The iconic City Palace in Udaipur, known for its rich history and breathtaking architecture, became the scene of a dramatic clash on Monday. Two factions of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar took their decades long feud to the streets, leading to violent confrontations and injuries.
What Sparked the Clashes?
The conflict stems from a bitter legal dispute between two groups of the Mewar royal family over control of a specific portion of the palace, located between Badi Pol and the "dhuni." This long-standing disagreement escalated following a key event earlier this month: the coronation of Vishvaraj Singh, BJP MLA from Nathdwara, as the new ceremonial head of the Mewar dynasty.
The Incident on Monday
As part of the coronation traditions, Vishvaraj Singh was scheduled to visit the City Palace to perform rituals at the "dhuni" and pay homage at the Eklingnathji temple. However, his uncle, Arvind Singh Mewar, who currently manages the City Palace, denied him entry to the premises.
This refusal led to a heated standoff between supporters of the two factions, which spiraled into violent stone-pelting. The clashes injured three policemen and caused significant tension in the area.
Historical Significance of the Mewar Royals
The Mewar dynasty traces its lineage back to the legendary Maharana Pratap and has been a symbol of pride and power in Rajasthan for centuries. Although no longer ruling, the family holds considerable influence in the region. Vishvaraj Singh, the newly anointed head, represents Nathdwara in the Rajasthan Assembly, while his wife, Mahima Kumari, is the BJP MP from Rajsamand.
Meanwhile, Arvind Singh Mewar oversees the City Palace, which serves as a prominent tourist attraction and a reminder of the family's historic legacy.
District Administration Steps In
Amid the escalating tensions, the district administration has intervened to maintain order. The Ghanta Ghar Station House Officer (SHO), Yogendra Kumar Vyas, has been appointed as the receiver to manage the disputed portion of the City Palace. This temporary arrangement aims to prevent further clashes and resolve the ongoing dispute peacefully.
The once-grand legacy of the Mewar dynasty now finds itself mired in internal discord, turning the historic City Palace into a battleground for control and tradition.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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