DEFINITION OF ETERNAL MEWAR
The House of Mewar, acknowledged as the world's oldest-serving dynasty, has faced challenges, which have tested the maintenance of the Custodianship form of governance and the Custodian's commitment to carry on serving as The Diwan of Shree Eklingnath ji. In 1947 with India's Independence and again in 1971, with the abolition of Princely Privileges, the office of the Custodian necessitated reinventions. In 1984 the mantle of 76th Custodian devolved upon Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur. The original status of Custodian, as provided in the Constitution of India, ceased to exist. The challenge, therefore, for Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur was to bring the different identities of inheritance under one umbrella. Eternal Mewar is conceptualized to provide the vision for the 21st century, it expresses, embodies and encompasses the core values, principles and the legacy of the House of Mewar. Eternal Mewar covers all the activities of the House of Mewar. Eternal Mewar has also emerged as a unique heritage brand exemplifying hospitality, cultural preservation, philanthropy, education, sports & spirituality for global audiences.
The Evolution of an Institution
Eternal Mewar
MESSAGE FROM THE 76TH CUSTODIAN
It is indeed a matter of enormous joy to be sharing the Eternal Mewar website, and its well-researched contents, with a new generation of global citizens. It provides an opportunity for me to share my thoughts outlining the basic values and principles guiding Eternal Mewar.
Central to our understanding of Eternal Mewar, in the 21st century, are the traditions of 'Guru-Shishya parampara' (Teacher-Disciple tradition) and Custodianship.
Let me begin by referring to the founding of the State of Mewar in the 8th century CE that is almost 1300 years ago. It was Guru Maharishi Harit Rashi who bestowed the State of Mewar to his deserving Shishya or disciple Bappa Rawal in 734 CE with a solemn decree that he would administer the State as a 'Diwan' or prime minister and not as a King. Thus, was laid the foundation of the principle of governance through Custodianship within the Guru-Shishya parampara.
Bappa Rawal remained true to the promise he had given his Guru. As a result, the State was governed on the principles of Custodianship.
Every successor of Bappa Rawal fulfilled this sacred vow by acknowledging Parmeshwaraji Maharaj Shree Eklingnath ji (a manifestation of Lord Shiva) as the Eternal Ruler of Mewar. Till date, all the successors of Bappa Rawal are hereditary 'Diwans' of Shree Eklingnath ji.
Today, when we refer to Eternal Mewar, we are in effect referring to this core value of the House of Mewar - Custodianship which has withstood the tests of time.
Here I wish to draw attention to 'social responsibility' and the 'voluntary' nature of the service which we, as Custodians, have taken upon ourselves.
In the Eternal Mewar website the innumerable programmes, philanthropic initiatives undertaken by the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation are a direct result of our voluntary commitment to serve humanity. As Custodians, we have voluntarily taken upon ourselves these tasks and hold ourselves accountable for its success and sustainability.
At the turn of the millennium, I envisaged the need to collectively carry the continuity and responsibility of Custodianship and present a role model of governance and sustenance for this century.
It was this overarching vision, first penned down by me sometime in the late 1980's in the document, 'Inheritance 76' that has evolved and transformed into the 21st century Heritage Brand of Eternal Mewar.
The city of Udaipur, founded by my illustrious forefathers in the 16th century CE, has today emerged as a Centre for Excellence, acknowledged the world over for its heritage tourism, art and architecture, performing arts, sports and as a hub for modern education. Year after year, our city is rated among the ‘world’s best cities to visit’; such honours and global ratings fill us with pride and happiness.
The new Eternal Mewar website is an invitation for like-minded organizations and individuals from all over the world to become a part of our ongoing movement to preserve the ‘living heritage’ of Mewar, Rajasthan and India.
May the Supreme Lord of Mewar Parameshwaraji Maharaj Shree Eklingnath Ji bestow us with the strength and wisdom to realize the vision of Eternal Mewar.
with best wishes,
Arvind Singh Mewar
Chairman and Managing Trustee
Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation
Focus Areas
Under the leadership of the 76th Custodian, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, 'Focus Areas' for the Eternal Mewar initiatives have been defined. In consultation with leading global and Indian architects, conservationists, environmentalists, artists and educationists, these 'Focus Areas' have become the thrust of the Eternal Mewar initiatives in the twenty-first century.
