Shriji Arvind Singhji Mewar is the present head of the ancient and distinguished family of the Maharana of Mewar. The dynasty, belonging to the famous Sisodia Rajput Clan of the Solar Race, traces its descent from Guhil or Guhaditya, who came from Vallabhipur in the Sixth Century A.D.

This Royal Dynasty is one of the oldest ruling families of the World and, since 524. A.D., has been reigning in unbroken succession and continuity for over 1400 years.

The Tutelary Deity of the dynasty of the Maharanas is Lord Shiva, Shree Eklingnath. The Maharanas held the Rulership as a Trusteeship, and styled themselves as the Diwans (Prime Minister) of Lord Eklingji (Lord Shiva) who was the Supreme Ruler of the Realm of Mewar.

Shriji Arvind Singhji Mewar was born in December, 1944. He is the grandson of Lieut. - General His late highness Maharana Sir Sri Bhupal Singhji of Mewar, G.C.S.I., K.C.I.E., the last ruling sovereign of Mewar and Maharaja Pramukh of integrated Rajasthan, and son of His late Highness Maharana Bhagwat Singhji Mewar, the last recognised ruler of Mewar under the Indian Constitution. His mother, Her Highness Smt. Sushila Kumariji, is a grand-daughter of General His late Highness Maharaja Sir Sri Ganga Singhji of Bikaner, G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., G.C.V.O., G.B.E., K.C.B., A.-D.-C., LL.D., and daughter of His late Highness Maharaja Sir Sri Sadul Singhji of Bikaner, G.C.S.I., K.C.I.E., C.V.O.

A distinguished student of Mayo College, he captained not only the Mayo College Cricket Team, but was appointed Captain of the First Rajasthan Schools Cricket Team in the All India Schools Tournament. Subsequently, he captained the Rajasthan University and Udaipur University Teams in the Inter-University Cricket Tournaments. He also played First Class Cricket for Rajasthan for several years. He graduated in Arts from Maharana Bhupal College, Udaipur.

Like his father, he is a keen sportsman, and plays Cricket and Polo. He is a Member of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, the Cricket Club of India, the Bombay Cricket Association, the Bombay Gymkhana, the Marleybone Cricket Club, London, and various other sports clubs. He is also the President of the Rajasthan Volleyball Association. A proficient rider, he is the proud owner of several outstanding Polo Ponies. He is the Patron of the Imperial Riding and Polo Club, and a member of the Amateur Riders Club, Delhi Polo Club, and a Steward of Indian Polo Association.

An enthusiastic patron of literature, art, classical music and various other cultural activities, he is generous in helping causes and institutions, which serve the cause of human welfare and the uplift of the poor.

His fortitude, devotion to duty, adherence to truth, generosity, concern for the poor and needy and pleasant manners have earned for him a wide circle of friends and admirers, not only in India but abroad also.

A keen businessman, managing with snap efficiency all the Companies and the several Public and Private Trusts, Shriji Arvind Singhji Mewar had his business training in England and the United States. He is now the Chairman and Managing Director of The Lake Palace Hotels & Motels Pvt. Ltd., The Lake Shore Palace Hotel Pvt. Ltd., Lake Palace Trade & Travels Pvt. Ltd., and the Chairman of the Shikarbadi Hotel Pvt. Ltd., Since he took over complete charge of management of these Companies, he has introduced many new modern techniques of management. Under his stewardship, all the Companies have shown phenomenal growth. He is also a Director of several Public Limited Companies.

As a consequence of the 42^nd Amendment to the Constitution of India, the recognition, titles and privileges of the Indian Princes were abolished. In these changed circumstances, His Highness Maharana Bhagwat Singhji preserved and perpetuated the Institution of Maharana by setting up through his Will, the Maharana Mewar Institution Trust, thereby providing a continuing sanctity to the Institution of Maharana within the framework of existing laws. His late Highness appointed Shriji Arvind Singhji Mewar as the Managing Trustee of the Maharana Mewar Institution Trust. Thereby, as per his desire, the duties and obligations of the Maharana devolved on Shriji Arvind Singhji Mewar through the medium of the Maharana Mewar Institution Trust.

