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More than two hundred years ago Lokmata Ahilyabai as a ruler was doing many religious and welfare works not only in her state but also in the whole of India. But this behavior of a ruler was unique to the western world as they were not familiar with India’s cultural life view and pious governance. Western historians such as Sir John Malcolm, then Governor of the Central Provinces, who wrote Ahilyabai’s first biography, and historian Grant Duff objected to Ahilyabai’s religious and
Ahilyabai’s rule was a unique experiment in Indian history. The reins of the kingdom were in the hands of a dedicated and pious woman. Ahilyabai became goddess of compassion and ruled justly. This experiment is unique not only in the history of India but also in the history of the world
philanthropic activities and were not particularly impressed by her religious activities. These historians believed that Ahilyabai should have strengthened her army and expanded her kingdom instead of spending money on religious works.
In the Western world, the concept of welfare state came into existence 125 years after the death of Ahilyabai and it gained wide acceptance during World War II. According to the West, the meaning of king is only governance and power. So Malcolm in his initial thoughts said that Ahilyabai should have focused more on the expansion of the kingdom. However, later Malcolm, who had developed a view of India from contemporary scholars and intellectuals, changed his approach. He concluded that due to Ahilyabai’s religious and welfare works, she was popularly known as Lokmata.
Its other Indian historians such as Vishwanath Narayan Dev and Vasudev Thakur have strongly supported Ahilyabai’s religious and welfare policies. The peace and happiness enjoyed by the people during the 30 years of Ahilyabai’s rule would not have been achieved even if Ahilyabai had spent twice as much of her wealth on raising the army and expanding her kingdom. Ahilyabai’s system of governance is a ray of hope for the world today, which is struggling with the problem of weaponization.
Ahilyabai’s rule was a unique experiment in Indian history. The reins of the kingdom were in the hands of a dedicated and pious woman. Ahilyabai became goddess of compassion and ruled justly. This experiment is unique not only in the history of India but also in the history of the world. Ahilyabai set a high example of a welfare state based on affection, piety and intelligence. The aim of her religious ethics and social service work was to promote morality and piety in the society. She believed that religion and welfare work were essential for the stability and prosperity of the society. Her works not only inspired people religiously and morally, but also paved the way for social and economic reforms. Her judgment and piety became the main reason for her popularity and stability in government for a long time.
Ahilyabai established a balance of power through her soft power which is a testament to being way ahead of her time. In the letters sent from the Maheshwar court, it is mentioned several times that Ahilyabai repeatedly advised the Peshwa on military matters. Ahilyabai was a strategist and in time understood well the tricks and evil nature of the invaders of the Maratha kingdom. That is why she wrote to the Peshwa,
“The Peshwa should recruit new soldiers among the Shiledars and Hujurat. He should send his army everywhere and terrorise them (the British). It is not good that the Srimant neglects the army. The army with the Srimant should always be about twenty-twenty-five thousand. The government forces and the French should be united and sent to Bombay and Vasai should be recaptured (liberated) by the government forces and the British.”
Ahilyabai was fully aware of the British tricks. She described the British tricks as follows,
“Violent animals can be killed using many tricks but it is difficult to kill a bear. He will die only when he is caught and killed. Otherwise, if someone comes in his clutches, he will tickle him and kill him. Fighting with the British is also like this bear.”
Ahilyabai had mastered the policy of turning the enemy’s enemy into a friend. Around 1792-93, Ahilyabai had formed a British-style military unit, in which she appointed an American General Boyd. This proves that Ahilyabai was establishing better coordination between public works on one hand and military arrangements on the other
Ahilyabai had mastered the policy of turning the enemy’s enemy into a friend. Around 1792-93, Ahilyabai had formed a British-style military unit, in which she appointed an American General Boyd. This proves that Ahilyabai was establishing better coordination between public works on one hand and military arrangements on the other.
Piety was the core of Ahilyabai’s Rajdharma. Piety is related to morality, humanity, eternal values, compassion and good deeds. Due to such piety of Ahilyabai, her 30 years of rule can be properly evaluated only from the welfare point of view. Ahilyabai did not discriminate on the basis of caste, varna, religion etc., she worked equally for the welfare of all including Brahmins, Marathas, Shudras, tribals, Muslims. Even Muslims from other states, such as Nizam, used to seek refuge in her kingdom. It is mentioned in the chronicle of Maheshwar Darbar that a Brahmin from Tipu Sultan’s kingdom came to Maheshwar to seek refuge. This quote shows that during Ahilyabai’s reign, the subjects of other states also looked towards her with hope. The happiness and contentment of the subjects are the most important characteristics of any welfare state, and Ahilyabai fully embraced it.
