'Royal Family Feud in Udaipur: Clashes Erupt Following New Maharana's Coronation

Udaipur experienced chaos as BJP MLA Vishvaraj Singh Mewar was coronated as the 77th Maharana of Mewar, leading to a violent clash with his cousin at the palace gates. The dispute has historical roots and raises questions about tradition and royal authority.

P24 News Media

November 26, 2024

1 minute

'Royal Family Feud in Udaipur: Clashes Erupt Following New Maharana's Coronation

India

The city of Udaipur recently found itself at the center of a significant conflict within the royal family of Mewar, ignited by the coronation of Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the newly declared 77th Maharana of Mewar. This ceremonial recognition took place at the historic Chittorgarh Fort just days after the passing of his father, Mahendra Singh Mewar. As tensions mounted, a confrontation arose between Vishvaraj Singh and his cousin Dr. Lakshay Raj Singh Mewar outside the gates of the iconic city palace where access was denied to him. The palace is currently managed by a trust overseen by his uncle and cousin, Shreeji Arvind Singh Mewar. As the day unfolded, the dispute escalated dramatically. By 10 PM, supporters of Vishvaraj Singh began to engage in violence, throwing stones and attempting to force their way into the palace grounds, while those inside retaliated. Reports indicate that as many as three individuals sustained injuries amidst the chaos, prompting a police intervention to restore order. The situation became increasingly dire as Vishvaraj Singh asserted his presence with supporters for approximately five hours, leading the local administration to step in as the unrest persisted.

The formal acknowledgment of Vishvaraj Singh as heir to the Mewar dynasty took place just 12 days following the death of his father, amidst a ceremony steeped in tradition. His coronation ceremony was attended by priests who conducted rituals, including a traditional 'havan,' with a significant aspect being the raj tilak performed by an aristocrat who symbolically anointed him with a drop of blood from his cut finger, a practice rooted in the long and storied history of the Mewar royal lineage, which claims descent from Bappa Rawal dating back to the 8th century. One of the most renowned figures in this history is Rana Pratap, famed for his resistance against Mughal expansion during the battle of Haldi Ghati.

Following the ceremonial proceedings, Vishvaraj Singh aimed to seek blessings from family deities at two temples — the Dhooni Mata temple located within the city palace, and the Ekling Shiv temple located approximately 50 kilometers away. However, access was denied as both temples are under the jurisdiction of the trust led by his relatives. The administration made efforts to negotiate with the trust, seeking permission for a limited group of nobles to accompany him for this significant religious visit. Despite these endeavors, the trust's response was not accommodating, leading to heightened tensions around the city palace gates.

In anticipation of disturbances, police had deployed barricades and increased their presence near the palace. However, enraged supporters of Vishvaraj Singh breached these barricades when he was refused entry, escalating the situation further. Expressing his views to the media, Mr. Singh described the scenario as regrettable, emphasizing the conflict between property rights and traditional norms, asserting that the denial of access to sacred sites contradicts societal values.

The ongoing rift among the Mewar royals traces its origins back to a significant legal dispute over management of palatial estates, temples, and various forts, all controlled by a network of nine trusts, overseen predominantly by Vishvaraj Singh's uncle and cousin. The genesis of this conflict can be dated back to 1984 when the former Maharana Bhagwat Singhji designated his younger son, Arvind Singh, as the trustee director, effectively sidelining the elder son, Mahendra Singh, from royal possessions and authority.

As the tumultuous situation continues in Udaipur, it is evident that this royal conflict will resonate within the City of Lakes for the foreseeable future, highlighting deeper issues of tradition, respect, and authority within a family steeped in history.