• This photo feature briefly gives contributions, during foreign rule, of the Rulers of Mewar State to Udaipur and around. It includes examples of bravery that have inspired generations, infrastructure projects to improve health, education and irrigation, preserving Heritage, Lakes of Udaipur, Railway Lines etc.

It appears that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is totally ignorant of royal families’ contributions to uplift their people despite foreign rule. The first article in this series was the Contribution of the Wadiyar Kings to Mysore State. The next was on Gaekwad rulers of Baroda. This is about the Rulers of Mewar.

Mewar

“The House of Mewar is the longest serving legacy in the world. In the case of the House of Mewar, authenticated records prove that 734 AD was the year of institutionalisation of this legacy. The House of Mewar is characterised by an inviolate adherence to its motto "The Almighty protects those who stand Steadfast in upholding righteousness."” Source Coat of Arms

 Area covered by Mewar State. 

“Depicted in the Mewar coat of arms, the Sun at the top is representative of the lineage of the royal family of Mewar. The origin of the family traces its roots back to Lord Rama and the Sun God. This is why the royal insignia has a blazing sun in its crest.”

Emblem of Mewar at City Palace, Udaipur.

The Rulers are custodians of Shree Eklingnathji, the ruling Deity of Mewar. Read   Ancestry of the House of Mewar . Bappa Rawal 734-753, Maharana Kumbha 1433-1468 are remembered. Read   Rulers of Mewar 1421 onwards

In a deeper sense, Mewar is an important part of Bharatiya history. So, when one hears of Chittorgarh Fort and Udaipur what comes to mind?

Rani Padmini, Maharana Pratap and City of Lakes. Dev and Goldie Anand’s classic GUIDE was shot at the City Palace in the 1960s. Later, the James Bond movie Octopussy was shot in Udaipur in 1982. 

There is something magical about the Lake Palace Complex that makes me want to visit again and again. It is always Yeh Dil Mange More.

The article tells about these important figures and lists some contributions of the former rulers of Mewar State.

1. Rani Padmini

Desperate to capture the beautiful Padmini, Khilji sent a word to Ratansen that he wanted to meet her. The Raja asked Padmini who flatly refused. However, on being persuaded by her beleaguered husband, Rani Padmini agreed to let Khilji see her in the mirror, as per folklore. Read   Rani Padmini and Khilji

Palace on right is where Rani Padmini is said to have stood.

Rani Padmini and other Rajput ladies committed Jauhar here, in Chittorgarh.

2. Maharana Pratap

Statue at Udaipur. Pranams.

The Battle of Haldighati is known all over. What did it achieve?

“This battle resulted in high casualties at both ends. Akbar’s intention for the battle of 1576 was to completely destroy Pratap. Akbar’s major resentment was Pratap’s resolution to stay outside the Mughal Empire. While Akbar wanted Mewar’s subjugation under the Mughal Empire, Pratap was ready to perish for independence, liberty and self-respect.” Read   Life Story of Maharana Pratap

Maharana Pratap continues to inspire Indians centuries after he gave up his body.

3. Lakes of Udaipur – Water Conservation ahead of its time

Udaipur, which is world famous as, ‘The City of Lakes’ is one of the finest examples of  protection of hydrosphere where the lakes of the city are interconnected  to form a lake system which supports and sustains ground water recharge, ensuring availability of water for the purpose of - consumption, industries, agriculture and tourism. The following lakes were made – 

1. Lake Udai Sagar built by   Maharana Udai Singhji, ruled 1537-1572.

The prime reason for the construction of this dam was the security of the newly made capital, Udaipur as well as to ensure substantial water supply for irrigation and personal consumption.

2. Lake Rajsamand built by Maharana Raj Singhji, ruled 1653-1680.

Its enormity can be imagined by the fact that it embraces the borders of almost 12 villages in its circumference.

3. Lake Jaisamand built between 1686-1691 CE by Maharana Jai Singhji.

It is about 32 kms from Udaipur. When full, it covers an area of more than 7 miles in length and 6 miles in width. A marble dam approximately 1000 feet long, 95 feet high and 50 feet broad at the base, exists between two hillocks.

The lake provides drinking water to Udaipur and is used for irrigation also.

4. Lake Pichola built by  Maharana Lakshya Singh, ruled 1382-1421.

Setting sun’s rays falling on City Palace Complex.  

5. Jana Sagar built by Maharana Raj Singhji I in 1668.

The primary reason for the creation of this water body was to meet the irrigation requirement of village Badi and other close by villages as well as to ensure that Lake Fateh Sagar and Lake Dewali would have adequate water all year round. This dam was strong enough to withstand the floods of 1795.

