₹100-Crore Maharana Pratap Tourism Circuit Faces Opposition from His Descendant; Vishvaraj Singh Mewar Flags Heritage Concerns

Udaipur, Rajasthan: The Bhajanlal-led Rajasthan government’s ambitious ₹100-crore Maharana Pratap Tourism Circuit has landed in controversy after strong objections were raised by BJP MLA Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, a direct descendant of the legendary Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap.

Vishvaraj Singh Mewar has cautioned that the proposed ultra-modern constructions and multiple museums under the project could dilute the spiritual, historical, and cultural legacy of Maharana Pratap and the Mewar region.

Concerns Over Ultra-Modern Construction

The tourism circuit, announced by Finance and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari in the February 2024 interim budget, aims to develop key sites associated with Maharana Pratap’s life — from his birthplace Kumbhalgarh to the battlefield of Haldighati. The project includes development at Kumbhalgarh, Gogunda, Haldighati, Chawand, Dewair, and Chhapli.

However, Vishvaraj Singh Mewar expressed serious reservations over plans to construct palace-like, ultra-modern structures at historically sensitive locations such as Chawand (Maharana Pratap’s final residence) and Haldighati.

“These structures do not reflect Maharana Pratap’s life, values, or philosophy,” Mewar said. “His legacy is not about grandeur, but about self-respect, sacrifice, struggle, and resistance.”

Objection to Multiple Museums

Mewar also opposed the proposal to establish multiple museums across different locations, warning that it could confuse visitors rather than educate them.

“Creating three or four separate museums will only create confusion,” he said, referring to a presentation made to him during a meeting held at Kumbhalgarh around two months ago.

Historic Battlefields Are Sacred Spaces

Strong objections were also raised against construction activity at historic battlefields. Vishvaraj Singh Mewar described places like Haldighati as sacred for people across the country.

“Construction at such sites amounts to tampering with history,” he said, adding that large-scale development could erase the geographical and historical significance of Haldighati, which is intrinsically linked to India’s past.

Lack of Consultation and Transparency

Mewar has written a detailed letter to Tourism Minister Diya Kumari, questioning the lack of transparency in the project’s planning. He noted that the proposal fails to clearly define its objectives, roadmap, or conservation strategy.

“There has been no proper disclosure of documents, nor any clarity on how this circuit will truly honour Maharana Pratap’s life and ideals,” he wrote.

He further pointed out that neither members of Maharana Pratap’s family nor public representatives were meaningfully consulted during the planning process.

‘Maharana Pratap Cannot Be Defined by Buildings’

Issuing a clear warning, Vishvaraj Singh Mewar stated that portraying Maharana Pratap through grand buildings and modern architecture goes against his simple, austere, and struggle-driven life.

“Maharana Pratap’s identity cannot be confined to buildings and palaces,” he said. “His life stood for dignity, resistance, and sacrifice — values that no ₹100-crore structure can overshadow.”