Maharana Pratap I (r. 1572-1597 CE)

On May 29, 2025 the foundation celebrated 485th birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap.

Maharana Pratap, born in 1540 at Kumbhalgarh, was a legendary warrior and symbol of resistance against Mughal rule. The eldest son of Maharana Udai Singh II, he was trained in statecraft, military tactics, and warfare. Despite being initially passed over for succession, he was crowned ruler of Mewar in 1572 after popular and noble support.

Facing Mughal pressure under Emperor Akbar, Maharana Pratap chose to resist rather than submit. His most famous engagement was the Battle of Haldighati (1576), where, despite heavy fighting, he maintained Mewar's independence through guerrilla warfare and strategic alliances.

Pratap fortified Mewar's mountainous terrain, decentralized administration, and promoted cultural growth during peaceful years in his later capital, Chavand. His leadership united local rulers opposed to the Mughals, making Mewar unconquerable after years of conflict.

He died in 1597, leaving a legacy of courage, patriotism, and steadfast dedication to freedom. His cremation site near Chavand remains a revered memorial.

The Rai Angan area of the Museum premises was decorated with flowers and visitors paid homage to Maharana Pratap on his garlanded frame. The statue of Maharana Pratap at Maharana Pratap International Airport at Dabok, Udaipur was garlanded by the foundation.

Maharana Hameer Singh II - (r. 1773 - 1778 CE)

On June 06, 2025 the foundation celebrated 264th birth anniversary of Maharana Hameer Singh II

Maharana Hameer Singh II ascended the throne of Mewar in 1773 at the tender age of 12, following the demise of Maharana Ari Singh II. During his minority, administration was managed by Maharaj Bagh Singh of Karjali and Maharaj Arjun Singh of Shivrati. His reign was challenged by economic difficulties and political instability, including rebellion from Sindhi soldiers due to unpaid salaries and ongoing Maratha invasions.

Despite efforts to manage these crises, Mewar faced territorial losses such as the capture of Begun and Nimbaheda by Maratha factions. Maharana Hameer Singh II sought to strengthen alliances through marriage ties with Kishangarh. Tragically, his reign was cut short by a hunting accident in 1778, and he left no male heir to succeed him.

Maharana Bhagwat Singh - (r. 1955 - 1984 CE)

On June 12, 2025 the foundation celebrated 104th birth anniversary of Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar.

Maharana Bhagwat Singh, who ascended the throne of Mewar in 1955, was a visionary leader dedicated to preserving Mewar's rich heritage during a period of significant change. Educated at Mayo College, Ajmer, and trained in the army, he combined a modern outlook with deep respect for tradition.

Despite the abolition of royal titles and privy purses in 1971, Maharana Bhagwat Singh continued his service through charitable works, focusing on community welfare and education. He founded the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation Museum and the Maharana Mewar Public School, both aimed at cultural preservation and public benefit.

A pioneer of heritage tourism, he transformed royal palaces into landmark hotels, most notably partnering with the Tata Group to establish the world-famous Taj Lake Palace Hotel. As a staunch supporter of Hindu values, he led the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and established the Shiv-Shakti Peeth library for public use.

Maharana Bhagwat Singh's legacy of cultural stewardship and progressive leadership remains an inspiration. He passed away in 1984, leaving a lasting impact on Mewar and beyond.

VIP Visit

Mr. William Dalrymple and Mrs. Olivia Fraser Explore the Heritage of Mewar at The City Palace Museum

Mr. William Dalrymple, acclaimed historian, writer, and broadcaster, accompanied by his wife, noted artist Mrs. Olivia Fraser, visited The City Palace Museum, Udaipur on April 23, 2025. The couple immersed themselves in the Museum's rich historical collections, delving into the vibrant royal heritageof Mewar.