Udaipur- On a day meant to celebrate the foundational principles of India’s democracy- Constitution Day- the city of Udaipur witnessed a dramatic clash that seemed to belong to a bygone era of monarchs and princely rivalries. The confrontation, involving the erstwhile royal family of Mewar, unfolded at the gates of the iconic Udaipur City Palace, where Vishwaraj Singh Mewar—recently declared the 77th custodian of Mewar's royal tradition—was barred entry by his paternal uncle Arvind Singh and cousin, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar.

This standoff, which escalated into a public spectacle, laid bare the enduring hold of monarchial mindsets over democratic ideals. Hundreds of Vishwaraj's supporters staged a sit-in outside the palace gate, with chants of loyalty to their “Maharana,” while stones and bricks rained down from within the palace compound, allegedly hurled by Lakshyaraj’s men and guards. The incident unfolded against the backdrop of Constitution Day, a harsh reminder of the country’s journey from feudalism to democracy, and how remnants of princely traditions continue to clash with modern governance.

The fight, rooted in a ceremonial coronation and its contested legitimacy, not only devalued the significance of Constitution Day but also cast doubt on the true meaning of democratic governance in a country still reverberating with echoes of monarchical power.

From Tradition to Tumult: The Mewar Royal Rift

The conflict stems from longstanding disputes within the royal family over access to properties, ceremonial roles, and the symbolic leadership of Mewar's storied legacy. After the demise of Maharana Mahendra Singh on November 10, his son Vishwaraj Singh, was ceremonially crowned as the Diwan of Lord Eklingnath and the "Maharana of Mewar" on November 25 at Chittorgarh Fort. He attempted to visit the City Palace later that evening to perform rituals at the Prayaggiri Maharaj shrine and the Baneshwar Mahadev temple, central to royal traditions.

However, when Vishwaraj's procession arrived at the palace, he was met with locked gates and a barricade of guards loyal to his cousin, Lakshyaraj Singh. This refusal escalated tensions, with Vishwaraj’s supporters demanding his rightful entry to fulfill centuries-old customs. The impasse quickly turned into chaos as some supporters attempted to breach the gates, prompting a violent response from within the palace, where stones, bricks, and even glass bottles were hurled.

The police and district administration, present in large numbers, struggled to contain the situation. A sit-in protest outside the palace gates extended past midnight, with Vishwaraj Singh addressing his supporters, asserting his claim as the rightful custodian of Mewar’s heritage.

The crux of the dispute also lies in the incomplete coronation process. According to tradition, the crowning ceremony of the new Maharana is not merely symbolic but involves a series of rituals, including a visit to the Dhuni and darshan at the Eklingji Temple. By denying Vishvaraj entry to the City Palace, Lakshyaraj’s faction effectively withheld the recognition of these subsequent steps, rendering the coronation unfinished.

The administration eventually intervened by issuing a notice to seize parts of the disputed area and appoint a receiver to manage it. In a bid to resolve the escalating tensions, the administration also assured that Vishwaraj Singh would be allowed to complete the remaining coronation rituals, including the Dhuni Darshan, on the following Tuesday.

This gesture was aimed at calming the situation and ensuring that the rites were carried out according to tradition. Following this assurance, the protest ended, and the large crowd that had gathered outside the City Palace to support Vishwaraj dispersed, bringing a temporary halt to the clash between the two factions of the Mewar royal family.

Democracy Meets Monarchy: A Dual Identity

Vishwaraj Singh Mewar’s role in this conflict highlights a curious intersection of democratic governance and monarchical tradition. Apart from being the "Maharana" as per royal lineage, he is also the elected MLA of Nathdwara (Rajasamand district) in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. His wife, Mahima Kumari Mewar, serves as the Member of Parliament for Rajasamand.

Despite their political roles, both Vishwaraj and Mahima continue to be viewed as royalty by their supporters. The dramatic events of the night underline how deeply entrenched monarchical loyalties remain in parts of Rajasthan, where erstwhile royal families are often revered more than elected representatives. The standoff symbolized this dichotomy, with democratic principles seemingly taking a backseat to royal prestige.

Criticism of Administrative and Police Inaction

The role of the administration in the unfolding drama has not gone unnoticed. The spectacle of officials and police standing by as feuding factions clashed has drawn widespread criticism. Many questioned whether the authorities, by maintaining a passive stance, were complicit in perpetuating feudal structures.

The district administration and police, tasked with maintaining law and order, came under severe criticism for their apparent helplessness in handling the situation. Be it Udaipur DM Arvind Poswal, IG Rajesh Meena, SP Yogesh Goyal, the authorities seemed unable—under pressure—to intervene decisively against either faction of the royal family.