6. Swaroop Sagar was made by Maharana Swaroop Singhji in 1845.

Swarup Sagar is interconnected with Lake Pichola, Lake Rang Sagar and Lake Kumariya.

7. Lake Fateh Sagar built by Maharana Fateh Singhji, ruled 1884-1930.

Originally a small pond, it was made into a big lake and dam around 1890.

8. Baghela Talab or Jana Sagar was built in 1668 CE by Maharana Raj Singhji I

To read in detail about the Lakes of Udaipur

4. Developing and Maintaining the City Palace Complex/Preserving Heritage

Manek Chowk, City Palace.

A major tourist attraction in Udaipur is the City Palace Complex. It houses the palace, art gallery, museum and hotels. Saw all- very well maintained.

Durbar Hall in City Palace Complex.

Lake Palace Hotel Pichola is a global tourist destination. Behind on left of pic is summer palace Sajjangarh.

Art Gallery in City Palace Complex 2017.

Glass Inlay Work, City Palace Complex 2017. 

Zenana Mahal (ladies palace courtyard) decorated on Kartik Purnima 2017.

The City Palace Complex hosts cultural programs on key festivals. These support and promote Indian culture and attract tourists too. 

Bharatnatyam performance at City Palace, Kartik Purnima 2017. 

Holika Dahan at Manek Chowk, City Palace 2017.

City Palace Complex lit up on Diwali.

Besides tourism to Udaipur, the custodian Shriji’s HRH group run numerous hotels across Rajasthan for e.g. Gajner Palace Bikaner, Shiv Niwas Palace Udaipur etc. They have pioneered the concept of Regal Weddings

Gajner Palace Bikaner 2013. 

5. Social/Infrastructure/Reforms by Rulers of Mewar State during 19th century 

Author and retired Naval Veteran Commander Pratap Singh Mehta, whose forefathers worked with Maharanas of Mewar State gives some contributions.

19 Pradhan Pannalal Mehta. Pic by Ravi Verma. 

a. Prohibition of Sati

“On the 26/4/1862, during the reign of Maharana Shambhu Singh (1861-74), on the suggestion and with the efforts of Pradhan Gokal Chand Mehta, the Council of Regency issued a proclamation regarding the prohibition of Sati.

b. First State to have settlement of Land Revenue

Maharana Shambhu Singh (1861-1874), in consultation with Pradhan Pannalal Mehta, decided to take measures to make regular settlement of the land revenue in the Khalsa (State owned land).

c. First state to introduce fiscal, administrative and environmental reforms

During the reign of Maharana Sajjan Singh (1874-84), Pradhan Pannalal Mehta concentrated on reorganisation and fiscal reforms in the administration and to bring together all stakeholders on board for smooth running of the state.

d. Major infrastructure projects to improve health, education and irrigation

1. In 1885, Lord Dufferin, then Viceroy, laid foundation for New Walter Zanana Hospital (now Ayurvedic Hospital at Moti Chohatta)

2. In 1889, Lord Lansdowne, then Viceroy, inaugurated public library (now Sarasvati Sarvajanik Pustakalya) in Gulab Bagh.

3. In 1889, Duke and Duchess of Connaught, laid foundation of Connaught Dam (now called Fateh Sagar Paal).

4. In 1889, work on Marwar Junction-Udaipur railway line was completed.

5. In 1899, the work on Udaipur – Chittorgarh railway line was completed.”

To read full article on major infrastructure projects click Here 

In case I have missed out any key contribution please mail esamskriti108@gmail.com or leave a comment.

References

1. Lakes of Udaipur and around

2. Rajputana Chronicles: Guns and Glories by Pratap Singh Mehta. Buy Online

3. Rajputana Chronicles: Parakram aur Parampara (Hindi) by Pratap Singh Mehta. Buy Online

4. Swa-Jeewni (Autobiography)-Rai Pannalal Mehta, CEI, Diwan/Pradhan/ Amatya of Mewar State. Published at behest of Gokul Lal Mehta, Retd, IAS/ Editors: Dr PD Pathak; Onkar Lal Menaria/Rajasthan Puratan Granthmala, 1989

Also read/see

1. Album City Palace Udaipur

2. Jagdish Mandir Udaipur

3. What to see in Udaipur and Mount Abu

4. Shilpagram Udaipur

5. Chittorgarh Fort

6. Jaisamand Lake near Udaipur