No indigenous State in medieval India figured so prominently in the chequered annals of our land and played so valiant a role in resisting the aggressive expansion of the foreign Sultanate of Delhi (1206-1526) and its successor the Mughal Empire (1526-1803) as the Kingdom of Mewar.  There were to be sure a few examples of despair and defection, but the bulk of the nobility and common people stood by their rulers who, much less the alien Mughal Emperor.  

Bharat, the land of chivalry and knowledge systems has been the birthplace of fierce warriors since time immemorial. It was medieval India that saw the surge of Bravehearts who gained momentum after this sacred land, once blessed by the pious activities of Rishis and Karmyogis, came under the radar of barbaric Islamic invasions. Nevertheless, the tales of invasion, plunder and loot of India by foreign aggressors have witnessed the saga of defeat with the warriors of the soil at the rescue. The truth of the huge resistance offered and the victories won, men and women both defending the land of Bharat, has yet remained untold. History has been spectator to Indian dynasties whose entire lineage dedicated themselves to the cause of sovereignty and protection of their motherland. Mewar or the House of Mewar, is one such legacy that is not just attributed historically to be among the oldest living dynasties of the world, but also ascribed to limit the influence of the Islamic onslaught through their thousand-year uninterrupted war for Dharma. They counted no sacrifice as too great in defence of their liberty and honour and refused to bend their heads before anybody. In words of Historian A. L. Srivastava, no indigenous State in medieval India figured so prominently in the chequered annals of our land and played so valiant a role in resisting the aggressive expansion of the invading Arabs, the foreign Sultanate of Delhi and its successor the Mughal Empire (1526-1803) as the chivalrous Rajput kingdom of Mewar. [ref]  

Mewar produced a series of remarkable rulers. To name a few - Bappa Rawal, Khuman II, Jaitra Singh, Hammir Singh, Kumbha, Sanga, Pratap, Amar Singh and Raj Singh commanded unquestioned loyalty and enthusiastic co-operation of all sections of their people over a timeline of a thousand years.  

Origins

According to legend, Rajputs or the son of kings trace their origin to the Sun and the Moon god. Some families claim themselves to be Chandravanshis, the descendants of the Moon God through Lord Krishna, while others assert themselves as Suryavanshis, the descendants of the Sun God through Lord Rama. The ruling family of Mewar are senior representatives of the Suryavanshis, which explains the family crest portraying a blazing god sun against a crimson background. [ref]

For the last 1300 years, ‘the common thread of Custodianship’ of the Kingdom of Mewar runs through the Family. The Custodianship is a tremendous responsibility on the shoulders of the person who carries it. It is a responsibility, one carries for his Ruling deity, Parmeshwaraji Maharaj Shree Eklingnath ji, whom one represents in this world, and for the subjects of the ruler and the Kingdom of which he is the custodian.

In this case, the oath administered to Bappa Rawal in 734 CE by his Guru Mahrishi Harit Rashi that he will rule, as a Diwan of Shree Eklingnath ji, had to be adhered to by all the subsequent rulers of Mewar, without any exception. Fortunately, it has been so and the oath has been respected down the line until to date, by Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar since 1984. That common thread runs through the Mewar family.

Capital

Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh Fort is truly an embodiment of the chivalry and pride of the Rajputs. The fort has a long story of romance, courage, determination and sacrifice. A glimpse of the fort still makes one to think the glory of the Rajputs who once lived here. The imposing Fort boasts of well-designed palaces, magnificent cenotaphs and huge towers. The Fort of Chittorgarh has a colossal structure that is secured by its several strong gateways. Chittorgarh Fort is an acknowledgment to the courage of the gallant Rajput rulers who sacrificed their life combating dominant rivals instead of surrendering before them. The history of this majestic fort can be traced during the time of Khilji's. Chittorgarh Fort is said to have been the capital of the Gahlot and Sisodia kings who ruled Mewar between the eighth and the sixteenth century. The Fort was named after Chittrangad Maurya.

The fort was attacked three times and every time it got saved by the daring heroism of the Rajput warriors. In 1303, for the first time, this fort was attacked by Allaudin Khilji to fulfill his desire to make off with Rani Padmini. For the second time, the Fort was sacked by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat in 1535. In 1567, it was attacked for the last time by Mughal Emperor Akbar to conquer Maharana Udai Singh. Every time, a jauhar (mass suicide) was observed and the womenfolk of the Royalty never submitted themselves.

This colossal fort is accessible through seven huge gates (Pols) that are comprised of strong iron spikes and served as a watch tower in earlier times. The way to Chittorgarh Fort will take you through crisscross paths that would be interrupted at intervals by seven giant pols (gateways). The foremost gate you will come across is the 'Ram Pol' (the gate of Lord Rama) that has a temple in its vicinity. While climbing further, you would find two cenotaphs near Padal Pol. These cenotaphs are dedicated to Jaimal and Kala, who were killed by Akbar in the Third Siege of 1567. [ref]

Udaipur

Notable Rulers

• Bappa Rawal
• Rawal Khuman II
• Rawal Ratan Singh
• Maharana Hammir Singh (Veer Hamir)
• Maharana Kumbha
• Maharana Sanga (Maharana Sangram Singh)
• Maharana Udai Singh II
• Maharana Pratap
• Maharana Amar Singh
• Maharana Raj Singh
• Maharana Bhupal Singh [ref]

Historical Wars

• First Siege of Chittorgarh
• Battle of Singoli
• Battle of Bayana
• Battle of Khanwa
• Battle of Khatoli
• Battle of Dholpur
• Second Siege of Chittorgarh
• Third Siege of Chittorgarh
• Battle of Haldighati
• First Battle of Dewair
• Second Battle of Dewair
• Battle of Udaipur [ref]

Eminent Women

• Maharani Kurma Devi
• Rathore Rani Hansa Bai
• Maharani Padmini
• Maharani Karmavati
• Mirabai
• Panna Dey
• Hadi Rani
• Chanchal Kumari [ref]

Valliant Warriors

• Jaimal Rathore
• Patta Chundawat
• Isar Das Chauhan
• Rawat Chundawat
• Bhilu Maharana Rao Poonja
• Pandit Chakrapani Mishra
• Rawat Sai Das Chundawat
• Thakur Dodiya Sanda
• Rawat Saheb Khan Chauhan
• Jhala Maan
• Hakim Khan Suri
• Gora and Badal 
• Ramshah Tomar and sons
• Seth Bhama Shah[ref]

Forts & Palaces

• Kumbhalgarh
• Sajjangarh
• Ranthambore Fort
• Udaipur City Palace
• Jagmandir Palace
• Gogunda Fort [ref]

Custodians of the House of Mewar

[ref] [ref]