Being deeply conscious of the duties and obligations inherited from the 1400 years of unbroken and glorious traditions of the Family, and in the footsteps of his revered grandfather His late Highness Maharana Bhupal Singhji of Mewar, and his revered father, His late Highness Maharana Bhagwat Singhji of Mewar, Shriji Arvind Singhji Mewar is always anxious to preserve and perpetuate those traditions, and carry on the age-old obligations of the Institution of Maharana in whatever form and measure as are possible in the changed circumstances.

Shriji Arvind Singhji Mewar is the Managing Trustee of Shree Eklingji Trust and other religious Trusts. He is an ardent devotee of Shree Eklingji and is dedicated to continuing the activities connected with promotion of the obligations and duties of the Institution of Maharana and observes the cardinal principles of Sage Harit Rishi in the Service to Man.

Shriji Arvind Singhji Mewar is also the Chairman and Managing Trustee of the various Public Charitable Trusts and Institutions created to serve society as a whole, without distinction of caste, creed and religion. These Trusts are : Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation; Vidyadan Trust for promotion of education in all its forms; Maharana Mewar Historical Publications Trust; Maharana Kumbha Sangeet Kala Trust for promotion of music and arts; Maharana Mewar Manav Dharma Trust for the promotion of moral, social, spiritual, ethical and economic uplift of man; Rajmata Gulab Kunwerji Charitable Trust, for the welfare of women. Maharana Mewar Foundation Museum in the City Palace, Udaipur, was set up by His late Highness to which he donated thousands of historical objects which depict the History of Mewar. He also founded the Scheme of Maharana Mewar Foundation Awards to recognize, appreciate and acknowledge the contribution made by eminent Indians for the awakening and uplift of society, as well as to scholars, musicians, artists and students. To these has been added by Shriji Arvind Singhji Mewar, the Maharana Mewar Research Institute dedicated to research and publication of the priceless wealth of information and facts buries under the records of the archives, which may some day reveal a new picture of the historic movements of Mewar and India.

He married Princess Vijayraj Kumari of Kutch, Gujarat, in 1972. Like her husband, the Princess also takes a very active interest in promoting various charitable and social services, public institutions and educational activities. She also helps her husband in the discharge of his various States, Business and Philanthropic activities.

They have two daughters, Princes Bhargavi Kumari Mewar and Princes Padmaja Kumari Mewar, and one son, Prince, Lakshyarak Singh Mewar. All the three children are studying in Maharana Mewar Public School, where they receive the same treatment and disciplinary control as any other student.

Heritage
Not less than seven separate royal structures combine to form UDAIPUR PALACE, the breathtaking architectural legacy of Rajasthan’s Mewar dynasty.

On the advise of a meditating sage, Maharana Udai Sinhji founded the city of Udaipur on the banks of Lake Pichola in the mid-16^th century, and made it his new capital. Set against a backdrop of hills, 18^th century gardens (with fountains, pavilions and statues), palaces, havelis, painted houses and colourful bazaars, its myriad lakes – Pichola, Fatehsagar, Moolsagar, Doodh talai, Udai Sagar – have earned it the sobriquet of "city of lakes." Travel writers and visiting tourists also eloquently refer to it as the "city of fountains", "city of dreams", "city of white houses" and even "perhaps the most romantic city of India".

The City Palace, like the city itself, was founded in the mid – 16^th century on the shores of Lake Pichola, but most of the construction dates back to the 17^th century, when the four principal palaces were erected by Maharana Udai Sinhji. The three lesser palaces – the Shiv Niwas palace (the royal guest house), the Fatehprakash palace (to host parties, social functions and darbars), and the Shambu Niwas (now the royal residence) – were built by Maharana Fateh Sinhji in the late 19-20^th century.