During her rule, peace and security prevailed in the Indore state. Contemporary kings and public respected her for her clean character and commitment to public welfare. Ahilyabai appointed her regent in 13 different princely states, and those princely states also sent their regents to her court. This speaks for itself about the success of Ahilyabai’s bilateral relations. It makes it clear that Ahilyabai’s rule was not only a symbol of religious tolerance, but it was also a model that followed the principles of inclusiveness and equality. Her rule not only provided peace and security to the people, but also laid a lasting foundation for their welfare. Thus, there was no fear of foreign invasion. Knowledgeable persons and artists were respected in her kingdom.
Famous litterateur Prof. Anil Sahasrabuddhe has critically analysed the works of Ahilyabai. He says, “It is the responsibility of the ruler to arrange for the basic needs of the public such as food, clothing and shelter. It is the duty of the king or ruler to serve the public in the same way as a mother tries her best to feed her child when the child is hungry and considers it her prime responsibility. Ahilyabai had a great sense of motherhood. Therefore, she became the mother of the people and the mother of the nation. She spent her wealth and property generously and showered love on everyone, fulfilling this responsibility. The boundaries of the state and the limitations of power could not stop her from her task.
Ahilyabai lived the life of a saint, who constantly works for the welfare of the people. In fact, she chose such a life for herself deliberately. She knew that for the strength of the state, it is necessary to awaken the spirit of nationalism, religiosity and bravery among its people. Ahilyabai’s rationality understood this fact. She was not narrowly religious, her religion was full of broad outlook and awareness. She used public service and public worship to work in the interest of the nation.
The famous historian Sir Jadunath Sarkar has made an important and clear remark about Ahilyabai. He says that it can be proved with original documentary evidence that Ahilyabai was a diplomat of the highest order. Her public service and charity were not narrow piety but permanent centres of establishing values. In fact, what do
Despite having a kingdom, wealth, army and all the glory and power, Ahilyabai lived a non-luxuriant life based on her inner strength. No material attraction could ever tempt her. She never deviated from her ideals. Gandhiji’s disciple Vinoba Bhave has said that the description of Ahilyabai by poets like Moropant and Anantphandi is not exaggerated. It is the reality
the people need? They need legal guarantees for the protection of basic needs like food, clothing and shelter, equality, peace, brotherhood, social justice, freedom of thought and expression, and self-respect of every element of society. Ahilyabai’s actions took important steps towards the fulfillment of all these needs. The social fabric established by her gave a sense of security and stability to the people, which enabled them to fulfill their needs. Thus, Ahilyabai’s rule presents an example that shows how a sensitive and responsible ruler can act in the public interest and contribute to the development of the nation.
Any state that upholds these values can rightfully be called a welfare state. Ahilyabai’s 30-year rule is special and innovative in this regard, as she devoted her wealth and time to make the common people happy throughout her life.
The income of Indore state was divided into two parts called “Daulat” (treasury) and “Khasgi” (private). Indore was the only state that had such a provision. Ahilyabai’s mother-in-law, Gautamabai was gifted the subdivisions of Maheshwar and Chandwad. Gautamabai managed their operations independently. The income from there was considered Stri Dhan and was transferred to private property. After Gautamabai’s demise, the financial rights of the private property passed to Ahilyabai.
Ahilyabai funded public welfare works like temples, shelters, roads, wells and food distribution centers across India from her Stri Dhan. This was an unprecedented and amazing event. Apart from this, her daily needs were also funded from personal wealth. Ahilyabai firmly believed that she was born for public welfare and it was her supreme duty to protect the interests of the subjects. The justice department in her court was not subject to earnings. Justice was provided to the people for free. People were sure of Ahilyabai’s justice.
Despite having a kingdom, wealth, army and all the glory and power, Ahilyabai lived a non-luxuriant life based on her inner strength. No material attraction could ever tempt her. She never deviated from her ideals. Gandhiji’s disciple Vinoba Bhave has said that the description of Ahilyabai by poets like Moropant and Anantphandi is not exaggerated. It is the reality.
The work done by her not only unites the country but also highlights the universal thinking of our great tradition. What inspired Ahilyabai to do welfare work outside her state? Places like Ayodhya, Varanasi etc. were under Muslim rule at that time.
How did she get permission from the rulers of those states to build or rebuild temples? Ahilyabai inspired welfare work with her broad global outlook. She got permission to build temples and other structures in other states, especially Muslim-ruled states, because of her strong foreign policy, which emphasized coordination and cooperation. Be it the Nizam of Hyderabad or Tipu Sultan, everyone showed respect and affection towards Ahilyabai. This was Ahilyabai’s excellent foreign policy.
Ahilyabai conducted her rule on the value of humanity and welfare. Therefore, Ahilyabai earned the title of “Punyashlok”. The structures of welfare projects carried out by her in various parts of India still stand even after more than two hundred years and remain a source of inspiration for the idea of nationalism. Conscious adoption of the ideals established by Ahilyabai is the only path to the welfare of humanity in today’s era of global unrest and conflict.
(The writer is a Management Consultant and
a Scholar of Indian Culture)