Heritage Conservation and Promotion

4.5-inch Howitzer Field Gun, Mark II

The 4.5-inch QF Howitzer field gun was manufactured in Coventry, United Kingdom, for the British Empire's use during the First World War (1914-1918) and later the Second World War (1939-1945). It served in campaigns across Afghanistan, Waziristan (present-day Pakistan), Mesopotamia, Syria, Iraq, South Africa, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Japan, remaining in active service until 1944 when its ammunition stocks were exhausted.

Weighing 1,370 kg and measuring 1.78 metres in length, the gun was originally drawn by six horses and operated by a crew of six men. It could fire four rounds per minute with an effective range of 6,000 metres. After 1920, its original timber-spoked wheels were replaced with pneumatic tyres, enabling it to be towed by motor vehicles.

This 4.5-inch QF Howitzer field gun (No. 2647) was presented by the British authorities to Maharana Bhupal Singh (reigned 1930-1955 CE), the 74th Custodian of the House of Mewar, during the 1940s. It was subsequently housed in The City Palace Museum. In 2026, Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, the 77th Custodian of the House of Mewar and Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, commissioned the restoration and conservation of the gun. The specialised work was carried out by Indian Army experts at 224 ABOD, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Following the successful restoration, the gun was returned to Udaipur and installed at Tripolia Gate, where it now stands guarding the entrance to The City Palace Museum.

The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation gratefully acknowledges Ms. Helen Batey, New Zealand, for her profound words and valuable contribution to documenting the history of this remarkable artefact.

International Museum Collaboration Visit - City Palace Museum, Udaipur

Mr. Johannes Beltz, Deputy Director and Curator of South and Southeast Asian Art, and Ms. Sonika Soni from the GBF Research Programme at the Rietberg Museum, Zurich, visited the City Palace Museum, Udaipur from 11th-14th April 2026. The visit focused on future collaborations, research initiatives, and cultural exchange opportunities to strengthen international dialogue in museums, art, and heritage.

World Heritage Day 2026

Dr.Hansmukh Seth was invited to speak at the International Day for Monuments and Sites (World Heritage Day) organized jointly by Sahitya Sansthan, JRN Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University, Udaipur, and the Anthropological Survey of India, Udaipur Branch on 18th April 2026. He spoke on "Emergency Response for Living Heritage in the Context of Conflicts and Disasters."

Celebrating World Heritage Day with the Art of Linocut Printing

On the occasion of World Heritage Day, the City Palace Museum organised a Linocut Workshop on 18th April 2026 at Sabha Shiromani ka Darikhana, offering participants an engaging, hands- on learning experience.

The workshop was facilitated by local Udaipur artists Ms. Soumya Porwal and Ms. Sandali Saruparia. Participants were introduced to the art of linocut printing, carving their own designs onto lino sheets and transforming them into expressive prints using traditional printmaking techniques. The session encouraged slow, mindful engagement with art while providing valuable insight into the craft of handcrafted printmaking.

Participants with their art work