The architecture of the different palaces has been so well-harmonsied, however, that the entire complex gives the appearance of one single façade. From a distance, it resembles an imposing fortress –with crenellated walls, imposing gateways, turrets and cupolas; but the interiors are more artistic, intricate, colourful and often even playful.

We enter through, the Tripolia (the triple-arch gate; 1725 AD), crowned by the 19^th century Hawa Mahal, which is an intricate maze of traceries, fretwork windows and balconies – from where the women of royal descent would view the processions, away from the public eye. Here, you can still see the weighing scales on which the maharana was measured against food grains (to be given to charity) on his birthday.

Though you pass the hathi pol (elephant gate) and the Suraj pol (Sun gate), the entry to the palace is through the Toran pol (named for the series of triangular pointed arches called toranas, so typical of medieval architecture in Rajasthan and Gujarat) – into the Bara chowk. This is where the maharana inspected his innumerable horses and elephants, apart from his infantry and artillery. The platforms in the courtyard are now landscaped into gardens with fountains playing, while the old guardrooms, stables and outhouses have been converted into a shopping arcade for tourists.

The royal insignia of the Sun God dominates the façade of the palace. Below the emblem is the padgadihathni, a platform on which royalty alighted from elephants before they were replaced successively by horse-drawn carriages, Rolls Royces and limousines. The palace faces East, as the maharana (who claims to have descended from the Sun God) worshiped Surya first thing in the morning. The front elevation shows a magnificent palace (the largest city palace in Rajasthan) with intricate jharokha balconies, carved arches and stone carvings. Much of the palace is now a museum.

The Ganesh Deori (main door) leads to a courtyard decorated with Japanese tiles from the 1920s, representing Lord Ganesh, Lord Krishna and other Hindu deities. The Mongolian eyes and features of some of the images prove that they were made for the palaces of South-East Asia. The main shrine of Dhuni mata (perhaps the oldest part of the palace built by Maharana Udai Sinhji at the site where he met the sage) has illustrations of the four main deities of the maharanas of Mewar – Shrinathji, Shri Eklinji, Shri Charbhujaji and Amba mata.

The Raj Angan (courtyard) leads to a section of the palace that is now dedicated to a museum collection of Maharana Pratap’s memorabilia – which includes 16^th century arms and armour, paintings and statues. The greatest war hero in 16^th century Rajasthan, Maharana Pratap was one of the few kings who refused to surrender to Akbar. He lost many cities and forts to the Mughal forces, but with the help of a strong force of tribals and Rajputs, he later recovered much of his kingdom by employing surprise tactics. Only Chittorgadh, the old capital of Mewar lost by his father, could not be recaptured.

Steps ascend to the Chandra Mahal (the coronation chamber), where elegant pillars meet cusped arches that highlight the marble throne on which rulers were crowned (up to 1710 AD). In the center lies a marble basin that was filled with gold (to be distributed to charity) on the occasion of royal birthdays.

Within the 17^th century Dilkushal Mahal that lies beyond, is the Kanch-ke-burj with its 19^th century multicoloured mirrors; and the Chitram-ki-burj, which houses murals of 18^th century paintings that depict the lifestyles of the maharanas of Mewar – including a 1900s bear shoot autographed by Maharana Fateh Singh.

A staircase leads to the Great Garden Palace, where galleries of pillars with carved capitals and interlinking arches surround a courtyard. Interestingly, this courtyard and its enclosing galleries and rooms are situated on a 27 metre-high hillock beside the City Palace. It is structured in such a way that the ground floor rooms of this mahal from the 4^th floor rooms of the city palace! The pleasure pool in the center of the courtyard was witness to many Holi celebrations. One of the passages leads to a hall displaying miniature paintings of the Jag Mandir palace as it looked in the 18^th century: elephants fighting, temples sacred to the maharanas, the Bari mahal courtyard and other events that took place in the palace. You can even see an electric lift and a realistic door painted into the wall – so real that it could fool anyone!

