Arvind Singh Mewar, a distinguished member of the erstwhile royal family of Udaipur, was a man of many talents. Known for his immense contributions to tourism, sports, art, and culture, he played a pivotal role in elevating Mewar’s legacy on the global stage. His deep-rooted love for cricket and polo, along with his innovative vision for heritage tourism, set new benchmarks in the hospitality industry.
Early Life and Education
Born into the esteemed Mewar lineage, Arvind Singh Mewar was raised with a strong sense of tradition and responsibility. His early education was supervised at home by his parents before he attended Mayo College, Ajmer, in 1956-57. He later pursued higher studies in English Literature, Economics, and Political Science from MB College. To refine his skills in hospitality, he studied Hotel Management at The Metropolitan College, St. Albans, England, and further honed his expertise through specialized courses in the United States.
Upholding the Mewar Legacy
Following the demise of his father, Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar, in November 1984, Arvind Singh Mewar took charge of his ancestral legacy, propelling it to new heights. His leadership was marked by a strong commitment to religious harmony and humanitarian values. An ardent devotee of Mewar’s ruling deity, Eklingnath, he emphasized equality among all faiths.
His passion for music, art, and literature was evident from an early age. A proficient sitar player, he deeply appreciated classical music and initiated several cultural projects. He entrusted the Maharana Kumbha Sangeet Kala Trust with music records of legendary artists and started ‘Swaranjali’ at Eklingji Temple on Guru Purnima to celebrate musical heritage. A keen admirer of poetry and literature, he frequently engaged in intellectual discussions with his mentor, Pt. Narendra Mishra.
Honors and Recognitions
Arvind Singh Mewar’s contributions were widely recognized, earning him numerous national and international accolades. Some of the prestigious positions and awards conferred upon him include:
- Museum Association of India, New Delhi – Honorary Membership
- Indian Association for the Study of Conservation of Cultural Property, New Delhi – Member
- Commonwealth Association of Museums, Canada – Member
- Indian Heritage City Network – Membership
- The Grenadiers Associations – Honorary Membership (2011)
- Indian Association of Tour Operators – Hall of Fame Award
- Galileo Express Travel World – Tata AIG Lifetime Achievement Award
- Travel Agents Associations of India – Agastya Award
- Rajiv Gandhi Tourism Development Mission – Advisor
- Rajasthan Foundation – Executive Member
- Jaipur Virasat Foundation – National Advisory Board Member
- Jaipur Heritage International Festival – Honorary Member
- Patron of Various Cultural Organizations, including Rajasthan Association of North America, Taj Association of Art Culture and Heritage, Mehar Bhargava Foundation, and Maharana Pratap Memorial Committee
- Chief Patron of Maharana Pratap Museum, Haldighati
- Member of World Wide Fund for Nature
Cricket and Polo Enthusiast
Sports played an integral role in Arvind Singh Mewar’s life. A skilled cricketer and polo player, he actively promoted these sports in Mewar. He established the Udaipur Equine Institute in Shikarbari for polo training and played a key role in setting up the Polo Complex in Jaipur. His contributions extended internationally, as seen in the Udaipur Cup Tournament organized by the Cambridge and New Market Polo Club in England. As a schoolboy, he captained the Mayo College cricket team and was also the first captain of the Rajasthan school cricket team. His passion for sports kept him actively involved in cricket and polo clubs across India and abroad.
Transforming Mewar’s Tourism and Heritage Industry
Arvind Singh Mewar revolutionized Rajasthan’s tourism landscape, particularly in the realm of heritage tourism. He modernized and expanded the hospitality industry, transforming palaces into world-class hotels. Under his leadership, Shiv Niwas Palace and Fateh Prakash Palace won the Grand Heritage Hotel Award from the Tourism Department. He introduced the concept of royal weddings, positioning Udaipur as the ultimate destination for grand nuptials, a trend that continues to attract global attention today.
Establishing Prestigious Awards
Continuing his father’s vision, Arvind Singh Mewar institutionalized the Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Decoration Awards in 1980-81. After his father’s passing, he expanded these accolades by introducing new awards, including:
- Colonel James Todd Decoration (International Level)
- Hakeem Khan Sur Decoration, Maharana Udai Singh Decoration, Panna Dhay Decoration (National Level)
- Rana Poonja Decoration (State Level)
A Legacy That Lives On
Arvind Singh Mewar’s contributions to heritage preservation, tourism, sports, and cultural promotion have left an indelible mark on Mewar and beyond. His innovative approach to blending tradition with modernity ensured that the grandeur of Rajasthan remains preserved while being accessible to the world. His vision continues to inspire generations, making him a true custodian of Mewar’s glorious heritage.