shikar, (Hindi) hunting. See also SHIKARI.

Shikarbadi (Shikarwari) Hotel, part of the Commercial Division of the MAHARANA MEWAR INSTITUTION TRUST; formerly known as the Khasi Odi Hunting Lodge, on the western shore of Goverdhan Lake, in the southern sector of Udaipur off National Highway No. 8. It was built during the reign of Maharana SAJJAN SINGH (1874-1884) as a hunting retreat for the Mewar royal family. It is sometimes called the Khasi Odi Hunting Lodge, 'khasi odi' being the name for a royal shooting box, a good example of which can be seen halfway up the rocky hill immediately south of Shiv Niwas Palace. Though only 4 km. from the City Palace, Shikarbadi's tranquil rural setting made it ideal for development as an adventure holiday getaway. In 1975, Shikarbadi was transformed into the ultimate safari-style hotel with excellent facilities for horse riding. Nearby is the Imperial Stud Farm where the royal polo ponies are kept, and guests can indulge in the game of Polo.

The safari hotel also has its own airport, mainly to save commuting business executives the road journey to and from Udaipur Airport at Dabok. It has a modern terminal and café, an air traffic control tower with state-of-the-art equipment and is a base for micro-light aircraft. An aero club is attached, and a flight school under the command of Captain Amitabh Chandra, who gained his training in the USA. The Captain is also Arvind Singh's personal pilot and flying instructor. The airport's 526 m. strip will eventually be extended to 1,842 m., possibly to 2,303 m., to accommodate small jet aircraft, with the possibility of night landing facilities as well. For reservations and further information see HRH GROUP RESERVATIONS.

shikari, (Hindi) a professional hunter or tracker. See also SHIKAR.

Shiladitya, Rawal, fifth ruler of the Guhilot Dynasty (r. 646-661), forerunner of the Mewar Dynasty; succeeded Rawal NAGADITYA and ruled from Nagda. He was lustful and inactive in kingdom affairs; assassinated by his own men, otherwise little is known of his fifteen-year reign. His son, APARAJIT, succeeded him.

shilpa shastra, (Hindi) related to architecture (of a temple building).

Shilpgram (Craftsmen's Village), a living ethnographic museum depicting the enormous diversities in craft, art and culture between various Indian states, including tribal (indigenous) people. It is about 3 km. from the city heart in the northwestern sector of Udaipur, set in 173 hectares of natural surroundings at the foot of the Aravalli Hills. Twenty-six traditional huts contain everyday decorative and household articles, giving visitors an insight into the richness of rural ethnic Arts and Crafts. Major theatre festivals are held in its large amphitheatre. To get there, take Rani Road out of the city and follow around the western bank of Fateh Sagar Lake, turning left into Shilpgram Road.

Shirstran, a padded and airy helmet made of tough iron and tied with a turban. This head gear was usually embellished with the symbols of the state. Plate armour was also worn on wrists, arms, and other parts of the body.

shisa: see SISA.

Shiv Cave, a natural cave that has been turned into a Shiva temple, near Titardi Village on the summit of Hora Magra in Udaipur's southeastern sector.

Shiv Lingam (Linga), the phallic symbol of Shiva (see LINGAM).

Shiv Niwas (Nivas) Palace, Udaipur, on a small rise at the southern end of the huge City Palace complex. Built by Maharana FATEH SINGH (1884-1930) as his single-storey, private residence, it is now an exclusive two-storey, luxury hotel with screened balconies, carved pillars, indoor ponds and a swimming pool in the centre of its large inner courtyard. The palace's rooms are decorated with portraits of past Maharanas, beautiful miniature paintings and frescoes. Between 1978 and 1982, Bhagwat Singh added the second storey crescent of eight luxury apartments, each with its own private terrace. He formed another private company and leased the renovated palace to it, in perpetuity. The memorable Shiv Niwas has played host to many world dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II, the King of Nepal, the Shah of Iran, and Jacqueline Kennedy, and is now the most palatial luxury heritage hotel owned and managed by the HRH GROUP. Although entry to the hotel may be made from the City Palace, usually the approach is through the ornamental gateway below, up the sloping roadway that brings the visitor to the main inner gateway and the lavish new reception area beyond, completed in the year 2000. There is an exquisite two-room lounge and bar, and dining in the Paantiya Restaurant, or poolside under the stars. Easy walking access is available to the City Palace and the tourist bazaar beyond, the Fateh Prakash Palace Gallery Restaurant, the Sunset View Terrace, and the jetty for the Lake Palace. There is also plenty of tourist shopping within a short walking distance of the Shiv Niwas main gate. The Palace overlooks the southeastern suburbs of Udaipur, the southern end of Pichola Lake, and, immediately below, Samore Gardens, the residence of Arvind Singh's elder brother, MAHENDRA SINGH. Shiv Niwas used to house the private rooms and offices of the Maharanas, from Fateh Singh to Arvind Singh, until it was turned into the luxury hotel. For reservations and further information see HRH GROUP RESERVATIONS.

