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“Yatra nāryastu pūjyante ramante tatra devatāḥ
Yatraitāstu na pūjyante sarvāstatra aphalāḥ kriyāḥ”
“Where women are honored, divinity blossoms there;
Where they are not respected, all actions are fruitless.”
Where women are revered, there the divine resides. In places, societies, and families where women are respected, their needs and expectations are fulfilled, and the gods remain pleased. But where this is not the case, and women are treated with disdain,
According to some historians, she was not given the title “Punyashlok” during her lifetime. It is believed that the term Punyashlok was first used for Ahilyadevi in the 1907 issue of Vidya Gyanvistaar. Moreover, it is a matter of great pride that during British rule, Ahilyabai, as a stateswoman and administrator, was compared to Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, Queen Elizabeth of England, and Queen Margaret of Denmark
divine grace is absent, and the actions carried out there do not yield success.
From the above shloka, what meaning does the word nari convey? Even in ancient or historical times, the word nari was understood as powerful, and women were given a respectful status. In the word nari,
1. Stri,
2. Aurat,
3. Mahila…
these three major traits exist, which are also considered symbols of energy.
From ancient times, the same woman, in different situations, has fulfilled different responsibilities and was always seen as a nurturer and protector of culture and civilization. In ancient India, the social status of women was high. Women held respectable positions in society and were honored—especially in royal families. In many significant areas, women were also the source of inspiration for men.
300 years ago, born in Bharatvarsha, the Queen of Malwa, Rajshri Devi Ahilyabai Holkar is also considered an ideal woman in Indian history. She has been appreciated across the world as an ideal queen. Not just as an exemplary ruler, but as a model Hindu woman, Indian history has preserved her name with great care. Even today, she is remembered for her ideal womanly virtues.
Ahilya Devi was born in the village of Chaundi in Maharashtra, in a Marathi family. According to the Sanskrit book “Ahilya Charitam” written by Sakharam Shastri Bhagwat, based on the Kaladarshika (traditional calendar) and the Marathi tithi and Panchang, Ahilya Devi’s birth date is established as 31st May 1725. Until then, historians had recorded Ahilya Devi’s birth everywhere according to the Marathi tithi. As per this reference, the tricentennial year of Ahilyabai’s birth began from the date 31st May 2024.
Let us, on this occasion, reflect on some important aspects of the ideal woman of that era—Ahilyabai—as a daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, mother, ruler, and a symbol of social harmony, along with her public welfare works, and awaken the spirit of womanly power embodied in this Lokmata.
Ahilyabai was a woman of action, a true Karmayogini. According to some historians, she was not given the title “Punyashlok” during her lifetime. It is believed that the term Punyashlok was first used for Ahilyadevi in the 1907 issue of Vidya Gyanvistaar. Moreover, it is a matter of great pride that during British rule, Ahilyabai, as a stateswoman and administrator, was compared to Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, Queen Elizabeth of England, and Queen Margaret of Denmark.
Between 1767 and 1795, during the 28 years of her rule, Ahilyabai’s standards of governance were more based on the love of the people and public welfare than on the authority of power. This very principle earned her recognition as an embodiment of feminine nature and the universal establishment of maternal power.
This could be an important reason why she was honored with the title of Lokmata. If we measure all the parameters of a daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, mother, and ruler in a single entity, Ahilyabai proved to be an ideal woman.
The identity of an Indian woman is not just her beauty, but her virtues, simplicity, and humility. India is the only country where women in different states have distinct traditions and cultures. One of the special qualities of an Indian woman is her strength and courage. Indian women are known for their remarkable abilities and
Indian women are known for their remarkable abilities and unwavering patience. The complete qualities of a woman, as defined at the beginning of this article, compel us to acknowledge Ahilyabai as a powerful and ideal woman
unwavering patience. The complete qualities of a woman, as defined at the beginning of this article, compel us to acknowledge Ahilyabai as a powerful and ideal woman.
Social equality is a state in which all individuals in society enjoy equal rights, freedom, and status, including civil rights, freedom of expression, autonomy, and equal access to certain public goods and social services. Such harmony can be observed during the reign of Ahilyabai.
Let us look at two famous examples of Ahilyabai’s work for the welfare of the people and her commitment to harmony as an ideal woman.