Be a Joint Custodian of our ARTS, MUSIC and LITERATURE
- DONATE for our art projects.
- PARTNER in our arts and crafts activities.
- PARTICIPATE in our events.
Milestones
Eternal Mewar is an expression of the value of Custodianship, which is a role model of governance and sustenance for this century. Numerous initiatives have been adopted as a driving force while enduring inherited responsibilities.
-
A Joint Co-operation Programme (JCP) was signed between Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation, UNESCO India Office, New Delhi; Udaipur Municipal Council; The City of Strasbourg (Municipalite de Strasbourg), France and Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, Udaipur for three years 2011-2013 to strengthen Udaipur's knowledge base, develop a framework and undertake activities to preserve its heritage and develop international collaboration and partnerships for heritage-based projects in Udaipur. A signing ceremony was held at The City of Strasbourg, France on the 2nd October 2011.
The purpose of the JCP is to establish a decentralized programme for a period of initially 3 years between the cities of Udaipur and Strasbourg to work together on heritage related projects at State-level. The JCP will provide the opportunity for a long-term relationship between the Government of Rajasthan, IHCN-F, UMC, MS and MMCF to develop a technical exchange in heritage-sensitive urban development.
-
Tripoliya, 'The Triple Arched' Gate built with white marble procured from Rajnagar, Rajasthan by Rana Sangram Singh II, the 61st Custodian of House of Mewar in A.D. 1711 stands at the northern end of The City Palace. Only the Maharana used to enter through the middle arch while other subjects and visitors used the two side arched entries of Tripoliya. The gate was a symbol of sovereignty and an independent state. The gate was further adorned by adding the first story of Hawa Mahal during the reign of Maharana Swaroop Singh r. 1842-61, which was restored in 2005 by Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur. However, no previous Maharana had installed the traditional wooden gates in Tripoliya despite the fact that provision was kept on the sides of each arch for such an installation by Rana Sangram Singh II. Now, after a long gap of 300 years and 15 Custodians, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur the present 76th Custodian of House of Mewar and Chairman and Managing Trustee of Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, Udaipur took the initiative of installing three massive wooden gates at the 'The Triple Arched' gate Tripoliya in 2010 as a way of completing his obligations to his forefathers.
Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation supported the project of Ecological Restoration of Ahar River and Ecological Improvement of Udai Sagar Lake through Bio Techniques. The aim is to create a pollution free environment and habitat and to rejuvenate the Ahar River and Udai Sagar Lake with echo-technology and ecological engineering.
-
Installation of the statue of Maharana Pratap at Pratap Prangan, Maharana Pratap Airport, Dabok, Udaipur
The Ststue is seen as a fitting tribute to the spirit of Mewar and its valour. The location of the statue makes it a central focus of attention from the moment of arrival at the airport, and is also visible for departing passengers. This unique statue of Maharana Pratap, a hero of freedom and self-respect depicts the undefeated eternal values of Mewar.
-
An Audio Tour Guide is launched to enhance the experience of visitors to The City Palace Museum and Crystal Gallery.
A heritage motor launch Ford 17+1 seater and heritage motor launch Crysler 24+1 seater are restored to meet today's stringent environmental standards. Both the launch restored to its former glory, 100 years old, are now propelling in Lake Pichola.
Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation pioneered a complete explosive detection in the entire Palace premises under a risk management plan.
-
Mewar Sabha Shiromani is a forum developed to unite the people and friends of Mewar spread globally, with an objective to rekindle and revitalise our heritage and to become an integral part of 'The Strength of Mewar'.
-
The first Museum to carry out a Photogrammetry survey for a Conservation Master plan of The City Palace, Udaipur.
-
A collection of Flora Danica porcelain is exhibited at The Gallery Restaurant, Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur.
India's first privately financed and produced Son et Lumiere The Mewar Sound and Light Show is shown at The City Palace in English and Hindi.
Eurosolar awarded Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation the European Solar Prize 2005 in the category 'One world co-operation' for the development of solar projects in India.
-
The first prototypes of vehicle powered by solar panels are designed and tested during a series of international rallies in Rajasthan.