The Moti Mahal is embellished with beautiful mosaics made out of multicoloured mirrors and glass; the Bhim Vilas has the imposing Surya Gorkha (sun window), from where the maharanas reverently witnessed the sunrise; and lovely miniature paintings decorate the walls of the Krishna Vilas, where (In 1805 AD) Princess Krishna Kumari committed suicide by swallowing pearls and diamonds (as her father was in a predicament about the selection of her suitor).

The piece de resistance of the palace, however, is the Mor Chowk, with beautiful peacock mosaics made up of variously coloured slivers of glass. Above this courtyard are two throne rooms: the Manak Mahal, which now houses a collection of remarkable Chinese porcelain (Chini Chitrashala), glassware, ceramics and the Surya chopar. The Zanana Dyodi leads from here to the Zanana Mahal - the wing for the Maharana and his princesses, characterized by intricate traceries and carvings built around a Laxmi chowk (courtyard), with a columned pavilion decorated with fretwork peacock and peahens in the center. The chowk houses brass cymbals, brass trumpets and drums captured from the Mughal emperors. Here, You can also see a tiger cage, a mail-cart once used for carrying messages between Udaipur and Chittor in the 1890s, pony-drawn carriages, a cannon and the 1920s custom-built Rolls Royce belonging to the crippled Maharana Bhopal Singh. The Rang Bhuvan of the Zanana has a display of silver caskets that brought messages for the Maharana from other princes and well wishers on important occasions, gold and silver jewellery, large wooden jewel-boxes for elephant and camel travel, a royal costume, and a painting of a tiger hunt. The first floor has an extensive collection of miniature paintings.

As you leave the museum in the Zanana Mahal, you come to the Fatehprakash palace inaugurated in 1909 AD by Lord Minto for the hosting of darbars, parties, weddings and official functions. The highlight of this palace is the darbar hall with its high ceiling and massive wrought-iron chandeliers illuminated by beads from Faridabad (said to weigh around 5 tonnes each!).
The walls are spanned by portraits and paintings of over 20 Maharanas of Mewar – from Maharana Udai Sinhji (the 16^th century founder of the City Palace) to Shreeji Arvind Sinhji, the present owner of the Fatehprakash. The cusped arches, royal insignias, coat of arms, shields, spears and swords seen here, retain their old glory.

The Crystal Gallery upstairs is made up of the galleries once used by the women of the palace to view events that they were traditionally not permitted to attend. Today, it houses a museum of furniture, vases, Lalique, and other objects d’art made of crystal for the Maharan of Mewar, at Birmingham in 1877 AD. Gold, silver, velvet and brocade objects, apart from a precious stone-studded throne from Agra, supplement this enviable collection.

The corridor next to the darbar hall, separated from the hall by an arcade of cusped arches, is now the Gallery restaurant. Illuminated by chandeliers, it is furnished with elegant tables and chairs arranged around windows offering views of Lake Pichola, the two island palaces (the Jag Mandir Palace and the Lake Palace) and the hills beyond.

The Fatehprakash Palace is now a nine-room hotel with beautifully, appointed rooms and suites. Besides, there is the colourfully-painted Shambu Niwas where Shreeji Arvind Sinhji now resides.

An archway separates the Fatehprakash from the Shiv Niwas Palace, which was built in the late 19^th early 20^th century by Maharana Fateh Sinhji as a guest house for visiting dignitaries and royalty. This palace has played host to the British royals, the Shah of Iran, the Kennedy’s and other important guests, and is now one of India’s most exclusive heritage hotels. The forecourt is occupied by a quadrangular lawn with a marble elephant fountain flanked by two white European-style lampposts, a very modern elephant fresco and a pavilion of arches that offer lovely views of the cityscape. Effective lighting illuminates the wall paintings and the gushing waters of the fountain at night, while a live band plays on the pavilion to serenade the tourists residing at the palace hotel.

