A coronation ceremony meant to honor centuries-old traditions has sparked a royal stand-off in Udaipur, escalating into violence at the gates of the historic City Palace on Monday night. The dispute, involving BJP MLA Vishvaraj Singh Mewar and his cousin, Dr. Lakshay Raj Singh Mewar, centers on access to the palace, managed by the Maharana Mewar Charitable Trust led by Vishvaraj’s uncle, Shreeji Arvind Singh Mewar.
The tension began when Vishvaraj Singh, crowned the 77th Maharana of Mewar at a symbolic coronation at Chittorgarh Fort, was denied entry to the City Palace to perform rituals at family deities’ temples. His supporters, enraged by the refusal, clashed with palace staff late into the night. Stones were hurled from both sides, injuring three people, as police struggled to control the situation.
A Coronation Steeped in Tradition
Twelve days after the death of his father, Mahendra Singh Mewar, Vishvaraj Singh was declared the Mewar dynasty’s heir at a traditional ceremony in Chittorgarh Fort. In keeping with customs, priests conducted rituals, including a blood anointment by an erstwhile noble. The Mewar dynasty, tracing its origins to the legendary Bappa Rawal of the 8th century, holds a special place in Indian history, with Rana Pratap’s resistance against the Mughals being a defining chapter.
Following the coronation, Vishvaraj Singh planned to visit the Dhooni Mata temple within the City Palace and the Ekling Shiv temple. However, the palace trust denied entry, citing concerns about trespassing and property damage.
Royal Dispute and Legal Tensions
The roots of this feud date back to 1984, when Maharana Bhagwat Singhji appointed his younger son, Arvind Singh, as director of the family’s trusts, sidelining the elder son, Mahendra Singh. Since then, disputes over palaces, temples, and forts have simmered within the family.
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The trusts, now managed by Shreeji Arvind Singh and Lakshay Raj Singh, have been adamant in barring entry. Early Monday, the Maharana Mewar Charitable Trust published a notice in local newspapers, stating their intent to block access to trust properties to prevent damage or trespass.
MLA Vishvaraj Singh Responds
“The situation that we see today is unfortunate,” Vishvaraj Singh said, addressing media outside the palace gates. “Traditions and societal norms dictate that blessings are sought after a coronation. Denying this is wrong.”
Despite hours of negotiation by district administration officials, no resolution was reached, and tensions continued to rise as the night progressed.
Escalation and Political Implications
The conflict, involving one of Rajasthan’s most influential royal families, has political undertones, given Vishvaraj Singh’s position as the BJP MLA from Rajsamand. His wife, Mahima Kumari, is also a sitting MP, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.
With the situation spiraling out of control, the district administration has pledged to intervene. However, this royal row underscores a deeper rift within the Mewar family that could have lasting repercussions in Udaipur, the City of Lakes.
