Arvind Singh Mewar, head of erstwhile Udaipur royal family, dies

UDAIPUR/JAIPUR Arvind Singh Mewar, head of Udaipur's erstwhile royal family and one of the most well-known faces of Indian royalty on the world stage, passed away on Sunday. He was 81.

The 76th custodian of the 'House of Mewar' was a multi-faceted man, running a hospitality business, fighting a tireless battle as Udaipur's water warrior, featuring in films and documentaries and once earning a place for himself in Rajasthan's state cricket team. He was the second son of the late Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar and resided at Shambhu Niwas in the City Palace. His last rites will be performed with full traditional honours in Udaipur Monday. He is survived by wife Vijayaraj Kumari, son Lakshyaraj and daughters Bhargavi Kumari Mewar and Padmaja Kumari Parmar.

Arvind Singh Mewar played a major role in preserving Udaipur's heritage, which remains the magnet that draws tourists from across the world to the city of lakes. Arvind Singh Mewar ran his own hotel chain in the HRH Group.

Popularly known in the city as Shriji, his deep connections with Udaipur and its people were nurtured over decades of his involvement in the city's public life and in enriching its identity. His absence, due to his illness, loomed large over events such as Holika Dahan and Ashwa Pujan.