Udaipur: A disagreement within Mewar royal family over succession turned violent in Udaipur, Rajasthan, after the coronation of Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, the elder son of the late Mahendra Singh Mewar, a former MP and royal family member. Tensions escalated when Vishvraj Singh’s supporters gathered at the gates of the City Palace and were met with stone pelting from within the palace premises, leaving the Old City of Udaipur in turmoil.
The violence took place due to a family feud over the post-coronation rituals. Vishvraj Singh attempted to perform Dhuni Darshan and visit Eklingji temple – rituals traditionally observed after coronation – but was stopped by opposition led by his uncle, Arvind Singh Mewar.
What led to the feud?
Mahendra Singh Mewar’s death left a void in the royal leadership, traditionally filled by coronation. As per Mewar customs, the eldest son assumes the position of ‘Maharana,’ a symbolic title in modern times, but deeply revered by the local community.
Following the coronation of Vishvraj Singh Mewar, his attempt to enter the City Palace sparked a feud. The younger faction of the family, led by Arvind Singh Mewar, opposed the entry. Arvind Singh published a notice in newspapers earlier, restricting unauthorized access to the palace and Eklingji temple.
This move fueled tensions, as it directly clashed with Vishvraj Singh’s plan to visit the Dhuni inside the palace and Eklingji temple – rituals traditionally performed after coronation.
Violent turn of events
As Vishvraj Singh Mewar and his supporters gathered outside the palace gate on Monday evening, they were met with resistance. Stones were reportedly thrown at the crowd from within the palace premises. This escalated the situation, leading to protests by Vishvraj’s supporters. Vishvraj himself joined the protest, demanding entry to the palace for the traditional Dhuni Darshan.
Udaipur district administration, including the collector and superintendent of police, tried to mediate, but the violence disrupted it. One policeman and several others sustained injuries.
Why did the conflict become violent?
The feud between Vishvraj Singh and Arvind Singh reflects deeper fissures within Mewar royal family. While Vishvraj claims the traditional rights of the eldest son to perform royal rituals, Arvind Singh appears to contest the interpretation of these customs. His notice restricting access was seen by Vishvraj’s supporters as a deliberate attempt to undermine the coronation and associated rituals.
Adding to the complexity, Vishvraj Singh Mewar and his wife, Mahima Kumar, are politically prominent. Mahima Kumar is a BJP MP from Rajsamand and Vishvraj himself is a BJP MLA from Nathdwara.
The district administration is working to de-escalate the situation. Authorities are negotiating with both sides to restore order and prevent further violence.
Udaipur district collector Arvind Kumar Poswal said, “Law and order situation is well under control. Talks were going on with palace representatives as well as the society representatives. We have agreed on certain issues, while talks are still going on for certain others. The district administration has moved to take the disputed site of Dhuni Mata Temple into receivership. If either of the two groups wants to register a case, it will be registered.”
