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Mata Ahilyabai Holkar’s name is remembered in history as a unique example of women’s empowerment, good governance, and public welfare. Her life and reign stand as a testament to her unwavering commitment to society, the protection of dharma, and political reforms. From May 31st, 2024, the celebration of Devi Ahilyabai’s third birth centenary year has begun, yet her works for public welfare remain so vivid and relevant even today that it feels as if three centuries have not passed since the descent of her glorious persona. Ahilyabai was not merely the queen of a kingdom; her benevolent work extended beyond her state’s borders and touched the entirety of India, winning the hearts of the people. This is why even today she is revered in the collective consciousness as “Lokmata.”
The life and reign of Ahilyabai are not merely the story of a ruler, but a profound inspiration demonstrating how the women of India, even in challenging times, transformed, awakened, and improved society
Under the dynamic leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for over a decade, the country has been achieving unprecedented progress in areas such as Antyodaya (upliftment of the last person), welfare of the poor and farmers, self-employment, women’s rights, infrastructure development, cultural revival, and technological advancement, thereby enhancing India’s stature across the world. In such a transformative era, when we study the public welfare-oriented good governance of both Mata Ahilyabai and Prime Minister Shri Modi, we find many striking similarities. With these sentiments, I will discuss Mata Ahilyabai through this article.
The life and reign of Ahilyabai are not merely the story of a ruler, but a profound inspiration demonstrating how the women of India, even in challenging times, transformed, awakened, and improved society. Her efforts in the protection of religion, promotion of education, agricultural reforms, water management, upliftment of rural and tribal communities, preservation of culture, and the empowerment of women remain inspiring and relevant even today.
Capable and Visionary Governance:
The reign of Ahilyabai Holkar spanned nearly 30 years, during which she won the hearts of the people through her administrative skills and exceptional vision. She was a ruler with a clear outlook on governance and public service. Her policies were crafted with a focus on national interest and security. While her demeanor toward the people was always compassionate, she never hesitated to take firm decisions when it came to matters of national security or the greater good of the country.
A distinctive feature of Ahilyabai’s administration was that her decisions were not confined to her own subjects; her vision encompassed the welfare of all of India. She ensured that social and economic reforms extended beyond her own state. Her aim was not merely to deliver immediate benefits but to work toward lasting improvement. She undertook numerous welfare initiatives in the fields of education, infrastructure development, healthcare services, women’s empowerment, irrigation, and agriculture. During her reign, understanding the importance of healthcare services, Mata Ahilyabai Holkar made special efforts to settle physicians and vaidyas (traditional doctors) in her state. At a time when access to medical care was very limited, she ensured that her citizens received the best possible healthcare services.
Dedication to Agriculture and Farmers:
During the severe famine of 1791 in Ahilyabai Holkar’s reign, she provided relief to farmers by exempting them from taxes and supplying food grains. She established free food distribution centers for farmers affected by the famine. Additionally, she ensured the availability of seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural equipment at free or subsidized rates, enabling farmers to resume their farming activities after the famine. These relief efforts greatly assisted farmers and provided them with an opportunity to recover.
Ahilyabai’s reign is recognized as the beginning of a new era in the Indian agricultural system. At that time, most rulers focused solely on collecting land revenue and taxes, but Ahilyabai took numerous steps to improve the condition of farmers. She understood that agriculture was the backbone of the nation, and that the prosperity of the state depended on the advancement of its farmers. One of her greatest achievements was promoting the cultivation of spices and fruits on the fertile lands along the banks of the Narmada River.
Ahilyabai encouraged farmers to adopt animal husbandry as a supplementary occupation to increase their income. Along with this, she promoted mixed farming, which allowed farmers to achieve dual yields. Under this policy, the cultivation of spices alongside grains was also initiated, which not only helped boost farmers’ earnings but also strengthened the state’s economy.
Contribution to the Field of Education:
Ahilyabai Holkar established the Brahmapuri settlement in Varanasi. In this settlement, experts in various Vedas, scriptures, and other ancient sciences were settled. She invited scholars and teachers and encouraged them to impart education. This area of Varanasi became a center for the study of the Vedas, scriptures, and Upanishads. The objective was not only to provide religious education but also to preserve Vedic knowledge and connect the younger generation with it. Maheshwar, which was Ahilyabai’s capital, was also developed into a center of education and culture. Many scholars and teachers were invited to Maheshwar, where the study and teaching of the Vedas, scriptures, philosophy, and various arts were initiated. She linked education with the preservation of religious and cultural heritage.
