Arvind Singh Mewar died on March 16, 2025, at the age of 81 in Udaipur, Rajasthan. A member of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar and chairman of the HRH Group of Hotels, he had been battling a prolonged illness. He passed away at his residence in the City Palace, Udaipur, where he had been receiving treatment.
Arvind Singh Mewar Died at 81
Arvind Singh Mewar was a descendant of the legendary Rajput king Maharana Pratap. He was the younger son of Bhagwant Singh Mewar and Sushila Kumari. His elder brother, Mahendra Singh Mewar, had passed away in November last year. With his passing, another chapter of Mewar’s royal history comes to a close.
Education and Early Life
Mewar received his early education at Mayo College, Ajmer. He later pursued hotel management courses in the UK and the US, gaining international exposure. He lived in Chicago for several years, working in the hospitality industry before returning to India to transform Udaipur into a global tourism destination.
A Visionary Leader in Heritage Tourism
As chairman of the HRH Group of Hotels, Arvind Singh Mewar played a crucial role in preserving Mewar’s heritage while embracing modern tourism. He converted heritage palaces into luxury hotels, carefully maintaining their historical significance. The City Palace in Udaipur stands as a testament to his dedication to heritage conservation.
Contributions to Society
Mewar’s contributions extended beyond tourism. As the Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation, he championed various philanthropic initiatives. His work in ecological restoration projects, such as the Ahar River and Udai Sagar Lake, reflected his deep commitment to preserving Udaipur’s natural beauty.
He also supported education and culture through initiatives like the Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Awards, which recognized outstanding contributions in arts and education. His legacy lives on through the trusts he helped establish, such as the Vidyadan Trust and the Rajmata Gulab Kunwarji Charitable Trust.
A Passion for Sports and Aviation
Arvind Singh Mewar’s interests were not limited to business and heritage conservation. He was an avid cricketer, captaining Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy during the 1945-46 season. His love for sports extended to promoting polo in India through the establishment of Mewar Polo and the Ramgarh Resort & Polo Club in Jaipur.
He also ventured into aviation, developing a private airport at Shikarbadi Hotel in Udaipur, with aspirations of transforming it into a commercial airport.
Recognitions and Awards
Throughout his life, Arvind Singh Mewar was recognized for his achievements. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Hotelier India in 2021 and was honored by Conde Nast Traveller in 2015. His efforts in blending heritage with modern hospitality set new standards in the tourism industry.
A Family Man
Mewar is survived by his wife, Vijayraj Kumari, son Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, and daughters Bhargavi Kumari Mewar and Padmaja Kumari Parmar. The funeral took place on March 17, 2025, in Udaipur.
Mourning the Loss
As a mark of respect, the Udaipur City Palace was closed for tourists on Sunday and Monday following his death. Political leaders and public figures expressed condolences, recognizing his remarkable contributions to Mewar’s heritage and tourism. His passing leaves a void in Udaipur and beyond.
Arvind Singh Mewar died, but his legacy will continue to shape Udaipur’s future. His life was a blend of tradition and innovation, and his vision transformed Udaipur into a global symbol of heritage and hospitality. The House of Mewar has lost a guiding light, but his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.