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The coronation of Vishvaraj Singh Mewar as the 77th Maharana of Mewar unfolded amidst a dramatic backdrop of ancient tradition and immediate family conflict. The ceremony itself, a five-hour affair held at the Fateh Prakash Mahal in Chittorgarh, adhered to centuries-old Rajput customs. Vishvaraj, dressed in traditional attire, arrived with a royal entourage, proceeding through a floral carpet before participating in a havan, a sacred fire ritual. The enthronement was particularly marked by a symbolic gesture of loyalty and sacrifice: Devvrat Singh, the former Rawal of Salumber, a descendant of the Chunda family, made a cut on his thumb with a sword and applied the blood as a tilak, a sacred mark, on Vishvaraj's forehead, all while Vedic mantras were chanted and a 21-gun salute echoed through the palace grounds. This ritual underscored the deep-rooted traditions and hierarchical structure within the Mewar royal family, a structure that was soon to be severely tested.
However, the seemingly harmonious coronation ceremony was quickly overshadowed by a bitter family dispute that erupted just hours later. The source of the conflict stemmed from Vishvaraj's attempt to follow tradition by seeking blessings at the Dhuni Mata temple within the Udaipur Palace complex and the Ekling Shiv Temple, both managed by a trust headed by his uncle, Arvind Singh Mewar. This seemingly simple act of piety was met with staunch resistance. Upon arriving at the palace, Vishvaraj found the gates shut, a notice prominently displayed that denied unauthorized entry. This act of exclusion ignited a furious response from Vishvaraj's supporters.
The ensuing confrontation escalated rapidly. Six vehicles from Vishvaraj's convoy attempted to breach the barricades set up by the palace administration, leading to a clash between supporters of Vishvaraj and those loyal to his uncle, Arvind Singh Mewar. The situation devolved into a chaotic scene of stone-throwing and physical altercations, highlighting the deep-seated tensions and divisions within the royal family. Images and videos circulating widely on social media depicted the violence, underscoring the gravity of the conflict and its potential to severely damage the image and reputation of the Mewar dynasty. The clashes lasted for several hours, casting a long shadow over the otherwise solemn coronation ceremony.
The conflict serves as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in maintaining tradition and navigating succession in a historical family like the Mewars. The clash between adhering to ancient customs and the realities of modern-day power struggles is evident in the events that unfolded. While the coronation itself was a celebration of tradition, the subsequent clashes underscore the fragility of unity and the potential for long-standing family rivalries to erupt into open conflict. The act of seeking blessings, an act deeply embedded in Rajput culture, ironically became the catalyst for a major confrontation, raising questions about the future stability of the family and the legacy of the Mewar lineage. The incident also points to the challenges faced by historical institutions in adapting to the changing socio-political landscape of contemporary India.
Vishvaraj Singh Mewar's eventual appeal for calm on Tuesday morning, urging his supporters to return home, demonstrates an attempt to de-escalate the situation and prevent further violence. His statement, acknowledging the unfortunate circumstances and the importance of tradition, suggests a desire to find a resolution to the conflict. However, the lasting impact of these events on the Mewar family and the future management of its properties and religious sites remains to be seen. The incident raises significant concerns about the internal divisions within the royal family and the potential for further conflicts to arise in the future. The incident serves as a case study on the challenges of preserving tradition while grappling with modern power dynamics within a prominent Indian royal family.
Source: A Coronation With Swords And Blood Before Udaipur Royal Family Feud