As intricately carved door takes visitors to a lobby where a massive chandelier throws light on a shrine and a silver equestrian warrior-king stature. The centerpiece is a courtyard that has unusually large dimensions. A Grecian-style swimming pool is covered in marble and blue tiles that lend an iridescent effect to the water that is fed by a marble fountain. The crescent-shaped wings of the palace are reflected in the water. Sundecks, tables and chairs arranged around the pool, provide a beautiful setting for al fresco lunches, chilled beer, juices, afternoon tea and candlelit dinners.

The lounge leading to the restaurant is furnished with richly upholstered settees, cut-crystal chandeliers, handcut glass, inlays of birds and floral patterns, along with life size paintings of Maharana Pratap.

The exclusive rooms include two imperial suites equipped like an apartment – with a drawing cum dining room, bedroom, bathroom, dressing room, study and baggage areas. Befitting the royal guests, there are charming glass inlays, moulded ceilings, colourful carpets, crystal light fittings and intricately carved pillars supporting cusped arches. The attached balconies, separated from the suite by cusped arches, command a great view of Lake Pichola. The other suite has silver polished settees and upholstered chairs in the drawing area, a glass-topped table set with six chairs in the dining area, a beautiful four-poster bed and a little Lalique fountain in the bedroom.

For a city that is more than just pretty, its crowning glory is certainly the Udaipur Palace, where history greets you at every corner.


THE INHERITANCE OF THE MAHARANAS OF UDAIPUR.
The House of Mewar
"The Almighty protects those who stand steadfast in upholding righteousness".

Preface

The Palace
Udaipur
Rajasthan

India

I believe in the past, with my feet in the present, and my mind in the future.

Throughout our history change has been a way of life with us. We have been successful in adapting to it. Now the pace of change is accelerating fast. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in India, as new opportunities open and the climate for foreign investment improves.

Change rarely invalidates the past, and it does not necessarily imply a rejection of the old. A great deal can-and should-be preserved from the past. This applies as much to those aspects that touch our sense of beauty and achievement, as to those that help us to function on a day to day basis. In particular we should treasure the ancient and selfless values that have stood the test of time.

In the following pages you will see much evidence of the past, and much of the change that has brought us to the present. If I have failed to convey the best of those values that have been the bedrock of the House of Mewar through the centuries, I have utterly failed to convey those for which I am presently responsible. Later in this document you will see that such values are echoed in a letter from my father to Shrimati Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India. I wish to perpetuate that echo.

Fortunately, in our business affairs, we now speak from a position of all round strength. It would be quite possible for us to rest upon our laurels, and become unreceptive to new ideas. But such complacency is neither in my nature, not is it in accordance with my responsibilities to my successors and the people they will serve in the future.

It is the future - far more than the present - that concerns me, though I am fearful of neither.

It is now that I must attend to the future.

Early Days
Mewar…. Later became the premier Rajput State in India and the only dynasty which ruled over the same territory whilst outliving twelve centuries of foreign domination. Her fertile plains and prosperous cities were a standing temptation to hordes of hungry invaders who came with monotonous regularity to devastate her lands and plunder her wealth. But, true to their family's tradition the Maharanas never compromised the honour of Mewar for the sake of safety or endangered her independence for political or material gain. When later, surrounded by Muslim dominated kingdoms, Delhi in the North, Malwa in the South and Gujerat in the West, they constantly and often successfully opposed them all. Alone amongst the Hindu Princes they stood firm in refusing to intermarry with the Mughal Emperors.

The Trials and Triumphs of The Mewar Kingdom
by Huge Davenport

Cause…
… the Maharana's position was never founded upon the possession of land or ownership of castles, but on trusteeship; on the maintenance of what has been granted on trust to the ancestors. That is why it is impossible to find, throught the many turbulent years of struggle in the battlefield, any instance of aggression on the part of Mewar. Their wars have been uniquely defensive, in obedience to the vows of honour, decency, and hospitality made to deity Eklingji.

Maharana
by Brian Masters.

