Udaipur, Rajasthan, bids farewell to one of its most revered figures as Arvind Singh Mewar, a descendant of the legendary Maharana Pratap and a prominent member of the erstwhile Mewar royal family, passed away in the early hours of March 16.

According to media reports, the 81-year-old royal succumbed to a prolonged illness and had been under medical care at his residence in the City Palace, Udaipur.

A nation pays its respects

The news of Arvind Singh Mewar’s passing has left Udaipur in mourning. As a sign of respect, the Udaipur City Palace will remain closed for visitors on Sunday and Monday. His funeral is scheduled for Monday, where dignitaries, family members, and well-wishers will gather to pay their final tributes.

He is survived by his wife Vijayraj Kumari, son Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, and daughters Bhargavi Kumari Mewar and Padmaja Kumari Parmar. His elder brother, Mahendra Singh Mewar, had passed away in November last year.

All about Arvind Singh Mewar?

Born into the illustrious House of Mewar, Arvind Singh Mewar was the younger son of Bhagwant Singh Mewar and Sushila Kumari. His early education took place at Mayo College, Ajmer, one of India’s most prestigious institutions, after which he pursued hotel management studies in the UK and the US, gaining international exposure in the hospitality industry.

His contributions to heritage conservation and tourism were significant. Under his guidance, the HRH Group of Hotels transformed palaces into world-renowned luxury hotels, ensuring that Mewar’s legacy thrived in modern times.

Beyond his role in hospitality, Arvind Singh Mewar was also a sportsman and an adventurer. A passionate cricketer, he debuted in the Ranji Trophy as Rajasthan’s captain in the 1945-46 season, leading the team for nearly two decades. He was also an accomplished polo player in the 1970s, but a medical condition forced him to step away from the sport. His love for the game continued, and he established 'The Udaipur Cup' at the Cambridge and Newmarket Polo Club in the UK.

In the 1991 President’s Cup, his Mewar Polo team made history by defeating the 61st Cavalry players, cementing his legacy in Indian polo.

Apart from his sporting ventures, he was an avid pilot, having completed solo flights across India in a microlite aircraft. He was also deeply involved in philanthropy and was the Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, Udaipur.