Shriji Arvind Singh Ji Mewar – The Passing of a Legend

Images: Makarand Baokar

Waking up to the message: “We deeply mourn the passing of Tourism Stalwart and Managing Trustee of MMCF, Shriji Arvind Singh Ji Mewar, today. His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to heritage, tourism, and the legacy of Mewar will be remembered for generations. Our heartfelt condolences to the esteemed Mewar Royal Family during this time of profound loss,” brought immense sadness and pain.

Shriji, a true historic vehicle enthusiast, was one of the individuals who deeply reflected - and helped nurture - my passion for historic automobiles.

Not only did Shriji Arvind Singh Ji Mewar establish one of India’s earliest historic vehicle museums in Udaipur, but he also became a living symbol of India’s deep-rooted connection with historic automobiles. His passion reflected the country’s Pre-War love affair with cars, particularly the Indian princes’ fascination with remarkable automobiles.

According to legend, Shriji’s forefather, Maharana Udai Singh, encountered a sage beside Lake Pichola while hunting. The sage prophesied that if he built his palace at that very site, his family’s fortunes would change. Following this vision, the Maharana constructed a small shrine, Dhuni Mata, which remains the oldest part of the City Palace of Udaipur.

Shortly after, Udai Singh chose Udaipur as his new capital and created the artificial lake, Udai Sagar, named after himself. Over time, Udaipur flourished into a UNESCO World Heritage site, described by writer Rosita Forbes as “like no other place on earth”. However, the Sisodia dynasty predates Udaipur, tracing its lineage back to 568 CE when 11-year-old Guhil founded the Gehlot clan.

Since then, 76 maharanas have carried forward this legacy, with Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar standing as a charismatic embodiment of princely India at its most refined.

A true automobile enthusiast, he inaugurated one of India’s first historic vehicle museums in February 2000, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of heritage and classic cars.

Each of the 25-odd cars and trucks in the museum carries a story, as nearly all are one-owner vehicles that have remained within the Mewar family for generations. These automobiles were carefully acquired over the years and preserved with an understanding of their historical significance.

Recognising the pivotal role automobiles played in the evolution of princely India, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar was driven by a deep respect for heritage. His dedication led to the meticulous restoration and display of these classic vehicles at the Vintage Car Museum, located off Gulab Bagh road, just a kilometre from his personal residence at Shiv Niwas Palace.

The collection reflects the simplicity and elegance of the Mewar maharanas, particularly Bhagwat Singh, who served as the titular maharana from 1955 until his passing in 1984.

Among the vehicles are an Austin Cambridge, a 1965 Rambler Classic, two Morrises, and several Mercedes-Benzes, along with a Chevrolet truck and a bus.

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar’s personal favourite for everyday use was a red 1946 MG TC, which held a special place of honour in front of the royal residence, marked by a dedicated plaque.

However, the crown jewels of the Udaipur Collection remain its four Rolls-Royces and two Cadillacs, impeccably preserved and celebrated for their grandeur. These iconic automobiles have also been featured in deRivaz & Ives Magazine, cementing their place in India’s historic vehicle legacy.

Like many Indian princely families, Udaipur had a deep admiration for Rolls-Royce and became a dedicated patron of the marque. The legacy began with Maharajkumar Bhupal Singh (1884–1955), who set the trend by acquiring three Rolls-Royce Twentys soon after assuming power.

In 1921, the British appointed him as the ruler of Udaipur, replacing his father, who was deemed “inflexible in his demeanour and unaware of the social unrest in Mewar.” Bhupal Singh officially became Maharana in 1930 upon his father’s passing.

Among all the Rolls-Royces in Udaipur’s collection, the 1925 Rolls-Royce Twenty (chassis number GLK 21) stands out as the most celebrated. This particular car gained international recognition when Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar showcased it at Pebble Beach in 2012 in the prestigious Maharaja Class.

Encouraging him to participate in the world’s most renowned concours event was a conversation I had with him – one that ultimately led to this historic moment.

In preparation for Pebble Beach, my former colleague and good friend, Bob Rupani, took on the task of compiling a dedicated book about the Rolls-Royce Twenty GLK 21, a project to which I was delighted to contribute.

It is quite possible that this book played a role in securing the car’s victory, earning it the highly coveted Lucius Beebe Trophy – a remarkable achievement for both Udaipur and its storied automotive heritage.

Over the years, Shriji Arvind Singh Ji Mewar and his team were always incredibly welcoming and accommodating whenever we visited the palace to photograph the historic cars or interview him within its grand precincts.

Their warmth extended beyond hospitality – when working on my book, The Maharajas & Their Magnificent Motor Cars, we were received with open arms, and Shriji’s generosity went even further.

He graciously flew to Delhi to personally launch the book at the residence of the Ambassador of France, a gesture I will always cherish.

I also had the honour of meeting him in Paris when he inaugurated a special exhibition of the Udaipur art collection at the Indian Embassy. Later, he made his presence felt again – this time virtually – to help launch another of my books, The Automobile: An Indian Love Affair, an event organised and hosted by Kolkata's Classic Drivers Club (CDC).

The passing of Shriji Arvind Singh Ji Mewar is an irreplaceable loss for India’s historic vehicle movement. Personally, it feels like the loss of yet another mentor – one of the guiding lights who shaped my journey and passion for heritage automobiles.