In the past 1400 years hundreds of ancient states have perished, many new states were founded, the fortunes of India have undergone many vicissitudes. Hundreds of princes have bowed before the might of the Imperial powers at Delhi and surrendered their honour, traditions and dignity at their feet, but the ruling family of Udaipur, which is the oldest ruling family in the world has not deviated from its path of firmly maintaining its honour and traditions unimpaired in spite of suffering innumerable hardships, undergoing untold dangers, and sacrificing wealth and worldly comforts. It is because of this that India looks upon the Maharanas with respect and calls them "Sun of the Hindus".

History of Rajpuntana
by G.H Ojha

…and Effect
Padmini and all the womenfolk, some thirteen thousand of them, bade farewell to husbands, sons, and husbands elect, donned their wedding robes and jewellery and, singing exultantly, walked into the underground tunnels and closed the doors behind them. They then built a vast funeral pyre, cast their infants into it and finally threw themselves upon the flames. This done, the menfolk marched through the gates of Chittor to their final rendezvous the ashes of their wives and sisters smeared on their foreheads, and wearing their saffron robes. Tod's vivid description of the scene conveys the awful solemnity of the occasion:

(Maharana Ratan Singh) satisfied that his line was not extinct, now prepared to follow his brave sons; and calling around him his devoted clans, for whom life no longer had any charms, they threw open the portals and descended to the plains, and with a reckless despair carried death or met it, in the crowded ranks of Allah. The Tartar conqueror took possession of an inanimate capital.

Maharana by Brian Master
The first of the three sacking of Chittor, 1303 A.D.

I need not tell you that the institution of Maharana has a history of fourteen centuries behind it. A history which is universally admitted as glorious and unsullied. I am merely its trustee and servant - for such time as it pleases God. Please consider, please reflect for a moment whether it would be worthwhile for me to live, whether I would deserve to live, whether those who value history and traditions would own me as an Indian, if I were to acquiesce in the derogation of this institution. It is not my private possession. It belongs to the people. If the traditions created by the people of Mewar, or any other place, are not preserved, what will there be left to inspire the nation and invigorate our self-reliance, self-respect, and dignity?

Extract from a letter by Maharana Bhagwat Singh
Dated 11^th August, 1970 to Shrimati Indira Gandhi,
Prime Minister of India in reply to her letter about
"doing away with certain institutions".

Maharana Mewar Institution Trust
23^rd November, 1983

I clearly remember the biggest dilemma of my father's life which followed the 26^th Amendment, passed in 1971, abolishing the Privy Purse and the privileges of the Rulers of India. He became gravely concerned to preserve the Institution of Maharana which he and his ancestors had so faithfully served, and which would otherwise become extinct following his death.

He spent many a restless night pondering this serious problem until in 1980 a solution presented itself, following discussions with several people. He decided that he would bequeath his entire estate to a trust which he would designate the Maharana Mewar Institution Trust. This would ensure the security and continuity of the residue of the State, and also the perpetuation of the institution of Maharana, of which he was the last recognized representative in the eyes of the Government of India.

In this way the Trust came into being as a juristic person, within the "four corners of law", as my father expressed it in his will. The Institution of Maharana also achieved legal immortality protected against any vicissitudes brought about by guile or governance.

By appointing me as the Managing Trustee he thereby invested me with the powers inherent in himself and further ensured the family succession as he desired.

Charitable Trusts

Religious Trusts

Charitable Trusts
Institutions

Business Section
General
Historic Resort Hotels Ltd and its member companies own and manage luxury hotels and heritage properties in India. The Group owns 100 per cent of the paid up capital of the Company, and the individual companies are inter-related by varying equity interest in each other. The fixed assets are valued on a historical cost basis. The hotels concerned are shown opposite.

The Company plans to expand by enlarging existing hotels, by leasing hotel units or vacant land from other member companies, and by acquiring fresh properties. It seeks direct foreign investment in the equity of the Company.