Observers noted that the police remained passive as the confrontation escalated, with supporters from both sides engaging in scuffles and acts of violence. A senior police officer sustained injuries in the melee, yet no arrests were made, nor were strong measures taken to disperse the crowd. Critics argued that the administration’s reluctance to act stemmed from the influence and status of the warring royal factions, which overshadowed their constitutional duty to uphold law and order.

“On Constitution Day, this incident is a glaring example of how deeply feudal mindsets continue to undermine democratic values. It’s a failure of governance when law enforcement stands powerless before royalty,” said a political analyst observing the events.

Finally after hours, the district administration issued notice to Arvind Singh Mewar of Maharana Mewar Charitable Trust demanding response by November 27. The shrine at Prayaggiri Maharaj and parts of the City Palace have been temporarily seized by the authorities, with police stationed at key entry points to prevent further clashes.

Experts Weigh In: The Constitutional Paradox of Feudal Allegiances Amid Democratic Roles

The standoff between the Mewar royals over entry to the City Palace not only highlights the enduring tension between democratic values and feudal traditions but also highlights a deeper societal and administrative dilemma. This clash, which unfolded dramatically on the eve of the Constitution Day, has drawn sharp criticism from political analysts and constitutional experts, who see it as emblematic of India's struggle to reconcile its democratic republic framework with remnants of its monarchical past.

Retired Professor Dr. Sanjay Lodha, a renowned political analyst and expert in constitutional studies, offered a critical perspective:

"Both Vishvaraj Singh and his wife, Mahima Kumari Mewar, hold public office as MLA and MP, respectively. They have sworn oaths on the Constitution of India, which establishes the country as a democratic republic. In such a system, there is no place for feudal traditions like coronations or symbolic rituals rooted in monarchy. If he (Vishvaraj Singh) was truly committed to pursuing this coronation process, he ought to have resigned from his democratic role. By continuing to wear both hats, they present a glaring paradox that undermines the values they have sworn to uphold."

Adding to this, Lodha noted the irony in the stance of Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar’s faction. "The opposition from Lakshyaraj’s side does not challenge the relevance of monarchy or feudalism in today’s constitutional setup. Instead, it hinges on the claim that the City Palace is private property, and therefore, they have the right to deny entry. This argument, while legally sound, sidesteps the larger issue. The opposition is rooted in royal protocol, not democratic principles—revealing that both factions are steeped in a monarchial mindset, albeit couched in different justifications."

However, Dr. Lodha argue that the administration acted with prudence, given the potential for law-and-order disruptions.

"The administration had to prioritize public wellbeing and the sentiments of thousands of community members and safety of tourists in Udaipur. Any decisive intervention could have sparked unrest," said Lodha. "It is likely they faced immense pressure from both sides. Vishvaraj and Mahima wield influence as elected representatives, while Lakshyaraj's in-laws come from a politically significant family, which undoubtedly added layers of complexity to the situation."

The Legal and Historical Context: Mewar's Protracted Feud

The property dispute within Udaipur’s former royal family began in 1983, following the actions of Maharana Bhagwat Singh, who leased and sold several key royal assets, including the Lake Palace, Jag Niwas, and City Palace Museum, among others. His elder son, Mahendra Singh Mewar, opposed these decisions and filed a lawsuit, challenging the Rule of Primogeniture, which designated the eldest son as the sole inheritor of royal properties. Mahendra argued that the assets should be divided equally among all heirs, which led to a long-running legal battle.

In 2020, after 37 years of litigation, the Udaipur District Court ruled that the properties Bhagwat Singh had sold during his lifetime were excluded from the dispute, but ordered the division of three key properties—Shambhu Niwas, Badi Pal, and Ghazghar—equally among Mahendra Singh, his sister Yogeshwari, and his brother Arvind Singh. The court also mandated that Mahendra and Yogeshwari would each occupy Shambhu Niwas for four years, following Arvind Singh’s 35-year residence there. Additionally, the court prohibited any commercial use of these properties during this period.

However, Arvind Singh challenged the district court's decision by filing three appeals in the Rajasthan High Court in 2020. The High Court imposed a stay on the lower court’s ruling in June 2022, preventing the division of properties until the appeals were resolved. As a result, the royal properties remain under Arvind Singh’s control, and the legal restrictions on their sale or use continue.

As the legal battle continues, the people of Udaipur remain divided in their loyalties. While many see the royal family as custodians of Mewar’s glorious past, others question their place in a democratic society. The events of Constitution Day have only deepened these divisions, raising critical questions about how India reconciles its rich heritage with the ideals of equality and the rule of law.

For now, Udaipur waits to see whether the courts—and the royal family—can resolve this dispute without further eroding the legacy of the House of Mewar.