"The Nishan" 
The Mewar Standard

Mewar is distinguished for the 'crimson' flag. In times of war and peace, this Standard or 'Nishan' as it is called, was always flying high. The image of the flaming sun and the katar are the distinguishing features of this famous awe-inspiring Nishan, a constant mention of which is found in Col. James Tod's Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan. Robert Taylor of the Bengal Civil Service records in his book, The Princely Armory, "...for eight centuries a golden sun in a crimson field has floated over the head of the Rana at feast and fray, and is conspicuous in the ornament of his palace..."

The Maharanas of Mewar, as the Diwans of Eklingji, are administering and serving the state of Mewar in the name of its Ruler Parameshwaraji Maharaj Shri Eklingji. Hence, the Nishan of the State of Mewar is devoid of any coat of arms. Till the late 19th century, it retained this simple form and was acknowledged as the symbol of might and independence.

On the top of the mast is the face of the Sun, embossed in gold. On the triangular Nishan the human face is embroidered in gold depicting the Sun. It has a gold tassle at the end. A Katar (a type of dagger) with silver threads on the Nishan completes this simple design. The Sun signifies that the Nishan is of the “Surya Vansi” (Sun Dynasty) Maharanas of Mewar. The Katar is the emblem of Independence for the defender of Hinduism. All the Hindus address the Maharanas as the “Sun of Hindus”, the light and protection of the Hindus. This still continues to be a form of address. The colour of the Nishan is Saffron and the mast is Red.

The dimensions of the Nishan are noted below:

	One side of the Nishan	28'	Click here to view a full size image (Courtesy: Maharana Mewar Research Institute, Udaipur)
	One side of the Nishan	16'
	One side of the Nishan	23' 6"
	Length of the Katar	1' 9”
	Width of the Katar	1' 3"
	Diameter of the Sun	2' 3"
	Width of the Jhaler	1'
	Tassle	1' X 1'

"The Lawajama" 
The Regalia of the Maharana

While the Nishan was essentially used by the army in battle, at the time of undertaking a journey or during shift of residence, the Maharana, on ceremonial and official occasions was always accompanied by the ‘Lawajama’. The Lawajama (as depicted in the following image) consists of several items signifying the absolute authority of the Maharana and was in constant attendance on all such occasions. In effect this entire Regalia was a symbol of the sovereignty of the State.
 

Click on each digit or a link below to view a larger image and detailed description of the associated emblem.