Udaipur, March 17, 2025.
Arvind Singh Mewar, 81, member of Udaipur’s erstwhile royal family and chairman of the HRH Group of Hotels, passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness. Born on Dec 13, 1944, he was the second son of the late Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar. He resided at Shambhu Niwas in the City Palace complex, where he was receiving medical care. His final rites will be performed with full traditional honours in Udaipur Monday.
He is survived by his wife, Vijayaraj Kumari, son Lakshyaraj, and daughters Bhargavi Kumari Mewar and Padmaja Kumari Parmar. As the 76th custodian of the House of Mewar, Arvind Singh Mewar played a crucial role in preserving Udaipur’s cultural heritage and traditions.
Popularly known as Shriji among locals, his deep connection with the people of Udaipur was unparalleled. His absence was particularly felt during key annual celebrations such as ‘Holika Dahan’, ‘Ashwa Pujan’, his birthdays that fall on Dec 13, and Maharana Pratap Jayanti since 2020.
“During these occasions, Shriji would personally meet thousands of people at his residence and Moti Magri. He welcomed and engaged with them like family. However, following the Covid-19 pandemic, he refrained from making public appearances. Now, his absence will be deeply felt at these cherished events,” recalled C K Sharma, an expert on Mewar history.
He called himself the custodian of Udaipur and was widely respected for his relentless efforts to resolve the city’s water crisis, restoration of lakes and heritage properties, and roads.
The long-delayed Dewas water project was close to his heart. When bureaucratic hurdles stalled its progress, he personally visited the site dressed in mining clothes to push for its completion.
A pall of gloom descended over Udaipur’s old city as residents walked to the City Palace to express their grief. Many markets shut down in mourning, a testament to the love and respect people had for him.
Educated at Mayo College, Ajmer, he later obtained his school certificate from Cambridge University. His passion for sports, particularly cricket and polo, was evident from a young age, and he captained his school team in various tournaments.
