Arvind Singh ji passes on, leaving behind him a richest legacy among luxury tourism, the icon known globally for Brand Udaipur.
The icon of luxury tourism in India, the custodian of Brand Udaipur, Arvind Singh ji of Mewar, passed away recently, leaving the world that much the poorer. He personified the city, its history, its folklore, he represented the brand and the city’s magnetic appeal, on the global stage, in iconic events, at home and overseas. After a prolonged illness, he breathed his last, leaving behind him an even richer legacy for the city, one that blended with modern day contemporary relevance, along with the rich history unique to Udaipur, among all the royal cities and families in Rajasthan.
Known for his significant contributions in various fields, for various social causes, upliftment of the less privileged, the late Maharana epitomised his connect with one and all. In tourism circles, Arvind Singh ji helped establish Udaipur as a premier tourism destination for all reasons, and for all seasons. It was his passion for Brand Udaipur that stood in highest esteem, as he oversaw the rise of Udaipur as a premier luxury destination globally. He was always available to take forward ideas that promoted the luxury quotient. As an essential component of tourism, he played a crucial role in fostering conservation of its heritage, where under his leadership the Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation thrived promoting not only cultural conservation but also economic growth through initiatives like the HRH Group of Hotels, which touched new heights with his numerous palaces being run as luxury hotels.
A most versatile and multifaceted personality, Shriji was known for his baritone presence, his upright demeanour, and steadfast commitment. Always, with a keen interest in technological advancements, he kept the brand current.
In 1984, he was entrusted with the responsibility of the Foundation and City Palace Museum by his revered father. Shriji applied himself with rare devotion and commitment to the enormous task of revitalising the museum and the Foundation. In the decades since, he had raised the bar in heritage conservation and with his foresight and leadership qualities, he had given a new dimension to the legacy of his forefathers by forging the way forward.
On his passing on, after the ritual days of mourning, the historic Udaipur City Palace became the venue for the coronation of Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, the son of the late Arvind Singh Mewar, as the new royal head of the Mewars.
Lakshyaraj pledged to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious ancestors emphasizing the family’s longstanding dedication to service and culture. The new Maharana, Lakshyaraj Singh, aims to build on this legacy ensuring future generations remain connected to their cultural roots.
After his coronation, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar said, “Mewar has always walked on the path of service… I have been asked to serve how my father and ancestors have. I will strive to perform my duties as per expectations… My father is the reason why Udaipur has developed as a wedding destination… My efforts will be to keep our coming generations rooted and in touch with our culture.”
The grandeur of the coronation, a sombre affair, and yet steeped in the value of continuity of a legacy, was matched by the distinguished presence of guests. In a ceremony steeped in tradition, Lakshyaraj Singh was enthroned amidst the echoes of conches reverberating through the ancient corridors, mingling with mantras; Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, clad in pristine white, walked towards the revered Gaddi (throne) of his ancestors.
The Rai Angan, the oldest courtyard of the palace, stood as a silent witness to the grandeur unfolding before it where Kulguru Vagish Kumar Goswami led the sacred rituals. A ceremonial yagya was performed in the courtyard offering prayers to deities and the past Maharanas in the heavens above.
As Lakshyaraj Singh knelt before the revered Shri Ekling Nathji, the deity of Mewar, a hush fell over the gathering. The weight of centuries-old unbroken lineage rested upon his shoulders. With a deep breath, he lifted a handful of marigold petals, offering them in reverence to the deity, just as his forefathers had done before him.
The coronation is said to have marked a milestone of another sort.
As per a long story in the local press, after three centuries, a historic tradition was rekindled at Udaipur’s City Palace. On Wednesday, Rajpurohits from five villages of Marwar — Ghenri, Pilovani, Vandaar, Roongri, and Shivtalav — set foot in the City Palace, marking the revival of a bond that had been dormant for 300 years.
Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar welcomed about 125 elderly members of the Rajpurohit families at the palace, bringing joy to the villagers and rekindling the ancestral ties with the Mewar dynasty.
A unique tradition linked these villages with the royal family. The sisters and daughters of these villages would send Rakhi to the City Palace every year and in return, the royal family would send back a ‘Chundari’ (traditional scarf) as a token of honor and respect.
This exchange continued for years until, unexpectedly, the sending of Chundari stopped from the palace. Despite this, the women of the villages continued to send Rakhi for the next 30 years, hoping that the tradition would be revived.
When no response came from the palace, the sisters and daughters of the villages took a decisive step. They gathered the village elders and asked them to vow that until an invitation came from the palace, no Rajpurohit from their villages would visit the City Palace. To honour their wishes, the elders pledged not to visit the palace without an invitation, leading to the fading of this centuries-old tradition. For the next 300 years, this bond remained distant.
Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, took the initiative to revive this historic tradition. He extended invitations to the people of these five villages, inviting them to the City Palace. With this gesture, he restored a tradition that had been dormant for centuries.
Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar honoured the Rajpurohits who came from all five villages, giving them a warm welcome and acknowledging their historical bond with the Mewar dynasty. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar presented a large picture of Arvind Singh Mewar to the village representatives. He expressed his happiness at their return and assured them that the palace doors would always remain open for them.
He reiterated that this was their home, and their bond with the royal family would now be rekindled. In response, the villagers extended an invitation to Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar to visit their villages, symbolising the beginning of a renewed relationship.
Under his stewardship, Brand Udaipur will ride newer frontiers. His style is extremely down to earth, practical in his principles, committed to taking Udaipur as a brand further. Lakshyaraj, for us in the tourism industry, has always been a keen participant, in industry events both as listener and contributor. A forceful orator, equally in Hindi and English, he speaks the language of the masses, and remains at home with the rich and the famous.
