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The Mother of Water Resources, Ahilyabai
She was born to see the land of India as a pilgrimage,
To make people understand the value of water.
Ahilyabai Holkar renovated the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Bihar in 1787. The temple retains the same form even today. It is located on the western bank of the Falgu River. This photo of the temple, 30 meters tall, was taken by British Elgin in 1895.
Ahilyabai’s Copper Plate
The relations between Mewar and the Marathas have been of various shades. The Maharana had to accept several demands. The treaties were diplomatic, but a deep emotional connection was established. The blessed Holkar queen, Ahilyabai, was given three villages by Maharana Arsingh of Mewar, who regarded her as a sister. These villages, along with the surrounding hamlets, are still located in the Chittorgarh district.
1. Binota,
2. Keli, and
3. Tatarmala
For these, a copper plate of land grant was issued according to the contemporary tradition. This was issued on Monday, 25th March 1771, and is currently displayed in the Indore Museum. At that time, Mewari was the language used in state documents and was employed in treaties, gifts, grants, correspondence, etc. The text in Mewari language is as follows:
☘️Shri Ramo Jayti
Shri Ganesh Prasadatu Shri Ekling Prasadatu
(Rajkiya Mudra: bhaale ka Chinh)
Sahi Maharajadhiraj Maharana Shri Arsingh Ji adesatu Ahelya Bai Hulkar kasya gam 3 teen kheda sudi the hi ben jane kanchli ri ade akhara gras maya kido hai, lagat vilagat sarab sudi, so darbar thi kani vaat ri cholan vhega nahi, mha ra beta pota i gam utaarega nahi, utaare jani he Shri Eklingnath ri aan hai.
Vigat___1. Gam vinoto, gam keli
Gam Tatarmalo,
Pratiduwe Shri Hajur ra, hukam thi likhat Pacholi Girdhar Lal Gulabot Sanvat 1827 virse Chet Sudi 9.
References:
• History of Mewar (J.K. Ojha)
• Sources of Indian History (Golden Plates, Silver Plates, and Copper Plates: Shrikrishna “Jugnu”)
• Lokmata Ahilyabai (Neha Bhandarkar)
Malhar Rao Holkar’s Chhatri
In 1766 AD, Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar built this in honor of the great Maratha general.
It stands out with its beautiful carvings and splendid architecture. It resembles the pattern of chhatris of the Holkar rulers in Indore, which are intricately carved with floral and leaf patterns in a decorative style.
The Maratha style chhatri represents a beautiful blend of spires, domes, and arches, with the kalash crafted in a very attractive manner. The first floor of the chhatri is a columned hall, decorated with captivating paintings.
Ahilyabai’s Inscription
• Shri Krishna “Jungnu”
An inscription of the goddess Ahilyabai, who was always devoted to Shiva worship, was sent by the esteemed Shri Rajyapal Sharma (Jhalawar). This inscription is placed on the Jam Gate of Mahu and is written in clear Devanagari script in Sanskrit. The inscription uses two verses in the writing of the Vikram and Shaka eras. It was
written on the 13th day of the month of Magh in the Vikram Samvat 1847. The inscription praises the gate with beautiful words.
The original text is as follows
Shri।
Srigaṇesaya namah।।
Svasti srivikramarkasya sammat
1847 saptabdhinagabhuh
Sake 1712 yugmakusaptaika mite
Durmati vatsare।।1।।
Maghe sukla trayodasyam pusyarkse
Budhavasare।। Susa (snusa) Mallari ravasya
Khaṇḍeravasya vallabha।।2।।
Sivapujaparam nityam brahmapyadharmatatpara।
Ahalyakhya babandhedam marga dvara susobhanam।।3।।
A rare lithograph of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar created by an Englishman at the end of the 18th century.
Every name is linked to a page of Indore city’s history.
From Indreshwar to Indore and from Subedar Malhar Rao Holkar’s name to Malharganj.
A city is shaped by its people, their behavior, and their deeds. After becoming the capital of the Holkar State, Indore witnessed many ups and downs over 204 years.
Several streets, neighborhoods, and crossroads were established and flourished. Here’s an interesting account of how these names came to be. Near the Saraswati river stands the Indreshwar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is where the name Indore originated from. The journey started from Indreshwar, transitioned to Indrapuri and Indur, and finally became Indore.