Ahilyabai Holkar commissioned the writing and compilation of a special text, “Shri Ahilya Kamadhenu,” to gather and preserve her thoughts related to education and governance. This text was based on the principles of Rajdharma (royal duties), administrative systems, and political science, serving as a unique compilation of state policies of that time. The aim of this text was not only to provide guidance for
Ahilyabai encouraged farmers to adopt animal husbandry as a supplementary occupation to increase their income. Along with this, she promoted mixed farming, which allowed farmers to achieve dual yields
rulers but also to establish a permanent reference for the education and art of governance for future generations. Additionally, Ahilyabai’s collection included 75 important religious books, such as “Geeta Govinda,” “Gyaneshwari,” and “Shridhari.
Environmental Conservation and Water Management:
Ahilyabai Holkar not only made reforms in agriculture but also paid special attention to environmental conservation and water management. She understood that the development of agriculture is not possible without proper water management. Therefore, she constructed numerous ponds, wells, and embankments across her kingdom, which significantly enhanced water conservation and irrigation facilities. The ponds and reservoirs built by her in Maheshwar and surrounding areas still exist today. The “Ahilyabai Talab” near Indore is a result of her efforts, reflecting her foresight and commitment to water conservation.
The stepwells built by her in places like Maheshwar, Indore, and Kashi still stand as historical heritage, reflecting her contributions to water conservation. In Kashi, several water reservoirs and wells built by her are situated along the ghats of the Ganga, which were used by the local people. The ghats and plantations along the Narmada River, constructed by Ahilyabai, are still visible in Maheshwar and the surrounding areas. The greenery of trees along the banks of the Narmada and the cleanliness of the ghats demonstrate her dedication to environmental conservation.
Specifically, she constructed dams and stone gates to harness the flowing water in hilly areas and allow it to seep into the ground. This initiative was a unique example of water management system of that time, which still ensures water availability in those areas today
Self-employment & Tribal Welfare:
Ahilyabai not only contributed significantly to agriculture and environmental fields but also played an important role in social reforms. She took special steps to provide respect and employment to the tribal community. The tribal community had a rich heritage of traditional knowledge and handicrafts, which Ahilyabai not only preserved but also encouraged, giving it a new direction.
During Ahilyabai’s reign, the development and advancement of Maheshwar sarees took place. This craft had been preserved by the tribal and local weavers since ancient times, but under Ahilyabai’s rule, it was safeguarded and promoted. Maheshwar sarees are still world-renowned for their weaving and craftsmanship, which is a result of Ahilyabai’s patronage.
She constructed dams and stone gates to harness the flowing water in hilly areas and allow it to seep into the ground. This initiative was a unique example of water management system of that time, which still ensures water availability in those areas today
Ahilyabai developed markets for forest products, such as honey and herbs. Specifically, tribal communities in the Malwa region were trained in honey production and herb collection. She established both local and external markets for these products, providing tribal communities with an additional source of income. This initiative not only helped preserve forest products but also improved the standard of living for the tribal people.
Preservation of Religious and Cultural Heritage:
Ahilyabai Holkar was not only a skilled administrator and social reformer but also a guardian of religious and cultural heritage. She preserved religious texts and books, and granted special respect to scholars in society. During her reign, religious and cultural discussions were organized, where experts from various fields participated. Ahilyabai not only invited these scholars to her court but also gave them the proper recognition for their services. Her collection included important religious books such as “Shri Dhari,” “Gita Govind,” and “Gnyaneshwari,” and she took significant steps towards preserving knowledge by having copies made of these texts.
Ahilyabai encouraged the Kumbh Mela and other religious festivals to preserve Indian culture and traditions. She provided financial assistance for these events and gave special recognition to saints and ascetics. This brought a new dimension to religious activities and increased awareness of religion and culture in society.
