The Last King of Mewar: An Excerpt from Dynastic History

The kingdom of Mewar in northwestern India has a rich and glorious history, marked by brave kings and strategic battles. Among its most notable rulers was Maharana Mahendra Singh, who, alongside his illustrious ancestors, maintained the sovereignty of Mewar until it became impossible due to the changing political landscape of the region.

The Lineage of Mewar

The story of Mewar's last king is inextricably linked with the fateful decisions of Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India. Maharana Mahendra Singh Mewar, who ruled Mewar until its abolishment, was not just the last king of Mewar, but a symbol of the fading Rajput autonomy in the face of modern India's power consolidation. Today, his son, Lakshya Raj Singh Mewar, carries on the lineage of the family, though as a descendant, he no longer rules over the territory as a king.

Rana Pratap Singh: A Heroic King

Rana Pratap Singh (1545-1597) was a prominent warrior-king of the Mewar kingdom. Born in India, Rana Pratap is remembered for his unwavering resistance against the Mughal Empire and his leadership in the Battle of Haldighati. Rana Pratap's reign lasted from 1572 to 1597, during which he fought fiercely to protect Mewar from Mughal expansion.

The Dynastic Succession

Following Rana Pratap's death, his son Amar Singh inherited the throne, ruling Mewar from 1597 to 1620. Amar Singh continued the tradition of fierce resistance to Mughal encroachment and maintained the sovereignty of Mewar for a significant period.

Later Reigns and Decline

As the Mewar Kingdom faced increasing pressure from British and Mughal forces, the dynasty's sovereignty began to wane. Hamir Singh II (1762-1778) ruled for only a few years, succeeded by his younger brother Bhim Singh. Bhim Singh, born in 1768, ruled independently from 1778 to 1818. Facing the growing power of the British East India Company, Bhim Singh signed a treaty in 1818, accepting British suzerainty over Mewar. This treaty marked the beginning of the end for the independent Mewar Kingdom.

Under the terms of the treaty, the kingdom of Mewar was de-established, and the princely state of Udaipur or Mewar was established. Bhim Singh became the first Maharana of the State of Udaipur and ruled until 1828. He died on 30th March 1828, marking the end of an era of royal independence in Mewar.

Swarup Singh: The Last King Before the Fall

Swarup Singh was the Maharana of Mewar during a crucial period in Indian history when the British were consolidating their control over the region. Swarup Singh ruled during the fall of Bahadur Shah Jafar, the last Mughal Emperor. Swarup Singh, being the son of Sardar Singh and descendant of Rana Sangha, continued the dynasty's legacy until the ultimate deterministic decisions leading to the loss of Mewar's independence.

The story of Mewar's last king serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural and political shifts that impacted the region, highlighting the courage and determination of its rulers in the face of overwhelming odds. Mewar remains an important area in Indian history, reflecting the rich heritage of the Rajputs and their struggle for sovereignty.