Devi Ahilyabai Holkar

Source:  PIB

Context: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)in collaboration with Lokmata Ahilyabai Trishatabdi Samaroh Samiti, hosted a special lecture, ‘Devi Ahilya – Empress Renunciate,’ to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar.

About Devi Ahilyabai Holkar:

• Birth and Early Life:

• • Born: May 31, 1725, in Chondi village, Maharashtra.
  • Family: Daughter of Mankoji Shinde, the Patil of Chondi.
  • Marriage: Married Khanderao Holkar in 1733 at the age of 8.
  • Mentor: Trained in administration, warfare, and diplomacy by her father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar.

• Kingdom Associated:

• • Ruled the Holkar dynasty of Indore within the Maratha Confederacy from 1767 to 1795.
  • Established Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh) as the capital of the Holkar dynasty.

• History and Her Rise to Power:

• • 1754: Husband Khanderao Holkar was killed in the Battle of Kumbher.
  • 1766: Father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar passed away.
  • 1767: Son Male Rao Holkar, who briefly ruled, died, leading to Ahilyabai assuming power.
  • Ruled for 28 years with a focus on justice, administration, and welfare policies.

• Her Reign and Administration:

• • Good Governance & Public Welfare:
    • Conducted daily public hearings to resolve people’s grievances.
    • Ensured fair justice, once sentencing her own son for a capital offense.
    • Removed laws confiscating property from childless widows, ensuring their rights.
  • Economic and Industrial Reforms:
    • Established a textile industry in Maheshwar, now famous for Maheshwari sarees.
    • Promoted industrialization and trade while maintaining financial stability.
  • Religious and Cultural Contributions:
    • Rebuilt and restored Kashi Vishwanath Temple in 1780.
    • Constructed temples, ghats, and dharmashalas across India, including Dashashwamedh Ghat (Varanasi).
    • Ensured a steady supply of Ganga water to distant temples.

• Military Contributions:

• • Personally commanded troops to defend Indore from external invasions.
  • Appointed Tukoji Rao Holkar as Chief of Army to strengthen military defenses.
  • Successfully repelled attacks, preserving the stability of Malwa.

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