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An Introduction to The House of Mewar by Mr. Bob Rupani

The State of Mewar was founded in 568 AD, and the origins of the Mewar Dynasty trace back from the Sun God (Surya). The institution of the ‘Maharana’ came into existence in the 6th century and in the 8th century, Harit Rishi the Guru (Spiritual Leader) of one of the founder fathers of the House of Mewar, Bapa Rawal, laid down cardinal rules for the governance of the state. The Guru was an extremely wise man, and his vision was that of a state governed by a custodian answerable to God's laws.

Thus was born the concept of "kingship" as "trusteeship". Which means the ruler will administrate the State of Mewar as a 'Diwan' (prime minister) and not as a 'King'. Thanks to this succeeding heads of the family of Mewar have always fulfilled the sacred position as trustee of Shree Eklingnath ji, a manifestation of Lord Shiva who is regarded as the Eternal Ruler of Mewar.

Interestingly, the House of Mewar represents the longest serving, unbroken custodianship in the world. A custodianship that transcends all boundaries of kingship, democracy and everything in between. Another interesting fact is that the heads of most Princely States of India were called Maharajas(meaning great kings). But the rulers of few states like Mewar/Udaipur are addressed as Maharana, which basically has the samemeaning but is just a means of distinguishing the Maharana’s superiority over other rulers.

In the 21st century ‘The House of Mewar’ is represented by its 76th Custodian, H.H Maharana Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar. In 1947, with India's Independence from British rule, the office of the Custodian necessitated reinventions. In1984, the mantle of 76th Custodian devolved upon Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur. The original status of Custodian, as provided in the Constitution of India, ceased to exist. The challenge, therefore, for Shriji Arvind Singh
was to bring the different identities of inheritance under one umbrella. And he did this by creatingEternal Mewar which provides the vision for the 21st century. Now Eternal Mewar covers all the activities of the House of Mewar and it has also emerged as a unique heritage brand exemplifying hospitality, cultural preservation, philanthropy, education, andsports and spirituality amongst other things.

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur India is a multifaceted personality – from being an aviator to an hotelier- and he isrespected for his strategic thinking, business acumen and ethical conduct. He can be credited for turning Udaipur into one of the most desireddestinations on theglobal tourist map. Shriji (as he is reverentially and traditionally addressed) is also one of the pioneers of heritage tourism in India having founded the HRH Group of hotels in 1989. The first heritage property converted into a hotel by his family was ‘The Lake Palace in 1963’ followed by ‘Shikarbadi’ in 1976 and ‘Shiv Niwas Palace in 1982’. Nine properties are now under the flagship of HRH Group of Hotels.

Shriji has also been very supportive of historical research, art and painting, music and dance, education and journalism and he has been honouring the finest contributors in these fields through the Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation Awards. Shriji has not just been responsible for the restoration of palaces and monuments, but also cars,
lakes, photographs, paintings, hand-written historical accounts, traditional events and functions, etc.

On June 5th 2012, Shriji became the first man from India to represent an Awardee of the WT Award for “Contribution to Universal Culture” at the United Nations. He is also the only Maharana or Maharaja participating in the special ‘Maharaja Class’ at the Pebble Beach Concourse.

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