Mewar lineage.

Renowned for his regal presence, eloquence, and traditional Mewari attire, Arvind Singh Mewar was a towering personality. He had a deep respect for ancient traditions while also embracing modern scientific advancements, making him a visionary in heritage preservation.

He had been battling illness for a long time and was receiving treatment at his residence, Shiv Niwas, located in the City Palace, Udaipur. Born to Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar and Sushila Kumari, he was married to Princess Vijayaraj of Kutch. His elder brother, former MP Mahendra Singh Mewar, had also passed away in November last year.

Final Rites and Public Tributes

Arvind Singh Mewar’s son, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, shared details of the final journey of the "Ekalin Diwan" on his Instagram handle. According to his announcement, the public will have the opportunity to pay their last respects to Arvind Singh Mewar from 7 AM on Monday. His funeral procession will commence at 11 AM from Shambhu Niwas in Udaipur and pass through Badi Pol, Jagdish Chowk, Ghantaghar, Bada Bazaar, and Delhi Gate before reaching the Mahasatiya cremation grounds.

A Legacy of Heritage and Tourism Development

Historians and scholars have lauded Arvind Singh Mewar for his deep reverence for tradition while embracing modernity. For over 1,400 years, Mewar has symbolized resilience, independence, devotion, sacrifice, and cultural consciousness. Arvind Singh Mewar upheld these ideals with utmost dedication.

His contributions to elevating Udaipur as a premier global tourist destination remain unparalleled. He played a crucial role in modernizing Mewar’s cultural heritage through digital initiatives while preserving its historical essence. His stance against the controversial Padmaavat film and his unwavering efforts to uphold Maharana Pratap’s legacy reflect his deep-rooted commitment to Mewar’s heritage.

Beyond tourism, he was an ardent supporter of sports, particularly cricket and polo. He once collaborated with Raj Singh Dungarpur to bring the Indian cricket team to Udaipur for a special match at Bhupal Nobles College Ground, where cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was also present.

Transforming Udaipur’s Tourism Landscape

Arvind Singh Mewar introduced several innovations in the tourism sector. He pioneered the concept of Nayika Bihar—luxury boat rides in the serene waters of Lake Pichola, connecting heritage sites like Jag Mandir and Lake Palace. His vision led to the development of multiple five-star hotels around Udaipur’s lakes, further boosting the city’s status as a world-class tourist destination.

His passion for vintage cars was also well known. He established a museum at the Garden Hotel in Udaipur, which became a major attraction for domestic and international visitors.

Preserving Mewar’s Glorious History

Arvind Singh Mewar upheld the legacy of his father, Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar, by expanding the Maharana Foundation’s awards and honors. He played a pivotal role in organizing the Light and Sound show at the City Palace, which beautifully narrates Mewar’s rich history. He also spearheaded numerous heritage conservation initiatives, including hotel restoration projects and lake preservation efforts.

An Irreplaceable Loss

Arvind Singh Mewar’s untimely demise leaves a void in the heart of southern Rajasthan and the Mewar region that will be difficult to fill. His legacy of cultural preservation, tourism development, and commitment to Mewar’s glorious traditions will be remembered for generations to come.