Udaipur, May 26, 2025 : In a significant step towards preserving and showcasing Rajasthan’s royal cartographic heritage, Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), unveiled a comprehensive catalogue on the painted and printed maps created during the glorious era of the Udaipur royal court. The catalogue, titled with scholarly classification and detail, is a pioneering work documenting maps that reflect the artistic, political, and geographical narratives of Mewar’s regal past.
Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Mewar emphasized the importance of archiving history not merely in words, but through images, artworks, and official documents. He remarked, “Every book, every painting, every historical document in our archives is a treasure trove of knowledge. The art of India transcends borders and continues to receive global recognition and academic attention.”
Udaipur’s Royal Cartography Garners Global Attention
The initiative is not only a testament to Udaipur’s rich cultural history but also a collaborative effort between MMCF and the Getty Foundation, USA, which has been consistently supporting the preservation of rare paper-based artifacts for over two decades. These include exhibitions, publications, and archival projects that breathe new life into India’s forgotten visual narratives.
Dr. Joan Weinstein, Director of the Getty Foundation, praised the project and described Udaipur’s royal archival works as a valuable heritage, offering immense educational and cultural insights when integrated with modern research and technology.
A Glimpse into the Catalogue
The catalogue has been meticulously edited by art historian Dr. Shelka Mishra, who has curated the works under themes such as:
“Maps and Places: The Painted Image”
“Mewar Kingdom and British Topographical Surveys”
“City of Udaipur”
“Railway Chronicles: Mapping the Udaipur–Chittorgarh Railway”
“List of Maps in the City Palace Museum, Udaipur”
This structured classification allows researchers, students, and art enthusiasts to explore the evolution of cartography in Mewar, blending traditional Rajasthani miniature art styles with colonial-era surveying methods.
An Archive of National and International Relevance
According to Dr. Mayank Gupta, CEO of MMCF, this is the first such catalogue focusing exclusively on painted and printed maps from the Udaipur court. The publication offers visual insight into 17th and 18th-century Mewar, which has long captured the interest of international exhibition curators and historians.
Over the years, artworks from the Udaipur court have been displayed in international exhibitions, reinforcing their historical and artistic relevance. Many foreign universities now have dedicated Indian art and culture departments, and City Palace Museum in Udaipur has become a key research destination for both Indian and international scholars.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