It is noteworthy that the word “Indore” was first used by Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, reflecting the influence of Marathi. The Maratha army would set up their camp near the Indreshwar Temple to participate in battles, as there was an adequate supply of grain and water here. At that time, the landlords of Indore would collect the taxes from this region. During the reign of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the capital of Indore was Maheshwar, which was later temporarily shifted to Bhanpura by Maharaja Jaswant Rao Holkar I. In 1818, the capital was moved back to Indore, and Indore became the capital of the Holkar state, or the Holkar principality.
Indore, once surrounded by serene, beautiful waters and dense forests, has now become a jungle of cement and concrete. The names of the various streets and neighborhoods in the city are primarily based on the names of kings, queens, their children, subedars, prominent individuals, or specific communities’ professions.
The city’s renowned historian Zafar Ansari has uncovered 120 names of Indore in his research, which will soon be published in the form of a book. Notably, this
It is noteworthy that the word “Indore” was first used by Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, reflecting the influence of Marathi
information will be accompanied by hundreds of rare photos. Previously, it has been published several times in abbreviated form in major newspapers of Indore.
Chimanbagh: This area is named Chimanbagh because it was a large garden of Chimanji Rao Boliya Sarkar. Chimanji Rao Boliya was the son of Govind Rao Boliya Sarkar.
Sanyogitaganj: This name was given in 1931 in honor of Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar II’s first wife, Maharani Sanyogita Raje. She passed away in an accident.
Siyaganj: During the time of Shivajirao Holkar (1886-1908), Shivaji Ganj was created. No tax was levied on any goods in this market. Since the British had started a tax-free market in the Residency area, the people of the city felt the need for such a market within their own borders. As a result, Maharaja Shivajirao initiated the creation of this tax-free market, which became famous first as Sevaganj and later as Siyaganj.
Snehlata Ganj: This area was named after Snehlata Raje, the daughter of Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar III’s second wife, Indrabai. Snehlata Raje tragically passed away during childhood due to burns from crackers on Diwali.
Yashwant Sagar: In 1939, Yashwantrao Holkar II constructed a dam on the Gambhir River at a cost of 70 lakhs, which came to be known as Yashwant Sagar. This was the most expensive project of the Holkar state, and it helped prevent water scarcity in Indore for centuries. It is noteworthy that copper pipes were laid during the construction of this dam.
Juna Tukoganj: Named after Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar II (1844-86), who is regarded as the creator of modern Indore. Due to his efforts, Indore saw the establishment of the Malwa newspaper, the first textile mill, and the railway line.
Naya Tukoganj: This area was developed in the name of Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar III. Notably, Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar III imposed a ban on marriages for individuals under the age of 18.
Prince Yashwant Road: This road was named “Prince Yashwant Road” (PY Road) in the adolescence of Balasaheb Yashwantrao Holkar. It was the first cement concrete road in Indore, constructed using columns and beams.
Bakshi Bagh: Bakshi Khumansingh was the Commander-in-Chief of the Holkar State Army. He was known as both the “Man of the Sword” and “Man of the Pen” due to his prowess in both military strategy and handwriting. He played a crucial role during the 1857 uprising.
M.Y Hospital: The construction of Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar Hospital began on February 18, 1950. The Maharaja contributed a donation of thirty lakhs. Completed in 1955, the hospital became one of Asia’s largest buildings at the time. Its architect was Col. Warren Hines, who also designed Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi.
Ushaganj: Ushaganj is named after Usha Raje, the daughter of Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar II’s first wife, Sanyogita Raje. Usharaje was born in Paris and lived in France until her adolescence.
Krishnapura: The area is named Krishnapura due to the construction of the Samadhi (memorial) of Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar I’s wife, Krishnabai Holkar. She was also known as Kesarbai.
Maharani Road: In 1911, a women’s hospital was built here in memory of Maharaja Tukoji Rao Holkar III’s first wife, Maharani Chandrawatibai. Therefore, this road was named Maharani Road.
Ranipura:- This area of Indore was under the jurisdiction of Rao Raja Rao Zamindar Nandlal Mandloi. Nearby, the zamindar’s elephants used to bathe at Hathipala Pond. Neighborhoods like Daulatganj, Nihalpura, Nandlalpur, Toda, and Tejkaranpura are also linked to the zamindar family. Muslim weavers from Lucknow were settled here, a fact documented in *Tareekh-e-Malwa*.
