On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, which celebrates the triumph of righteousness over injustice, the royal corridors of Udaipur witnessed the continuation of a centuries-old martial tradition. The 77th Shri Eklingji Diwan and scion of the Mewar royal lineage, Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, performed the sacred ritual of Shastra Pujan alongside his young son, Maharaj Kumar Haritraj Singh Mewar. The grand ceremony took place at Salehkhana, the renowned royal armoury housed inside the historic City Palace complex, amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns by learned priests.
Salehkhana Preserves Centuries of Martial Heritage
Established during the reign of Maharana Udai Singh II, the Salehkhana stands as one of the most vital treasuries of Mewar's historic legacy. Within its fortified walls lie preserved the legendary arms once wielded by revered rulers, including Maharana Sanga, the fierce warrior Maharana Pratap, Maharana Raj Singh, and several other illustrious monarchs. The Dussehra worship of these historical weapons serves as an annual tribute to the unmatched battlefield prowess and sacrifice of Mewar's ancestors, whose defense of sovereignty remains immortalized in regional and national memory.
Ancient Arms Reflect Exquisite Craftsmanship and Metallurgy
The preserved weaponry of Mewar represents far more than lethal instruments of historical warfare; each piece doubles as a masterpiece of medieval artistry and indigenous metallurgical skill. The rulers historically carried specially crafted ceremonial swords during grand state functions and major cultural observances. The hilts of these royal swords feature intricate wire inlay work in pure gold, fine gold leaf patterns, kundan settings, vibrant meenakari enamel, and carefully embedded precious gemstones. Similarly, defensive shields treated with gold embellishments, along with engraved spearheads and side daggers, reflect the supreme skill of master artisans of that era. Ritual offerings during the ceremony covered an extensive array of traditional arms, including the broad khanda swords, curved sabres, spears, katars, early matchlocks, and shields.
Tribute to the Crucial Role of Tribal Warriors
A notable highlight of the ritual was the respectful tribute paid to the tribal communities that historically defended the realm. During Maharana Pratap's enduring resistance across rugged terrain, local tribal warriors served as an indispensable backbone of his armed forces. Their primary combat gear consisted of sturdy bows and specialized iron-tipped arrows. Honoring this profound historical alliance and spirit of inclusive solidarity, bows and iron arrows were accorded prominent ceremonial space in the Dussehra rituals alongside royal edged weapons, making the event a comprehensive celebration of shared valor and regional unity.
