Source: PIB
Context: Prime Minister of India addressed the Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan on the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
About Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar:
- Born: 31 May 1725, Chondi village, Ahmednagar (Maharashtra).
- Father: Mankoji Rao Shinde, village head who educated her.
- Married: Khanderao Holkar, son of Malhar Rao Holkar of the Malwa kingdom.
- Became ruler of Malwa in 1767 after approval from the Peshwa.
- Kingdom and Reign:
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- Ruled over the Malwa region, capital at Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh).
- Known for wise, just, and inclusive governance during politically volatile times.
- Personally led military campaigns and founded the Holkar army in 1792.
- Administrative & Governance:
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- Held daily public audiences to address people’s grievances.
- Introduced public welfare reforms focusing on: Farmers, Artisans, and Tribal communities.
- Promoted irrigation, crop diversity, and rural entrepreneurship.
- Cultural & Religious Contributions:
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- Rebuilt and restored hundreds of temples, including: Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1780) and Somnath Temple (Old Juna Mandir).
- Commissioned ghats, tanks, wells, and dharamshalas across India.
- Built two Jyotirlinga temples and extended religious support nationally.
- Social Reforms & Women Empowerment:
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- Advocated:
- Raising minimum age of marriage for girls
- Property rights for women
- Widow remarriage
- Formed women’s army and village-level safety units.
- Advocated:
- Nation-Building Initiatives:
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- Constructed roads and rest houses across pilgrimage routes: Rameshwaram, Haridwar, Kashi, Somnath
- Established gurukuls and schools to promote education.
- Legacy:
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- Died: 13 August 1795, aged 70.
- Founded the Maheshwari saree textile industry, still famous today.
- Known as the ‘Philosopher Queen’ for her wisdom and spiritual outlook.
- Remembered for combining development with dharma (duty).
- Her work continues to influence India’s cultural preservation and grassroots governance.