Tourism, including the hotel industry, is an important component of the Indian economy. It is a major foreign exchange earner; it generates employment opportunities, and it is poised for self-sustained growth. India has vast potential of for the development of tourism, and the current outlook is very bright. The calendar year 1995 was excellent.

According to the Central Government's Department of Tourism statistics, international tourists coming to India in 1994 amounted to 1.5 million, of whom 90 per cent came to Rajasthan. This figure is anticipated to increase to 5 million by the year 2000. At the end of the current financial year (March 1996) the business of the member companies is expected to have increased by 30 per cent over last year.

The Government of India is encouraging foreign investment in Indian business including the tourist industry.

Business Section
Management
The Company is headed by responsible and professional management. The Board of Directors consists of a chairman, managing director and a director. The hotels enjoy a well established reputation for their high standards and the quality of their service. Since the incorporation of the first group company in 1963, management has acquired considerable business acumen.

The properties are divided into northern and southern regions each headed by a president of hotel operations. General managers and managers are appointed at each hotel to manage the daily functions of the unit. They report to the respective president of hotel operations. They in turn report to the Chairman or Managing Director of the Company.

Business Section

Foreign Investment
The Company invites direct foreign investment by sale of its equity shares to foreign investors by private placement. The number of fresh equity shares to be purchased by a foreign investor in negotiable subject to an overall maximum limit of 20 per cent of the enlarged paid up equity of the Company.
There are minimal restrictions on foreign investment in the hotel industry in India, and the Government presently allows, equity participation to the extent of 51 per cent, to which the Reserve Bank of India accords automatic approval. This is because the Government of India gives high priority to the hotel and tourist industry in its capacity as a foreign exchange earner.

The proposal for the sale of equity shares of the Company, as above, includes a buy back arrangement at the option of the investor on mutually agreed terms, provided he is non-resident and the arrangement is made privately. This measure meets with the approval of the Reserve Bank of India.

The Central and State Government of India provide several benefits and exemptions to promote and develop tourism, some of which are outline below.

1. Section 80 HHD of the Income Tax Act, 1961, allow tax exemption on foreign exchange to the hotel company, provided 50 per cent of the takings are invested in expansion activities.

2. Hotels can import goods against their foreign exchange earnings on payment of concessional rates of import duty.

3. The State Government of Rajasthan provides a subsidy on investment in heritage properties.

4. Financial institutions provide funds at concessional rates of interest and further subsidy is available on timely payment of dues.

5. There is no restriction on the repatriation of income/dividends on foreign investments made in foreign currency, in the equity of an Indian company engaged in the hotel industry (subject to a deduction of tax at source as provided in the Income Tax Act 1961).

6. Repatriation of capital investment made in India is permissible.

Hobbies

Polo

Although few Maharajas now play, Arvind Singh, Maharana of Udaipur… has recently started an extremely successful private team. He breeds many of the ponies himself at his Shikarbadi stables, where they are also made by an ex-61^st Cavalry NCO, Udai Singh. With a mixture of Indian and imported high goal players Mewar is really India's first professional team. On a glorious day last winter (1992) .. Mewar beat 61^st Cavalry in the finals of India's premier tournament, the President's Cup, by 10 goals to 2.

The Field, February 1993

A particularly committed patron of the polo team in India is Arvind Singh Mewar, who has invested a lot of his time and money into developing the game. Over the years he has been actively involved in training some of the country's youngest players who posses the ability to excel. Facilities such as horses, trips overseas, and other necessities are sponsored by Arvind Singh Mewar. All this proved worthwhile, as today he has been instrumental in producing some of our finest and most skilled players. Youngsters such as Lokendra Singh (India's only professional player), Manu Pal and several others, have emerged as leaders in the field. They have gained recognition not only in India but also on the international scene, re-estblishing India's excellence in the game.

Sunday Mail, June 1992.