1.In Ahilyabai’s kingdom, several Bhil and Gond tribes used to loot pilgrims for their livelihood. As soon as Ahilyabai received the complaint, she took immediate action to resolve the issue. Their loot was officially recognized as “Bhilkavdi Kar” (Bhil Tax). These individuals were rehabilitated by providing them agricultural land for their livelihood. In return, they were asked to protect the temples of the region.
Ahilyabai’s decision to arrange an inter-caste marriage between her daughter, Muktabai, and a young man who protected the people from the Bhils and Pindaris is also a testament to her decision-making ability.
Thus, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Ahilyabai hit two targets with one stone. Both the Bhil, Pindari, and Gond communities, as well as the pilgrims, received justice. In addition, for her daughter Muktabai, a worthy young groom like Yashwantrao Phanse was found. This shows how people-oriented Ahilyabai’s administration was. The ideal woman within her… a mother, a ruler who was a woman, and a devout woman, all these qualities helped Ahilyabai to be recognized as the ideal woman.
2. Her governance style was very unique. It is said that the concept of 7/12 for land records was introduced by Ahilyabai herself, which is still used today in Maharashtra for the 7/12 land record process. The Holkar government would plant twelve trees for some needy people, such as mango, tamarind, and flowering trees. The person would take care of all these trees. The income from five of those trees would go to the government treasury, and the income from the remaining seven trees would go to the beneficiary.
In today’s context, many changes have come to the 7/12 concept. However, this idea still receives strong support from folklore. The concepts implemented during her reign for the welfare of the peasants were entirely new, and she successfully implemented them through her efficient and well-planned administration.
Ahilyabai is known as an ideal Indian woman. Not only Indian women but the entire nation takes pride in her personality and deeds. The presence of the Shiva symbol in her religious, holy hands is a testament to her firm resolve to walk the path of truth and beauty. The beautiful combination of truth, Shiva, and beauty was the source of the feminine power that resided in her.
In our country, there are numerous examples that emphasize the importance of not only pilgrimage sites but also water sources. For a woman of that time, earning the title of “Punyashlok” was very difficult, but Ahilyabai was easily bestowed with it.
Due to the many temples built by Ahilya Devi, the construction work of these temples provided an opportunity for the display of various arts such as dance, singing, music instruments, sculpture, architecture, and painting
What preserves is a pilgrimage, and that which removes internal and external flaws and poverty is called a “kund.” Hindu scriptures contain specific instructions about pilgrimage sites, water tanks (kunds), their conduct, and religious practices. During that time, religious texts and their commentaries were guiding principles for Indian rulers.
The point is that, like other rulers, Ahilyabai also proved her distinctiveness by providing facilities such as roads, ponds, rest houses, food shelters, temples, restoration of temples, and construction of ghats for the nation. These creations were more funded by her personal wealth and property than from the state treasury.
Therefore, as a ruler, this difference in her approach can be observed more profoundly when compared to other rulers.
Due to all these welfare works, Queen Ahilyabai became known as “Punyashlok” and “Lokmata” for the people. This was a strong result and influence of the feminine and motherly power present within her.
If a ruler works selflessly for the welfare and happiness of the people, even using their personal wealth and treasury, there is no greater humanity than this. She worked so diligently for the welfare of her subjects that she considered herself blessed. This is why the Peshwa government of Pune considered Ahilya Devi as an ideal queen. The Peshwa also proudly referred to her capital, Maheshwar, as ‘Punyadwar Maheshwar.’
Due to the many temples built by Ahilya Devi, the construction work of these temples provided an opportunity for the display of various arts such as dance, singing, music instruments, sculpture, architecture, and painting. Artists and craftsmen got the chance to showcase their skills. Weavers were invited to Maheshwar, and new settlements were created for them. The famous Maheshwar Silk is a result of their contribution.
Her role was often associated with spirituality, which was always linked to ethics, inner purity, the essence of humanity, a deep belief in the eternal pull of human values, and the eternal spirit of merit in all human religions. Humanity, in essence, is always a symbol of harmony. It would not be an exaggeration to say that social harmony and humanism complement each other.
Ahilya Bai had a spiritual inclination, and thus, the overall welfare and happiness of her people were the main criteria for the 28 years, 5 months, and 17 days of her reign. In fact, despite having a kingdom, wealth, and an army, Ahilya Bai lived her life with self-reliance.
