Maharana Hameer Singh II (r. 1773 - 1778 CE):
Remembering a Young Ruler Amidst Turbulent Times

On 25th June 2026, the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) commemorated the 265th Birth Anniversary of Maharana Hameer Singh II (r. 1773–1778 CE), reflecting on one of the most challenging phases in Mewar's history.

Following the demise of Maharana Ari Singh II, the 12-year-old Hameer Singh II ascended the throne on 11th March 1773 under the guardianship of Rajmata Sardar Kunwar. Assisted by Maharaj Bagh Singh of Karjali and Maharaj Arjun Singh of Shivratri, the state administration navigated a period marked by financial hardship and political uncertainty.

His reign witnessed mounting internal and external challenges. A rebellion by unpaid Sindhi soldiers was eventually resolved through land grants after his younger brother, Kanwar Bheem Singh, led a campaign with them against the Marathas. Simultaneously, Mewar faced significant territorial setbacks, with the Jagir of Begun passing to the Scindias and Nimbaheda coming under Ahilyabai Holkar. In response, Rajmata Sardar Kunwar strengthened diplomatic ties by arranging the marriage of Princess Amar Kunwar to the royal family of Kishangarh in 1777.

Despite his youth, Maharana Hameer Singh II personally led military expeditions to Naharmagra, Shreenathji and Kumbhalgarh to suppress the pretender Ratan Singh, demonstrating remarkable resolve and leadership. His promising reign, however, came to a tragic end following a hunting accident in 1778, leaving no male heir to succeed him.

Though brief, the reign of Maharana Hameer Singh II remains a poignant chapter in Mewar's history-one defined by resilience, determination and steadfast leadership in the face of overwhelming adversity.

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

On 30th June 2026, the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) commemorated the 105th Birth Anniversary of Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar (r. 1955–1984 CE), paying tribute to a visionary leader whose foresight transformed Mewar's royal legacy into a model of public service, heritage conservation and cultural stewardship.

Adopted from the Shivrati branch by Maharana Bhupal Singh in 1939, Maharana Bhagwat Singh ascended the throne on 4th July 1955. Married to Princess Sushila Kumariji, granddaughter of Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, he received his education at Mayo College, Ajmer. Inspired by the national movement, he underwent military training in Dehradun and was also an accomplished sportsman, representing the Rajputana and Rajasthan cricket teams.

Following the abolition of princely titles and privy purses by the Government of India in 1971, Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar responded with remarkable vision. Rather than retreat from public life, he channelled his energies into institution building and philanthropy, strengthening charitable trusts dedicated to community welfare. His landmark initiatives included the establishment of The City Palace Museum under MMCF in 1969 and the founding of the Maharana Mewar Public School in 1974-institutions that continue to serve society with distinction.

A pioneer of heritage tourism, he redefined Mewar's economic future by transforming the Jagniwas into the internationally acclaimed Lake Palace Hotel, later entering into partnership with the Taj Group in 1971. His commitment to conservation also ensured the meticulous preservation of Jagmandir and Fateh Prakash Palace, setting new benchmarks for heritage management in India.

Deeply devoted to preserving India's cultural and spiritual traditions, Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar served as Chairman of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, established the Shiv-Shakti Peeth Library and championed Indian heritage on global platforms until his passing on 3rd November 1984.

His enduring legacy lives on through the institutions he created, the heritage he safeguarded and the vision of service that continues to inspire the work of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation today.