Udaipur, Rajasthan – The city of lakes bid a solemn farewell to Arvind Singh Mewar, a distinguished descendant of the legendary Rajput king Maharana Pratap. The 81-year-old royal passed away early on Sunday after a prolonged illness. His funeral is scheduled to take place on Monday in Udaipur, with the City Palace—his residence—remaining closed for tourists as a mark of respect.
Arvind Singh Mewar is survived by his wife, Vijayraj Kumari, son Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, and daughters Bhargavi Kumari Mewar and Padmaja Kumari Parmar. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy deeply intertwined with Rajasthan’s heritage, culture, and tourism.
A Legacy of Royalty and Hospitality
Arvind Singh Mewar was not only a custodian of Mewar’s royal history but also a visionary entrepreneur who played a crucial role in the hospitality sector. As the chairman of the HRH Group of Hotels, he successfully transformed the family’s heritage properties into a globally recognized hospitality brand.
Born into the illustrious Mewar dynasty, Arvind Singh was the younger son of Bhagwant Singh Mewar and Sushila Kumari. His elder brother, Mahendra Singh Mewar, passed away in November last year. He completed his early education at Mayo College, Ajmer, before pursuing hotel management courses in the UK and the US. His extensive training in the hospitality industry included hands-on experience at international hotels, and he even lived and worked in Chicago for several years before returning to India to establish HRH Group of Hotels as a professionally managed corporate organization.
A Passion for Sports and Aviation
Arvind Singh Mewar was not just a hotelier; he had a deep passion for sports and aviation. He made his debut in the Ranji Trophy as Rajasthan’s captain in the 1945-46 season and remained active in the sport for nearly two decades.
His love for polo saw him take up the sport in the 1970s, though he later had to retire from it due to medical reasons. However, his commitment to the game remained strong. He founded the prestigious Udaipur Cup at the Cambridge and Newmarket Polo Club and established Mewar Polo in Udaipur, a team comprising professional players trained for Indian tournaments. The team went on to win the esteemed President’s Cup in 1991.
In addition to his contributions to sports, Arvind Singh Mewar was a qualified pilot. His aviation skills were exemplified when he completed solo flights across India in a microlight aircraft, adding another feather to his multifaceted persona.
Tributes Pour In
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma paid tribute to Arvind Singh Mewar, acknowledging his significant contributions in preserving Mewar’s “glorious legacy” and promoting the region’s heritage. Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje also expressed her condolences, recalling his relentless efforts in making Udaipur a global tourism hub. She stated that his contributions to the hospitality and cultural preservation sectors would always be remembered.
Arvind Singh Mewar’s passing leaves a void in the royal and cultural landscape of Rajasthan. His vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the legacy of Mewar will continue to inspire generations to come. As Udaipur mourns the loss of one of its most iconic figures, his indelible mark on history, hospitality, and heritage remains immortal.