“ “Whatever exists in this world should be enjoyed with selflessness, with the understanding that everything belongs to God. One should not be greedy for anyone else’s wealth.” … She set an example for society by fully adhering to the teachings of this verse from the Isha Upanishad in her life.
The reign of the queen of Malwa, whose patriotism and worldly reputation lifted the Holkar family with confidence, was extremely glorious. However, her personal life was full of struggles, hardships, and pain. Among the various welfare works carried out by Ahilyabai at different places, the religious aspect was also significant.
However, Ahilyabai’s devotion to religion was not selfish; it was focused on the welfare of the people.
“ “Religion means public welfare” … she established this equation.
Her concept of a welfare state was as much based on religion as it was on moral integrity, responsibility, ethical conduct, and human duty. Therefore, Ahilyabai’s place in the overall history of India is unique. Ahilyabai was a brave queen.
Sir John Malcolm wrote the history of Central India during that period, which includes a section on Ahilyabai’s biography. Describing Ahilyabai, he says…
“Ahilyabai has become by general strategies, the model of good government, in Malwa… Her name is considered, as such excellent authority, that an objection is , never made, when her praise is needed, as precedent.”
The then British Viceroy, Lord Ellenborough, also said, “Ahilyabai is the best diplomat and the best politician.”
She was the only queen in the Maratha Empire to receive the title of Lokmata. She also had great foresight. She had the courage to repeatedly warn the Peshwas through letters in her administration and urged all Marathas and other rulers of India, such as Rajputs, Sikhs, etc., to fight against the British.
Ahilya Devi was a visionary leader. She made changes in her traditional military system to adapt to the changing circumstances and established a Western-style army
Ahilyabai was known for her justice system and her love for justice. Titles such as Lokmangal, Prajavatsal, and Lokmata were bestowed upon her by the people. Her foresight and vision were often praised by the Peshwa government
through a British officer named Colonel J. P. Boyd. She trained her soldiers using modern methods. The artillery of the Holkar family was also under Ahilyabai’s control.
In her royal court, many artists and poets would showcase their talents. The famous Marathi poet Moropant was one of them. One day, in the royal court, another Marathi poet, Anant Phandi, was singing a romantic song. Ahilyabai scolded him and said, “At a time when the British are expanding their influence everywhere in our country, how can you sing such songs instead of raising social awareness?”
Poet Prabhakar also sang songs in praise of Ahilyabai in her court. It is well-known that Ahilyabai advised him to write something related to social awareness instead of self-praise. Influenced by Ahilyabai’s reprimand, both poet Anant Phandi and poet Prabhakar changed their style of singing. They began to sing in the voice of patriotism. Their style of singing became popular in Marathi as the “Fatka” style.
The era and society during Ahilyabai’s time did not believe in the freedom of thought as we do today. The societal concepts were influenced by the various codes.
Therefore, Ahilyabai proved to be an ideal woman for women who were trapped in the social and cultural constraints of that time. For those women, Ahilyabai was a role model.
We should also note that around 1735, in the early 18th century, Ahilyabai herself laid the foundation for women’s education in the Marathi royal family. Her actions reflected modern ideas such as opposing dowry, supporting widow remarriage, opposing the practice of Sati, and granting childless widows the right to adopt sons. These actions demonstrate that Ahilyabai was also a “reformer of the era” during that time.
Ahilyabai gave justice to her poor subjects and many destitute families. She personally fought against all forms of family injustice, providing justice to the oppressed, investigating cases of mistreatment, and taking action. There are many stories in history where she restored the rights of the victims and ensured that widows received a share in the property.
Ahilyabai was known for her justice system and her love for justice. Titles such as Lokmangal, Prajavatsal, and Lokmata were bestowed upon her by the people. Her foresight and vision were often praised by the Peshwa government.
Rajrishi and Rajshri are two distinct titles. ‘Rajrishi’ is given to someone who has achieved immense knowledge through rigorous penance. However, the letters received by Ahilyabai from Saturday Wada addressed her as “Rajshri Ahilyabai.” She was a ruler, a prosperous queen of a state, and an embodiment of wealth and fortune (Ruler + Lakshmi), which meant ‘Rajshri.’ She possessed more wealth and property than the Peshwas. Whenever the Peshwas needed money, they would borrow from her. If the Peshwa asked for a loan of 50,000, she would lend them 5 lakh. In this way, her being ‘Rajshri’ also reflected her status as an ideal woman.
