The 76th custodian of a historic house who balanced tradition with modern business
In short: Arvind Singh Mewar served as the 76th steward of the House of Mewar, a role defined by service to the deity Sri Eklingji rather than political rule. Beyond his ceremonial duties, he transformed his family legacy into a hospitality empire while navigating complex legal disputes over his ancestral estate.
Born in 1944, Arvind Singh Mewar navigated a life that bridged ancient tradition and global commerce. Educated in India, the UK, and the US, he gained professional experience in hotel management in Chicago before returning to Udaipur. As the chairman of the HRH Group of Hotels, he modernized the family's assets, opening private collections—including antique cars and crystal—to the public, effectively turning historical heritage into a sustainable business model.
His life was marked by a significant succession conflict. Following the death of his father, Bhagwat Singh Mewar, in 1984, a long-standing dispute emerged between Arvind and his elder brother, Mahendra Singh Mewar. Their father had willed his entire property to Arvind through a trust, disinheriting Mahendra due to a prior lawsuit. This led to a dual claim on the leadership of the house, with Arvind assuming the title of Shriji Hazoor while Mahendra was crowned Maharana by the Rawat of Salumber. The legal battle over the estate persisted for decades.
The dispute reached a judicial turning point in 2020, when a court ordered the division of the estate into four equal portions among Arvind, Mahendra, their sister Yogeshwari Kumari, and the late Maharana. Despite these internal tensions, Arvind remained a prominent public figure, deeply involved in sports, particularly cricket and polo. He established The Cricket Institute in Udaipur and maintained connections with prestigious sporting bodies like the Marylebone Cricket Club. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 80, leaving behind a complex legacy of cultural stewardship and commercial enterprise.
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