Mourning a Legacy: The Royal Remembrance of Arvind Singh Mewar Yesterday, a chapter in India’s rich history came to a close as Arvind Singh Mewar, the revered head of the erstwhile Udaipur royal family, passed away. As news of his demise spread, tributes poured in from far and wide, paying homage to a life dedicated to preserving the time-honored traditions and cultural heritage of Rajasthan. A scion of the Mewar dynasty, Mewar’s legacy extended far beyond the palace walls, leaving an indelible mark on the state’s identity and a lasting impact on the hearts of Indians everywhere. As we reflect on his life and reign, we take a moment to remember the man who embodied the values of dignity, honor, and service that defined his illustrious family. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the life and times of Arvind Singh Mewar, and the enduring
Early Life and Education
Childhood and Family Background
Arvind Singh Mewar, the second son of Bhagwat Singh Mewar and Shushila Kumari, was born on December 13, 1944. His family lineage traces back to the Rajput royalty, with his father being a prominent figure in the Mewar dynasty. Arvind’s early life was marked by the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of the Mewar kingdom, which has deep roots in the annals of Indian history.
Growing up in this prestigious background, Arvind was exposed to the grandeur and responsibilities that come with being part of a royal family. His upbringing was a blend of traditional Rajput culture and modern education, preparing him for the multifaceted roles he would later take on.
Education at Mayo College, Ajmer and Maharana Bhupal College, Udaipur
Arvind Singh Mewar’s educational journey began at home, where he received his primary education. In 1957, he was sent to Mayo College, Ajmer, a prestigious boarding school known for its academic rigor and disciplinary environment. He completed his Senior Cambridge examination in 1961, establishing a strong academic foundation.
Following his time at Mayo College, Arvind continued his education at Maharana Bhupal College, Udaipur. Here, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on English literature, economics, and political science. This period was pivotal in shaping his intellectual and cultural perspective, providing him with a well-rounded education that would serve him well throughout his career.
Studying Hotel Management in the UK and USA
After completing his undergraduate studies, Arvind Singh Mewar decided to pursue a career in hotel management, a field that would later define his professional life. He began his studies at the Metropolitan College in St Albans, UK. This course provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry, including management techniques, customer service, and operational efficiency.
In 1967, Arvind moved to Chicago, USA, where he underwent on-the-job training in various hospitality services. This hands-on experience was invaluable, allowing him to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. His time in the USA was particularly formative, as it exposed him to international standards and best practices in the hospitality industry.
Career
Chairman and Managing Director of HRH Group of Hotels
Arvind Singh Mewar’s career in the hospitality industry began in earnest upon his return to India. He took over the reins of the HRH Group of Hotels, a venture started by his father in 1963. Under his leadership, the group transformed from a family-run enterprise into a professionally managed corporate organization.
The HRH Group of Hotels, which includes iconic properties like the Lake Palace Hotel, has become synonymous with luxury and excellence. Arvind’s vision was to modernize and upgrade these heritage properties, making them relevant and appealing to contemporary guests while preserving their historical charm.
One of Arvind’s notable contributions was the establishment of a crystal collection and a fleet of antique cars in the palace, which are open to the public. These initiatives not only added to the cultural richness of the properties but also attracted tourists and enthusiasts from around the world.
Leadership of the House of Mewar
Arvind Singh Mewar’s role extended beyond the hospitality industry; he was also a pillar of the House of Mewar. From 1981 to 1984, he served as the personal secretary to his father, Bhagwat Singh Mewar, handling appointments, guest relations, and travel plans. This period honed his administrative and diplomatic skills.
In 1982-83, Arvind took on the role of General Manager of the Lake Palace Hotel, Udaipur. His responsibilities included overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring guest satisfaction, and maintaining the hotel’s prestigious reputation. His leadership during this time was instrumental in cementing the Lake Palace’s status as one of India’s premier luxury hotels.
Professional Polo and Cricket Career
Arvind Singh Mewar was not just a business and administrative leader but also an accomplished athlete. His passion for cricket began early, and he made his debut in the Ranji Trophy as the captain of Rajasthan in the 1945-46 season. His career in cricket spanned nearly two decades, during which he contributed significantly to the sport.