She had a military unit of women. It is well-documented that Ahilyabai raised a group of female soldiers to fight against the treacherous ambitions of Raghunath Rao Peshwa, who sought power over the Holkars. Even warriors like Tipu Sultan had no intentions of challenging Maheshwar under her rule. This was a clear testament to her being both an ideal queen and an exemplary woman. After the death of her father-in-law, Subedar Malhar Rao Holkar, she became a ruler who, without any formal title or appointment, ruled the entire Malwa region from her capital, Maheshwar.
She was a lover of scriptures and justice. At the same time, she was a skilled diplomat and a capable ruler. While she was undoubtedly a ruler, she never sat on a throne adorned with jewels. Throughout her life, she conducted the affairs of her court while sitting on a simple white blanket. During the administration of justice, she would hold a Shivling in her hands, symbolizing divine witness, ensuring that justice was imparted fairly. She carried out government duties, but she never had a desire for power.
The rule of the Holkar dynasty began on May 26, 1728. The Holkar kings ruled over Maheshwar and Indore for 14 generations, spanning a total of 220 years and 22 days. After India gained independence, the Madhya Bharat Union was formed on April 20,
During her reign, Ahilyabai Holkar issued decrees against dowry. Following the request of her father-in-law, Subedar Malhar Rao Holkar, she initiated the practice of not accepting Sati. She also made efforts to ensure that widow remarriage was socially accepted
1948, and all institutions and monarchies were abolished in India. At that time, the Holkar dynasty and its royal power were also merged into the Indian Union.
Ahilyabai, born in a humble household in the village of Chondi in today’s Maharashtra’s Jamkhed taluka, ruled the Holkar dynasty for a total of 28 years, 5 months, and 17 days. She made Maheshwar her capital in the Malwa region. Her reign lasted from March 27, 1767, to August 13, 1795. (Tukojirao II, ruled continuously for 42 years.)
Ahilyabai Holkar’s lifespan was from 1725 to 1795, making it 300 years ago. However, during a time it was not socially acceptable for girls to be educated, Ahilyabai was able to read and write in Marathi script. She had studied Hindi, Sanskrit, and Marathi. She received both civilian (Mulki) and military (Lashkari) training. Under the guidance of her mother-in-law Gautama Bai and father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar, she became capable. Throughout her life, she had very little time with the support of her husband Khande Rao and son Malerao.
During her reign, Ahilyabai Holkar issued decrees against dowry. Following the request of her father-in-law, Subedar Malhar Rao Holkar, she initiated the practice of not accepting Sati. She also made efforts to ensure that widow remarriage was socially accepted. In Hinduism, there is a tradition of “Godh Bharai” (a ritual of filling the lap, symbolizing a new beginning or fertility). Ahilyabai started this tradition by performing the “Godh Bharai” ceremony for the life-giving Narmada River. Even today, Holkar descendants offer sarees across the river from one bank to the other using a large wheel or “Rahat,” a practice that continues as a legacy.
Ahilyabai Holkar’s various welfare activities involved religious aspects. During her reign, she initiated the practice of carrying Ganga water by devotees (Kawadias) to several important religious sites, including Gujarat, Pandharpur, Nashik, Udaipur, Ujjain, Odisha, Nepal, Madras, Karwar, Rameswar, and the Nizam state. These locations were major Hindu religious centers, and were open to all.
The woman is the ideal architect of society.
This verse seems extremely true for Ahilyabai.
Ahilyabai’s pledge can be read on the emblem of the Holkar state in the Maheshwar Fort. It goes as follows:
“My duty is to make the people happy. I will be responsible for every action I take. Whatever work I am doing here as a ruler, I will have to answer to God for it. I wish to fulfill the responsibility that God has entrusted to me. I must complete it under all circumstances.”
— Ahilyabai
Ahilyabai strictly adhered to this pledge until the end of her life. On 13th August 1795, this Lokmata merged into the eternal. Whenever the image of an ideal woman comes to mind, it is only natural that the name of Lokmata, Punyashlok Rajshree Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, holds the foremost place.
Jai Ahilya! Jai Nari Shakti!
(Neha Bhandarkar is the writer of book
‘Lokhitaishi Rajshree Devi Ahilyabai’)