Development of Infrastructure:
During Ahilyabai Holkar’s reign, special attention was given to the development of infrastructure. She not only built and reconstructed temples, ghats, wells, and reservoirs in her state but also across India. Her efforts extended from the Himalayas in the north to Hyderabad in the south, from Somnath in the west to Bengal in the east. The religious site reconstruction projects she undertook included places like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, the Char Dham, Puri, and even the Pashupatinath temple in Nepal.
In 1777, Ahilyabai Holkar undertook the reconstruction of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, which had been destroyed during the reign of Aurangzeb. She also constructed one of the famous ghats in Varanasi, known as Ahilya Ghat, which still stands as a reminder of her contribution. Ahilyabai also reconstructed the Somnath Temple, which had been repeatedly destroyed during invasions. Additionally, she rebuilt several temples in Mathura and Vrindavan, which were prominent religious and cultural centers at the time.
She constructed a bridge over the Karmanashini River in Bengal, which stands as evidence of her efforts to conserve natural resources and work for the broader benefit of society. The primary objective of this bridge was to prevent the river’s water from flooding the villages and causing damage. Her foresight is also reflected in the development of infrastructure, which contributed to the revival of religion and culture.
Meaningful Efforts for the Upliftment of Women:
Ahilyabai took significant steps for the upliftment of women. Her reign occurred at a time when women had limited rights in society, but she not only broke those boundaries but also ushered in a new era. Her contributions are deeply etched in Indian society even today. She encouraged women to become self-reliant, especially tribal women. The promotion of Maheshwari saree production and providing employment to women was a crucial step by her in the field of women’s empowerment.
There were rigid beliefs regarding the remarriage of widows, but Ahilyabai supported widow remarriage. She implemented a policy in her court that widows should have the right to remarry and be given a respectable place in society.
During Ahilyabai’s reign, women not only gained economic empowerment but also earned social respect. This step helped women secure an important place in the social structure.
Ahilyabai established shelters for widowed women, where they could live with dignity. These shelters also provided them with means of livelihood. Ahilyabai included women in administrative tasks and gave them the opportunity to hear judicial cases in her court. This increased women’s political participation, and they began playing decisive roles in society.
During Ahilyabai’s reign, women not only gained economic empowerment but also earned social respect. This step helped women secure an important place in the social structure.
Reforms in the Tax System for Public Welfare:
Ahilyabai made significant reforms in the tax system as well. By utilizing state resources efficiently, she ensured proper tax collection, which strengthened the state’s economy. She implemented a flexible tax system for collecting taxes from farmers, based on their crop production. This system ensured that farmers would not face financial crises due to bad weather or crop failure. They were required to pay taxes according to their actual production, making the system fair and just. Taxes on trade were kept at a minimal level, facilitating easy business transactions. The tax collection system was structured in a way that allowed farmers to be self-sufficient while also ensuring the state received adequate revenue.
A Broad National-Dharma Perspective:
Ahilyabai Holkar’s broad perspective of national-dharma was a unique and inspiring aspect of her reign. She did not limit her governance to the boundaries of her state alone but worked for the upliftment of the entire nation and religion. Her vision was remarkably forward-thinking and expansive for that time, as she made reforms in the fields of society, religion, culture, and public welfare, which proved beneficial not only for her state but for the entire nation of India.
Ahilyabai Holkar believed that there is a deep connection between religion and the nation. She felt that the practice of religion should not be limited to rituals and prayers but should play an essential role in the moral and cultural development of society. She implemented this perspective during her reign and made efforts to advance both religion and the nation together. In Ahilyabai’s view of Rashtra-Dharma, trade and industry were also given significant importance. She believed that for the progress of the nation, economic development was crucial, and to achieve this, she paid special attention to the development of trade, industry, and agriculture.
Ahilyabai Holkar’s life and work hold a unique place in the pages of Indian history. During her 30 years of rule, she not only managed her state efficiently but also made unprecedented contributions to the social, religious, and cultural renaissance of the entire nation. Her public service and administrative skills continue to be a source of inspiration today.
The life of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar carries a message that true service and nation-building require an individual to rise above personal and state interests and work towards the welfare of all humanity. Her actions and contributions are deeply ingrained in Indian society even today. Ahilyabai remains an invaluable treasure of Indian history, and the progress and public welfare taking place under the leadership of Narendra Modi are a true tribute to her.
(The writer is Member of Parliament and National General Secretary, BJP)