Yashwant Niwas Road:-This road derives its name from the palatial residence built for Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar II, though he never actually lived there. The building still stands on this road, near the State Bank of India.
Manoramaganj: This area is named after Maharaja Tukoji Rao Holkar III’s first wife, Maharani Chandrawatibai Holkar’s daughter, Manorama Raje. She passed away due to tuberculosis. In her memory, the TB Hospital in Indore was established, which is still operational today.
Nandalalpura: Before the arrival of the Holkars, the land of Indore was under the control of the zamindar Nandalal. This is why the area came to be known as Nandalalpura.
Yashwant Bazaar: The main road near the cantonment was named Yashwant Bazaar, which was named after Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar II.
Rani Sarai: Rani Sarai was constructed in 1907 and was named after Maharaja Shivajirao Holkar’s wife, Varanasibai Holkar. Initially, it was called Maharani Sarai, but later it became known as Rani Sarai. Currently, the police headquarters is located here.
Kibe Compound: Kibe Compound is named after Diwan Sardar Adi Sahab Kibe. There was a saying, “Holkar ka raj Kibe ka byaaj,” Sardar Kibe had provided financial assistance to the Holkar State multiple times.
Shiv Vilas Palace: Shiv Vilas Palace, also known as New Palace, was constructed by Maharaja Shivajirao Holkar in 1894 with the help of local engineers.
Rampur Kothi: Since the time of Maharaja Harirav, the Nawabs of Rampur were close friends of the Holkars. Before the construction of the Lalbagh building, all gatherings used to take place at Rampur Kothi. Nearby, Maharaja Harirav Holkar also constructed a stepwell (bawdi).
Pictures, Research, and Information: Zafar Ansari Museum of Indore
Savior of Water Sources: Ahilyabai
WaterInJeth
*Shri Krishna “Jugnu”
Among the nation’s most inspiring women, the name of Ahilyabai is taken with deep reverence. This name is especially associated with those sacred pilgrimage sites that
The ghats on the Narmada in Mahishmati, designed as a remembrance of Shiva’s names at pilgrimage sites, are the living dream of that great soul and stand as an ideal before the people of the nation
are centers of public faith. Along with the worship of the Almighty, this noble soul is remembered for her dedicated service of providing water for the people. There is even a popular saying: Janardan accepted Ahilya’s waters service.
Truly, as a ruler devoted to her people, Ahilyabai’s resolve to serve through water, and her virtuous act of generously funding the revival and construction of water sources, greatly expanded the boundaries of her righteous kingdom and bestowed it with enduring legacy.
The ghats on the Narmada in Mahishmati, designed as a remembrance of Shiva’s names at pilgrimage sites, are the living dream of that great soul and stand as an ideal before the people of the nation. The Ganga-blessed Banaras too is but the result of her resolve. Whether she resided in divine resolve or was endowed with Shiva-like determination, even in the Vaishnavite pilgrimage town of Nathdwara, a reservoir built by her is known as Ahilya Kund. Wherever she went, Lord Varuna was pleased, and to fulfill her sacred determination, water flowed generously throughout the year.
(Water and Indian Culture – Shri Krishna “Jugnu”)
On the occasion of her birth anniversary today, we remember the fulfillment of her divine resolve — how many years ago she had already understood:
“Nahi jalseva sam kachhu kaja,
Mahat kaaj ehi sarb samaja.”
“There is no deed greater than water service;
It is the noblest act for the entire society.”
The chhatri of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar located in Indore is a significant example of Maratha architectural style.
(The writer is renowned archaeologist)
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“Devi Ahilyabai was one of those woman gems of whom India is proud. Her life embodied many qualities that the citizens of the country must emulate. Ahilyabai Holkar’s name is etched like a sacred mark in our nation’s political, social, and cultural history. She was the human embodiment of divine virtues, filled to the brim with patriotism and a deep sense of public welfare. She was not only a devout, justice-loving, and skilled administrator but also a goddess of virtue, humility, and compassion. She always maintained equal respect and regard for all religions and castes. Devi Ahilyabai firmly opposed the social evils of the medieval period and established peace in her kingdom by overcoming antisocial elements. During her reign, she never allowed injustice, bias, or cruelty. All of us, especially the youth, should learn from her ideals, deeds, and thoughts and contribute to the nation-building process.
— Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Former Prime Minister”