The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), Udaipur was instituted to serve
and assist each and every individual to realise a special status in the hierarchy
of God's creation, and to serve as a temple of inspiration to future generations.
The Foundation was founded upon principles of trusteeship, which are its underlying
structure and strength.
In 1971, Parliament amended the Constitution, and by this Constitutional Amendment
Act of 1971, the erstwhile sovereigns of the states of India, became ordinary citizens
of the democratic republic, and their privileges and allowances ceased. From now
on they would have to fend for themselves and seek whatever income they might. The
most important aspect of this legislation was symbolic.
The rulers were reduced by the abrupt removal of that respect which they had earned
through centuries of service. Now, amongst other things, they would also be liable
to estate duty like anyone else, and their palaces became at a stroke, a vast taxable
asset. His late Highness Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar, now known simply as 'Mr.
Mewar', was concerned, on the one hand, how to make practical sustainable use of
all his buildings and on the other, how to continue time honoured and cherished
traditions of the House of Mewar.
In 1969, he established a Charitable Trust to which he donated the main portions
of the The City Palace, as well as a considerable endowment. Thus the Maharana Mewar
Charitable Foundation came into existence on the 20th day of October 1969. Its funds
derive both from interest on the original endowment and from entrance fees to the
The City Palace Complex, Udaipur now a museum open to the public.
The scope and reach of the MMCF is vast and embraces all avenues of service to the
community that was planned by His late Highness Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar. After
the severance of the states of India, when Maharajas and the Maharana no longer
held the social and civic responsibilities that they were used to, the concept of
‘service to the community' was taken over by the government - by politicians and
municipal legislators.The role of the Maharaja/Maharana was forcefully made redundant.
The House of Mewar however decided on another course of activity. They decided to
continue with their responsibilities towards their people in a manner that would
be conducive, and would comply with the curriculum laid down by new independent
India. The activities of the MMCF are one such highlight into the enterprise of
the House of Mewar.