-
The Palace The Vintage & Classic Car Collection is open to the public.
-
The first solar powered boat is built. It is now used commercially at Gajner Lake, Gajner Palace, Gajner (near Bikaner).
-
Considered to be the world's largest private collection of crystal furniture and objects is displayed at Crystal Gallery, Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur.
-
Time-honoured traditions dating to 17th century if not earlier in the shape of Regal Festivals are revived. These festivals of Holika Dahan, Ashwa Poojan, and Kartik Poornima vehicle the values and history of Eternal Mewar; and their perpetuation, promoting also alongside contemporary cultural expression in a spirit of innovation and creativity are meant to stimulate the intangible cultural heritage of the land, while offering something truly original and authentic to a tourist in Udaipur.
-
Historic Resort Hotels Pvt. Ltd. is instituted. The first heritage property converted into a hotel is The Lake Palace in 1963 followed by Shikarbadi in 1976 and Shiv Niwas Palace in 1982. Nine properties are now under the flagship of HRH Group of Hotels, the only chain of heritage palace-Hotels and resorts in Rajasthan and India.
-
The Palace Band is revived. The Band's history can be traced back to Maharana Shambhu Singhji (1861-74 AD).
-
The first Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Awards Distribution Ceremony is held to honour individuals for their achievements of permanent value rendered to society.
Join us in our next initiative.
The City Palace,
Udaipur 313001, Rajasthan, Indiabr
+91 294 2419021-9
+91 294 2419020
House of Mewar
The House of Mewar in the twenty-first century is represented by its 76th Custodian, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar and his family. Leading by example, Shriji (as he is reverentially and traditionally addressed) has been personally involved and associated with every activity emanating from The City Palace. His hands-on management style has motivated and encouraged every member of the family to be similarly associated with key initiatives of Eternal Mewar. Conscious of the responsibilities of Custodianship, the family members have demonstrated their committment to the 'living heritage' of Mewar as enshrined in The City Palace of Udaipur and through the Mewar region of Rajasthan and India.
MR. LAKSHYARAJ SINGH MEWAR OF UDAIPUR
Mr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur is the youngest child of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur and Smt Vijayraj Kumari Mewar of Udaipur. Belonging to the royal family of Mewar, he is a direct descendant of such luminaries in Indian history such as Maharana Sanga and Maharana Pratap.
Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar was schooled at Mayo College, Ajmer and later at the Blue Mountains Hotel Management School in Australia. Here he obtained a bachelor of commerce degree and also gained hands-on experience in the hospitality industry, serving at all levels of the business, including as a barista and a waiter. He later studied management at the Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
He returned to Udaipur to join the family hospitality and heritage hotels business. His first charge was the redevelopment of the Jagmandir Island Palace, which he transformed from an abandoned ruin to one of the world's most exclusive wedding destinations. He has recently been promoted to the position of Executive Director of several companies, including the HRH Group of Hotels. He is also a trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation set up by his grandfather, HlH Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar of Udaipur. He is especially involved in the running of the Foundation's educational trust, and takes particular interest in the day to day running of the schools under the trust.
He gave up a promising career in cricket to concentrate on sports administration. Presently he is the President of the Udaipur District Cricket Association and has had a remarkable run of success in every facet of the game. At State level, he is a Special Invitee of the Rajasthan Cricket Association along with Chairman – Technical Committee and Special Invitee for World Class Stadium Committee (Jaipur and Udaipur); he is also an Advisor to The President of Rajasthan Cricket Association.
He is also the Vice - President of the Maharana Pratap Smarak Samiti, Udaipur and is extremely active in the conservation of Mewar's cultural and historic heritage.
Lakshyaraj uses his public profile to create awareness about issues relevant to the urban and rural societies in the region and campaigns for health, environmental and youth causes. The love and trust accrued over 76 generations by his family allow him to take a leading role in social causes close to his heart.
In his personal life Mr. Mewar enjoys playing music, painting and aeromodelling. He encourages fresh talent in the creative fields by giving them opportunities to exhibit and perform in the group's properties. He is active and connected to all the networking services with 21000 connections and if you like to link up then connect to facebook, he is sociable to all at large extent.