Tributes Pour in for Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari Mewar Following Her Passing
A Loss for Udaipur and Mewar
File image of Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari Mewar(Photo: @hsrbjpofficial/X)
Jaipur, Sep 15: The passing of Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari Mewar has cast a shadow of sorrow over Udaipur, Rajasthan, and the broader Mewar region.
She died late Monday at the age of 83 after battling a prolonged illness.
Her demise has led to an outpouring of tributes from across Udaipur, Mewar, and Marwar, with admirers, social organizations, and political figures honoring her life and contributions. Known for her compassion, dignity, and dedication to public service, Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari significantly impacted education and social welfare, particularly in Udaipur.
This loss signifies the end of an era for a figure who was integral to the cultural and social identity of the city.
Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari hailed from one of India's most esteemed royal families. Born into the former royal lineage of Kutch in Gujarat, she was the younger daughter of Maharaj Fateh Singh of Kutch and the granddaughter of the Maharao of Kutch. After her marriage, she became part of the Mewar royal family as the wife of the late Arvind Singh Mewar and the mother of Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, a noted social worker and education advocate representing the current generation of the Mewar family.
Throughout her life, she skillfully balanced her family duties with a strong commitment to upholding Mewar's traditions and its enduring ethos of public service. Her warm personality and sense of duty earned her admiration from both the royal family and the citizens of Udaipur. Education was a cornerstone of her public life, having received her early education at the Franciscan Convent School in Ooty, which instilled in her a modern perspective while grounding her in strong values.
After relocating to Udaipur, she actively sought to enhance educational access and support initiatives focused on women's empowerment.
Her involvement with Maharana Mewar Public School (MMPS) was particularly noteworthy. In the 1980s, she played a pivotal role in the school's development, steering it towards a modern, disciplined, and quality-driven educational framework.
The impact of her contributions to the institution is evident, with many students going on to achieve higher education and successful careers. For those who knew her well, education was not merely about building institutions for Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari; it was a pathway to creating opportunities and shaping the futures of young individuals.
In the wake of her passing, the royal family and local administration have organized her final rites in accordance with traditional customs.
The funeral procession began in the morning from Shambhu Niwas Palace within the City Palace complex in Udaipur. A large gathering of citizens, social organization members, and dignitaries came to pay their respects before the procession moved to Mahasatiyaji at Ahar, the historic royal cremation site of the Mewar family. Her last rites are being conducted there with traditional rituals and a royal guard of honor.
The scenes surrounding her final journey highlighted the profound bond she had forged with the people of Udaipur over the years. A series of condolence gatherings, known as Tiye ki Baithak, will take place in her memory. According to official announcements, these meetings will occur daily from September 16 to September 23, between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., at Shambhu Niwas Palace in the City Palace complex.
Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari Mewar's life was characterized by two significant themes: tradition and service. While she served as a guardian of the heritage and customs associated with the Mewar family, her efforts in education and social welfare showcased a progressive vision.
For Udaipur, her passing represents more than the loss of a royal family member; it signifies the departure of a woman who became an integral part of the city's social and cultural landscape over several decades.