"A City within a City"
Our reasons for adopting the tourist way of life "as business" were entirely pragmatic. Tourism was the most obvious and appropriate means of attracting the funds necessary to discharge the inherited obligations. Secondly, there was no possible way of maintaining the palaces other than by making them generate their own income, and the best - and perhaps the only - way of achieving this was to covert some of them into hotels. The alternative was to sell off the properties; which was unthinkable.

Tourism also offered the only opportunity to preserve intact vital elements of our ancient culture and heritage in one locality. The artefacts, the paintings, the festivals the archives are all of interest to tourists or scholars who would willingly pay for the privilege of enjoying them. Any other alternative was bleak and meant the dissolution of a priceless heritage, and the abandonment of events deeply significant, not only to us, but also to the people of Udaipur.

There are further vitally important advantages in encouraging tourism to Udaipur. Of all the industries it is the least damaging ecologically and environmentally. It has brought increased prosperity to the widest possible cross-section of the population. Such benefits to the townspeople are difficult to quantify. However, they are not inconsiderable, nor are they confined to individuals alone; but rather to whole families.

We are fortunate in that we have been successful in our tourist ventures, and there is, therefore, the inevitable temptation for others to exploit such success to their own advantage as rapidly as possible.

However, a quick look at those areas of the world where such exploitation has taken place should be a salutary reminder to us of the dangers inherent in haphazard development. Heavy traffic congestion, crowded side roads, overtasked water supplies, indiscriminate building are some of the lesser evils of such growth. Harassment of tourists, theft, and sometimes even loss of life, are symptomatic of a system way out of control.

It would be a tragedy of the first magnitude if Udaipur succumbed entirely to the first evil. It would be a disaster beyond redemption for the people of the city - let alone the tourists - if it degenerated to the second. We cannot now afford to lose Udaipur forever as a tourist destination.

It would not be out of place here to mention that the City of Udaipur is entirely the creation of "man". Since the time of Maharana Udai Singhji, the founder of the city, until as recently as my father's time there has been continual and careful thought given towards development which has proved to be sustainable.

I am fortunate in that I still recognize the privilege of being able to develop a small area within the City of Udaipur, though I do not foresee its entire completion in my own lifetime. I can, however, set an example that others may wish to follow in the future.

It is in attempting to pursue my vision that I am calling upon enlightened assistance, advice and investment. I am not aware of any other business house where a minority shareholder may be invited to participate in direct management.

I call my vision "A city within a City".

Unfortunately, space does not permit us to give more than a bare outline of the essential tasks that lie ahead in order to achieve the ideal role model I wish my "city within a City" to be. I therefore tabulate them thus:

1. Environmental and Ecological Control and Management
protection of the primary source of water supply to the larger city.
Protection of its catchment area and recharging of the ground water.
Control and management of the sewerage system to prevent its disposal/leakages into the lake.
Prevention and control of air, water and noise pollution.
Protection of wild life.
Continuity of architectural and landscaping harmony/congruence.
Restricted areas for vehicle movement.
Promotion of the use of passive energy systems and energy efficient vehicles and equipment.

2.Public Facilities
Provision of parks, country clubs, tourists information centres, health and body care centres, public toilets, etc.
Improvement in telecommunications and transportation systems.
Availability of trained and approved guides.

3. Centres of Excellence
Museums and art galleries.
Libraries.
Archives.
Public Schools.
Artisan/craftsmen training activities.

4. Safe Tourism
Safety of tourists.
Competitive tariffs.
Only pedestrian traffic within the main shopping areas.
Protection from exploitation.
Elimination of middlemen wherever possible.

5. Shopping
Protection of craft traditions, knowledge and skills.
Availibility of replicas or reproductions of paintings and archives in limited editions.
Direct sales through gifts and souvenir shops.
Re-establish demand for artisans/craftsmen.

6. Protection of Cultural Heritage
Encouraging continuity of festivals and social customs.
Continuity of religious functions.
Preservation of traditional attires, headgears, arms, utensils, etc.
Preservation and conservation of historic buildings and monuments.