Eternal Mewar

Milestones

Eternal Mewar is an expression of the value of Custodianship, which is a role model of governance and sustenance for this century. Numerous initiatives have been adopted as a driving force while enduring inherited responsibilities.

1981:	The first Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Awards Distribution Ceremony is held to honour individuals for their achievements of permanent value rendered to society.
1988:	The Palace Band is revived. The Band's history can be traced back to Maharana Shambhu Singhji (1861-74 AD).
1989:	Historic Resort Hotels Pvt. Ltd. is instituted. The first heritage property converted into a hotel is The Lake Palace in 1963 followed by Shikarbadi in 1976 and Shiv Niwas Palace in 1982. Nine properties are now under the flagship of HRH Group of Hotels, the only chain of heritage palace-Hotels and resorts in Rajasthan and India.
1992:	Time-honoured traditions dating to 17th century if not earlier in the shape of Regal Festivals are revived. These festivals of Holika Dahan, Ashwa Poojan, and Kartik Poornima vehicle the values and history of Eternal Mewar; and their perpetuation, promoting also alongside contemporary cultural expression in a spirit of innovation and creativity are meant to stimulate the intangible cultural heritage of the land, while offering something truly original and authentic to a tourist in Udaipur.
1994:	Considered to be the world's largest private collection of crystal furniture and objects is displayed at Crystal Gallery, Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur.
1995:	The first solar powered boat is built. It is now used commercially at Gajner Lake, Gajner Palace, Gajner (near Bikaner).
2000:	The Palace The Vintage & Classic Car Collection is open to the public.
2003:	The first prototypes of vehicle powered by solar panels are designed and tested during a series of international rallies in Rajasthan.
2005:	A collection of Flora Danica porcelain is exhibited at The Gallery Restaurant, Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur. India's first privately financed and produced Son et Lumiere The Mewar Sound and Light Show is shown at The City Palace in English and Hindi. Eurosolar awarded Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation the European Solar Prize 2005 in the category 'One world co-operation' for the development of solar projects in India.
2006:	The first Museum to carry out a Photogrammetry survey for a Conservation Master plan of The City Palace, Udaipur.
2007:	Mewar Sabha Shiromani is a forum developed to unite the people and friends of Mewar spread globally, with an objective to rekindle and revitalise our heritage and to become an integral part of 'The Strength of Mewar'.
2008:	An Audio Tour Guide is launched to enhance the experience of visitors to The City Palace Museum and Crystal Gallery. A heritage motor launch Ford 17+1 seater and heritage motor launch Crysler 24+1 seater are restored to meet today's stringent environmental standards. Both the launch restored to its former glory, 100 years old, are now propelling in Lake Pichola. Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation pioneered a complete explosive detection in the entire Palace premises under a risk management plan.
2009:	Installation of the statue of Maharana Pratap at Pratap Prangan, Maharana Pratap Airport, Dabok, Udaipur The Ststue is seen as a fitting tribute to the spirit of Mewar and its valour. The location of the statue makes it a central focus of attention from the moment of arrival at the airport, and is also visible for departing passengers. This unique statue of Maharana Pratap, a hero of freedom and self-respect depicts the undefeated eternal values of Mewar.
2010:	Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation supported the project of Ecological Restoration of Ahar River and Ecological Improvement of Udai Sagar Lake through Bio Techniques. The aim is to create a pollution free environment and habitat and to rejuvenate the Ahar River and Udai Sagar Lake with echo-technology and ecological engineering.
2010:	Tripoliya, 'The Triple Arched' Gate built with white marble procured from Rajnagar, Rajasthan by Rana Sangram Singh II, the 61st Custodian of House of Mewar in A.D. 1711 stands at the northern end of The City Palace. Only the Maharana used to enter through the middle arch while other subjects and visitors used the two side arched entries of Tripoliya. The gate was a symbol of sovereignty and an independent state. The gate was further adorned by adding the first story of Hawa Mahal during the reign of Maharana Swaroop Singh r. 1842-61, which was restored in 2005 by Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur. However, no previous Maharana had installed the traditional wooden gates in Tripoliya despite the fact that provision was kept on the sides of each arch for such an installation by Rana Sangram Singh II. Now, after a long gap of 300 years and 15 Custodians, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur the present 76th Custodian of House of Mewar and Chairman and Managing Trustee of Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, Udaipur took the initiative of installing three massive wooden gates at the 'The Triple Arched' gate Tripoliya in 2010 as a way of completing his obligations to his forefathers.
2011:	A Joint Co-operation Programme (JCP) was signed between Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation, UNESCO India Office, New Delhi; Udaipur Municipal Council; The City of Strasbourg (Municipalite de Strasbourg), France and Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, Udaipur for three years 2011-2013 to strengthen Udaipur's knowledge base, develop a framework and undertake activities to preserve its heritage and develop international collaboration and partnerships for heritage-based projects in Udaipur. A signing ceremony was held at The City of Strasbourg, France on the 2nd October 2011. The purpose of the JCP is to establish a decentralized programme for a period of initially 3 years between the cities of Udaipur and Strasbourg to work together on heritage related projects at State-level. The JCP will provide the opportunity for a long-term relationship between the Government of Rajasthan, IHCN-F, UMC, MS and MMCF to develop a technical exchange in heritage-sensitive urban development.

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The City Palace,
Udaipur 313001, Rajasthan, India

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Shiv Niwas Palace Udaipur	Fateh Prakash Palace Udaipur
Jagmandir Island Palace Udaipur	Gajner Palace Bikaner
Shikarbadi Hotel Udaipur	Garden Hotel Udaipur
The Aodhi Kumbhalgarh	Fateh Bagh Ranakpur
Gorbandh Palace Jaisalmer	Karni Bhawan Palace Bikaner