Apart from cricket, Arvind was an avid polo player in the 1970s. He founded the Udaipur Cup at the Cambridge and Newmarket Polo Club in the UK to showcase his commitment to the sport. Back in India, he formed the Mewar Polo team, which featured professional players handpicked and trained for Indian tournaments. The team’s crowning achievement was winning the prestigious President’s Cup in 1991, defeating the 61st Cavalry players.
Arvind’s love for aviation was another notable aspect of his life. He was an avid pilot and undertook solo flights across India in a microlite aircraft, showcasing his adventurous spirit and technical skills.
Personal Life
Family and Legacy
Arvind Singh Mewar married Vijayraj Kumari in 1972. She is the daughter of Fateh Singh, the son of Vijayarajaji, the Maharao of Cutch. The couple had three children: two daughters, Bhargavi Kumari and Padmaja Kumari, and a son, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar.
Arvind’s family life was a blend of traditional values and modern living. He was known for his dedication to his family and his role as a custodian of the Mewar heritage. His wife, Vijayraj Kumari, has been a pillar of support, and his children continue to carry forward the legacy of the House of Mewar.
Health and Passing
Arvind Singh Mewar remained in good health for most of his life, but his condition gradually declined in his final years. He was undergoing treatment at his residence, the City Palace in Udaipur. On March 16, 2025, at the age of 80, Arvind Singh Mewar passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy in both business and heritage preservation.
His body was kept at Shambu Niwas for relatives, friends, and the public to pay their respects. The funeral procession, starting from Shambhu Palace, passed through key landmarks of Udaipur, culminating at Mahasatiya, reflecting his deep connection to the city and its people.
Controversies and Legal Battles
Since the death of Bhagwat Singh Mewar, there have been conflicts and issues between his descendants regarding the leadership of the House of Mewar and a property dispute. Bhagwat Singh willed his entire property through a trust to Arvind, naming him his successor and disinheriting his eldest son, Mahendra Singh Mewar, due to a lawsuit filed against him. This decision led to a complex legal battle and familial discord.
Arvind assumed the leadership of the House of Mewar with the title of Shriji Hazoor, while his eldest brother Mahendra was coronated as the Maharana of Mewar. The controversy deepened when, after Mahendra’s death in November 2024, his son Vishvaraj Singh Mewar was made the titular head of the family. A significant dispute arose when Vishvaraj Singh was initially denied entry to the City Palace by Arvind’s son Lakshyaraj Singh. The conflict was eventually resolved, allowing Vishvaraj Singh to enter the palace to perform necessary rituals.
In 2020, a court ruled that the estate should be divided into four equal shares among Arvind, Mahendra, Yogeshwari, and the deceased Maharana. This decision aimed to resolve the long-standing disputes and provide a fair distribution of the family’s assets.
Charitable Work and Community Impact
Arvind Singh Mewar’s contributions extended beyond his professional and personal life. He was the Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), which focuses on various charitable activities and community development initiatives. Under his leadership, the foundation made significant strides in improving the lives of underprivileged communities in and around Udaipur.
He also headed other trusts, showcasing his commitment to social causes. His efforts in preserving the heritage and culture of Udaipur through his leadership roles were instrumental in maintaining the city’s rich cultural fabric.
Marriage and Children
Arvind Singh Mewar entered into a significant marriage in 1972, uniting with Vijayraj Kumari, the daughter of Fateh Singh, son of Maharao Vijayarajaji of Cutch. This union resulted in the birth of three children: two daughters, Bhargavi Kumari and Padmaja Kumari Parmar, and a son, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar. Throughout his life, he maintained a close bond with his family, and his children took on various roles within the family’s enterprises and philanthropic efforts, ensuring the continuation of his legacy.
Interests and Hobbies
Avid Sportsman and Aviation Enthusiast
Arvind Singh Mewar was well-known for his involvement in various sports and hobbies, particularly aviation, polo, and cricket. His passion for aviation led him to become an avid pilot, undertaking solo flights across India on a microlite aircraft. This interest in aviation was not just a hobby but also a means of exploring and understanding the country’s rich landscapes and cultural sites.
Polo and Cricket
In polo, Mewar played actively in the 1970s, contributing to the sport’s growth through the formation of the Mewar Polo team and the establishment of the prestigious ‘Udaipur Cup’ at the Cambridge and Newmarket Polo Club. Additionally, he was a dedicated cricketer, making his debut in the Ranji Trophy as Rajasthan’s skipper in 1945-46, leading an eventful career over nearly two decades. His contributions to sports were not only through direct participation but also through the support and encouragement of young athletes in his hometown.
