PrintFriendly
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Ji was born on 31 May 1725 in a Marathi Hindu family in the village of Chondi, Jamkhed, which was then part of the Maratha Empire. Today, this village is located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Devi Ahilyabai was married in 1733 to Khanderao Holkar, son of Malhar Rao Holkar, the Subedar of the Malwa region—she was around eight years old at the time. Twelve years after their
During these twenty-eight years, the works she undertook earned her recognition among the people not merely as Rajmata Ahilyabai, but as Lok Sevika Ahilyabai. These twenty-eight years should truly be marked as her journey from Maharani Ahilyabai to Lok Sevika Ahilyabai
marriage, her husband attained martyrdom in the Battle of Kumher in 1754. Upon receiving the news of her widowhood at such a young age, she decided to commit sati; however, due to the earnest plea and insistence of her father-in-law and ruler of Malwa, Malhar Rao Holkar Ji, whom she regarded as a father figure, she changed her decision.
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Ji’s capability and competence had impressed her father-in-law from the very beginning. He provided her with military training. He used to consult her on matters of governance in Malwa and often included her advice in his decisions. In this way, she gained proficiency and skill in administration and governance. Her goal became to make the Malwa state—established by her guardian and father-in-law Malhar Rao—prosperous, peaceful, and full of well-being. Malhar Rao Holkar Ji passed away in 1766. As his successor, Ahilyabai’s son Male Rao Holkar became the ruler of Malwa in 1766 at the age of twenty-one.
She had barely recovered from the grief of her father-in-law’s death when, just six months after assuming power, her son also passed away. The deaths of both the guardian of the Malwa state and his successor within the span of a single year brought multiple crises upon her all at once. The strongest opposition came from external enemies of the state, while voices of dissent also grew louder within her own territory regarding the transfer of power. In these difficult circumstances, Devi Ahilyabai adopted the path of great patience, courage, and strategic skill. With her wisdom and foresight, she silenced the opposition and ensured that no harm came to her state. By obtaining permission from the then Peshwa of the Maratha Empire to govern Malwa, she preserved the Holkar dynasty’s rule in the region. Her actions in such a period of turmoil reflect her indomitable courage, military acumen, and the persona of a successful stateswoman in the history of medieval India.
Owing to her capable leadership, the then Peshwa of the Maratha Empire formally recognized her as the ruler of the Malwa state. In 1767, Devi Ahilyabai assumed the throne as Queen of Malwa. From 1767 to 1795, she ably governed the Malwa state for a span of twenty-eight years. During these twenty-eight years, the works she undertook earned her recognition among the people not merely as Rajmata Ahilyabai, but as Lok Sevika Ahilyabai. These twenty-eight years should truly be marked as her journey from Maharani Ahilyabai to Lok Sevika Ahilyabai.
Through her intellectual acumen, effective economic management, and strategic military administration, she successfully established an environment of peace, prosperity, and justice within her kingdom
Based on the welfare-oriented work that Maharani Ahilyabai carried out for the Malwa state and its esteemed people, it can be said that she was a just, popular, and peace-loving administrator. Owing to these qualities, she was able to establish a stable governance system that lasted twenty-eight years. Through her intellectual acumen, effective economic management, and strategic military administration, she successfully established an environment of peace, prosperity, and justice within her kingdom.
As soon as Maharani Ahilyabai assumed control of the Malwa state, she established the capital at Maheshwar and undertook the task of developing it as a center for the textile industry of her time. Maheshwar not only became the capital of the Malwa state but also gained recognition as a prominent hub of the textile trade. The sarees produced in Maheshwar became renowned throughout India. Through the growth of the textile industry, her state was able to emerge as an industrial region of that era. The direct benefits of this development reached the common people of the Malwa region. Such endeavors required a peaceful society and strong governance, without which the development of an industrial center would not have been possible.
She undertook the construction of roads to promote the expansion of industries and trades across Maheshwar, Indore, and the entire Malwa region, thereby improving the transportation system. Trees were planted along both sides of the roads. In her administrative regions, she not only built dharamshalas (rest houses) and inns for travelers but also ensured their strict security, so that travelers and merchants would not face any difficulty in travel or lodging. She also had wells and riverfront ghats constructed. Beyond this, she implemented several measures to ensure the safety of traders and their property. She freed the public from the fear of theft, robbery, and dacoity. Through all these administrative arrangements and welfare initiatives, she earned a lasting place in the hearts of the people.
Through her astute strategy and intellect, Maharani Ahilyabai was able to establish such an efficient system that prosperity and affluence flourished in the Malwa region. As a result of this wealth and development, Maheshwar and the Malwa state emerged as prominent centers of art, music, literature, and commerce.
The best proof of good governance in her state can be seen in the fact that she held a public court every day, where she listened to the issues of the common people and
In 18th-century India, when women were oppressed by traditions, ignorance, and societal constraints, it is truly remarkable that a woman was able to rule as an administrator for such a long time. Today, she is regarded by historians as an inspiring warrior and a skilled administrator
made fair and just arrangements to resolve them. This practice highlights her role as a public servant. She upheld the belief that governance should always be accompanied by justice.
She was a simple, saintly, and religious-minded queen mother. She undertook the construction and renovation of many Hindu pilgrimage sites, religious places, temples, and monasteries across India during her time. She made significant contributions in the construction of the Shri Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi) through generous donations. She also facilitated the installation of idols at the Shri Somnath Temple, the construction of the Shri Mallikarjun Temple, and contributed to the construction and maintenance of temples such as Shri Nagnath, Shri Vaijnath, and Shri Mahakal Temple (Ujjain), displaying her deep devotion. It is important to note that all the donations and acts of charity she undertook were not funded from the state treasury but from her personal funds.
She spent the people’s wealth on the people. She built dharamshalas and other structures at Badrinath Dham, and also arranged for shelters and gardens for devotees at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. She contributed funds for various renovation works at sacred places like Dwarka, Ujjain, Kanchipuram, Mathura, Gaya, Ayodhya, Haridwar, and other religious sites. These efforts not only connected the people of her state with her but also earned her recognition across India. Over time, she became known as a saint and public servant in the hearts of the people. During her reign, she was known as a just administrator. She provided equal justice to people from all religions, castes, and regions, which helped her gain the trust and faith of the common people.
Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar was able to establish a long-lasting rule in the Malwa state through stable governance and a strong military system. Due to her foresight, strategic acumen, and welfare-oriented initiatives, she successfully ensured the stability of the Holkar dynasty for an extended period. In 18th-century India, when women were oppressed by traditions, ignorance, and societal constraints, it is truly remarkable that a woman was able to rule as an administrator for such a long time. Today, she is regarded by historians as an inspiring warrior and a skilled administrator.
She is highly respected as an inspiring public servant and Rajmata for the Indian people. The Government of India, in honor of her 200th death anniversary, issued a postal stamp on 25th August 1996 to commemorate her memory. In her honor, the Indore Airport was renamed Devi Ahilyabai Airport. Similarly, Indore University was also named Devi Ahilyabai University, Indore, in recognition of her contributions. On 13th March 2024, the Maharashtra government renamed Ahmednagar district to Ahilyanagar. In reality, these actions are symbolic of her welfare works and the affection she holds in the hearts of the people.
(The writer is National Vice President, BJP and Member of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council)