Shiv River: see NATURAL FEATURES OF MEWAR.

Shiv Shakti Peeth Library, Udaipur, for scholars of religion and those studying social welfare activities. See MAHARANA MEWAR SPECIAL LIBRARY.

Shiv Singh. There were several leading members of clans who had this name. They came from Amargadh (Kanawat); Bari Roopaheli (Mertia Rathore); Bari Sadri (Jhala Rajputs); Bassi (Choondawat); Bhunas (Baba Ranawat); Loonda (Choondawat); Mahua (Ranawat); Muroli (Bhati); Netawal (Ranawat), and Prasad (Sisodia).

Shiva (Siva), (Sanskrit) blessed one, one of the gods of the Hindu Trimurti, or triad of supreme gods, the other two being Brahma and Vishnu. Some Hindus worship Shiva as the supreme deity because he personifies both the destructive and procreative forces of the universe. As the Destroyer he is represented entwined in snakes and wearing a necklace of skulls. His reproductive aspect, as the Lord of Creation, is symbolised by the lingam, the phallic male symbol of fertility. Shiva is also known as Nataraja, the god of asceticism and of art, especially dancing. Traditionally depicted dancing in a circle of fire, his dance shook the cosmos and created the world. He carries a trident, has the third eye in the middle of his forehead, and his matted hair is said to have Ganga, the goddess of the river Ganges in it. He lives in the Himalayas on Kailasa Mountain, rides on the bull Nandi, and his consort is the beautiful goddess Parvati (also known as Kali or Uma). Mewar's deity, EKLINGJI, is a manifestation of Shiva.

Shivaji (sometimes spelled Sivaji) (ca 1627-1680), founder (in 1640) of the Maratha kingdom (modern Maharashtra State); a descendant of Mewar's Kunwar AJAI SINGH of Sisoda. A statesman, social reformer, military leader, and advocate of religious tolerance (and freedom of India from the yoke of foreign invaders, namely the Mughal Empire), Shivaji remains a particular hero in Maharashtra, where many of his most daring exploits took place. He is revered for his abilities in confronting the Mughals. Although Shivaji was not directly connected with the history of Mewar, his exemplary nationalistic ideals were thrown aside when the MARATHAS invaded Rajputana. See also SINDHIAS.

Shivaji Nagar, a suburb of Udaipur, near Udiya Pol.

Shivdan Singh. There were several leading members of clans who had this name. They came from Bagore (Ranawat); Bhagwanpura (Choondawat); Shivrati (Ranawat); Singoli (Poorawat), and Tal (Choondawat). Shivdan Singh, son of Bhim Singh of Bagore, succeeded NATH SINGH as Maharaj of the jagir. Three of the four sons of Shivdan (Shiv) Singh of Shivrati (nephew of Maharana JAGAT SINGH II) were: Sher Singh; Sardar Singh who was adopted by Maharana Jawan Singh (1828-1838) and succeeded him on the throne of Mewar; and Swaroop Singh who was adopted by Maharana SARDAR SINGH (1838-1842) and succeeded him.

Shivnath Singh. There were several leading members of clans who had this name. They came from Amet (Choondawat); Bemali (Choondawat); Hinta (Saktawat), and Muroli (Bhati).

Shivrati, a town 50 km. from Kankroli, the jagir of a major branch of the Mewar ruling family, the descendants of Arjun Singh, fourth son of Maharana Sangram Singh II. Arjun played a prominent role during Maharana Ari Singh II's reign. When Madhav Rao SINDHIA attacked Mewar, Arjun fought on the side of the Maharana (other prominent nobles were part of a force trying to depose Ari Singh and put a pretender, Ratan Singh on the throne.) Later on, in the battle of Gangrar with 'Mahapurash', Arjun Singh was in the front line with the Maharana, and fought valiantly, receiving many wounds. During Maharana Hamir Singh II's minority, Arjun looked after State affairs with Agar Chand Mehta, Amar Chand Barwa and Maharaj Bagh Singh of Karjali. In his final days, Arjun went to Kashi, where he died. Arjun's elder son, Shiv Singh, and was succeeded by Shiv Singh's son, Surajmal, who became the confidante of Maharana Bhim Singh. Surajmal had no male issue, therefore Dal Singh, son of Surajmal's younger brother Daulat Singh (who had been adopted by the Karjali ruler), succeeded to the leadership of Shivrati. Gaj Singh succeeded Dal Singh and became a member of the Regency Council during Maharana Sajjan Singh's minority. As Gaj Singh, too, had no male issue, he adopted his younger brother's son, Fateh Singh. When Fateh himself was adopted by Maharana Sajjan Singh (and later became Maharana), Gaj Singh next adopted Himmat Singh, his younger brother's son from Karjali.

Genealogy: Arjun Singh; Surajmal; Dal Singh; Gaj Singh; Himmat Singh; Shivdan Singh.