Philanthropic Work and Charitable Foundations
Chairman and Managing Trustee
Arvind Singh Mewar held the position of Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), a testament to his dedication to giving back to his community. The MMCF has since its inception focused on social welfare, education, and cultural preservation. Under his leadership, the foundation has undertaken numerous projects aimed at uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the local population and preserving the historical and cultural heritage of Udaipur.
Other Philanthropic Efforts
His philanthropic work extended beyond the MMCF. Arvind Singh Mewar was also involved with numerous other trusts and charities. His vision was to create a societal impact through sustainable projects that empowered the local community and promoted tourism in a manner that complemented the cultural and natural resources of Udaipur.
Death and Legacy
Illness and Passing Away
Arvind Singh Mewar’s health had been a matter of concern in the latter part of his life. After a period of prolonged illness, he passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 80, at his residence in the City Palace in Udaipur. This marked the end of an era for the House of Mewar, as he had been a key figure in maintaining the family’s legacy and modernizing their businesses and philanthropic efforts.
Funeral and Memorial Services
The funeral arrangements for Arvind Singh Mewar were kept in the tradition of the royal family. His body was kept at the Shambhu Niwas within the City Palace, open for public viewing on Monday. The funeral procession proceeded from the Shambhu Palace, passing through Badi Pol, Jagdish Chowk, Ghantaghar, Bada Bazaar, and finally reaching Mahasatiya. This symbolic journey through the heart of the city highlighted his deep-rooted connection with Udaipur and its people.
Impact on the House of Mewar and Udaipur’s Heritage
Arvind Singh Mewar’s death has had a profound impact on the House of Mewar and the heritage of Udaipur. His efforts to modernize the family’s businesses and preserve the cultural heritage of Mewar were instrumental in attracting tourists and preserving historical sites. The HRH Group of Hotels under his leadership achieved significant milestones, making Udaipur a global destination for luxury tourism. His philanthropic work has ensured that his legacy continues through various charitable foundations and projects aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the local population, ensuring a lasting impact on the community.
Controversies and Challenges
Property Dispute and Succession Crisis
The House of Mewar has faced a long-standing property dispute and succession crisis since the death of Bhagwat Singh Mewar. The dispute stems from a will that Bhagwat Singh Mewar created, which named Arvind Singh Mewar as the successor and disinherited his eldest son, Mahendra Singh Mewar, due to a lawsuit filed by the latter. This decision led to prolonged conflicts within the family and legal disputes over the distribution of the family’s vast property and assets.
Challenges to the Leadership of the House of Mewar
Arvind Singh Mewar faced numerous challenges to his leadership within the House of Mewar. The conflict with his elder brother Mahendra Singh Mewar over the leadership and control of the family’s properties and businesses was a significant point of contention. This conflict culminated in Mahendra Singh Mewar being coronated as the titular head of the family, whereas Arvind took on the role of the Chairman of HRH Group of Hotels and the custodian of the family’s heritage.
Attempts to Reconcile Family Differences
In an effort to reconcile the differences within the family, Arvind Singh Mewar and his brother Mahendra Singh Mewar made several attempts to reach a compromise, but the success was limited. After the death of Mahendra Singh Mewar in November 2024, further complexities arose as Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, son of Mahendra, assumed the titular head of the family. Recent negotiations attempted to bridge the gap, but the division within the family remains a contentious issue. Despite these challenges, Arvind Singh Mewar’s efforts to reconcile the family’s differences and preserve the family’s unity and legacy were evident in his actions and decisions throughout his tenure.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the passing of Arvind Singh Mewar, the head of the erstwhile Udaipur royal family, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of his life’s work and the impact it had on the region. The article highlights key points such as his efforts to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Udaipur, his dedication to social causes, and the complexities surrounding the royal family’s legacy. These themes underscore the intricate dynamics between tradition, modernity, and social responsibility that defined Mewar’s leadership.
The implications of Mewar’s passing extend beyond the personal realm, having far-reaching consequences for the city of Udaipur and its inhabitants. His untimely departure raises questions about the future of the royal family’s cultural institutions, the preservation of historical monuments, and the continuation of social initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the community. As we contemplate the void left by his departure, we are reminded of the enduring power of legacy and the importance of honoring the contributions of those who have shaped our collective history.
