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The cultural legacy of India and the epitome of skilled governance, Malwa’s Rani Ahilyabai Holkar is today regarded as a guiding light for the nation’s leaders. The symbols of cultural revival she championed gave India a global identity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now advancing with the resolve to strengthen this very heritage.
Along with economic and social development, cultural revival plays a crucial role in the progress of any nation. Today, India has emerged as a global symbol of reconstruction and renaissance, largely due to the cultural resurgence reflected in our policies and governance over the last decade. While this cultural revival is now a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and foresight, the most extraordinary contribution in this context over the past three centuries was made by India’s visionary and able ruler, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar.”
It is the nation’s good fortune that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is following in the footsteps of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. Both individuals have imbibed similar values and have lived through similar struggles
Rani Ahilyabai was born on May 31, 1725, in the village of Chaundi, located in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, in present-day Maharashtra. Her father, Mankoji Shinde, was a simple farmer who lived a life of simplicity and humility.
It is the nation’s good fortune that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is following in the footsteps of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. Both individuals have imbibed similar values and have lived through similar struggles.
Despite facing adverse circumstances and the loss of her family members, Ahilyabai eventually became the ruler of Malwa’s Indore in 1767. It was a result of her training in military and administrative affairs that she ruled Malwa wisely and justly for 28 years, a reign still remembered today. During her rule, not only did Malwa experience peace, prosperity, and stability, but significant advancements were also made in education, industry, culture, religion, and military modernization.
Protection of Sanatan Culture
The unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of Sanatan culture is another unique quality that is equally evident in both Rani Ahilyabai and Shri Narendra Modi. During her lifetime, Rani Ahilyabai restored many temples that had suffered under the atrocities of invaders and British rulers. She not only reconstructed the Kashi Vishwanath Temple but also built a two-storied temple near the destroyed Somnath Temple. In the early modern history of India, her extensive efforts to revive civilization included the construction of temples at Srinagar, Haridwar, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Rishikesh, Prayag, Kashi, Naimisharanya, Puri, Rameshwaram, Somnath, Nashik, Omkareshwar, Mahabaleshwar, Pune, Indore, Srisailam, Udupi, Gokarna, and Kathmandu.
Most of these regions were outside her Malwa empire, but her vision was to unite the entire society into one thread. A similar commitment to the revival of temples is clearly visible today in the efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The construction of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya is a monumental achievement for the entire Sanatan Hindu community.
Rani Ahilyabai also undertook the work of cleaning and redeveloping river ghats. In Bithoor (Brahmavarta) near Kanpur, she constructed several ghats. In Kashi, apart from renovating the Manikarnika Ghat, she also built a ‘new ghat’. Near Tulsi Ghat, she constructed a well associated with the ‘Lolark Kund’ located at Bhadaeni.
Inspired by her efforts in restoring river ghats, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has completely transformed the ghats of Kashi. When he chose Kashi as his political workplace, he said that he had been called by Mother Ganga and that is why he came to Kashi. He built the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, which has created a direct and easy path for the immense number of devotees to reach the banks of the Ganga. Within this corridor, a statue of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar has also been installed. The cleaning and beautification of the ghats have turned them into major tourist attractions. At Namo Ghat alone, Rs. 77 crore has been spent to create a remarkable site for visitors in Kashi. Additionally, crores of rupees have been invested in beautifying the road and buildings from Godowlia Ghat to Dashashwamedh Ghat, as well as in the beautification of 10 ghats under CSR initiatives.
In the premises of the Somnath Temple, Shri Modi has initiated several projects. A one-kilometer-long pedestrian walkway has been constructed along the seashore behind the temple. Additionally, a Somnath Exhibition Centre has been established there, where the fragmented parts and sculptures of the old Somnath Temple are preserved.
Unprecedented Efforts
Unprecedented efforts were undertaken for the historic Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, as a result of which, in December 2017, UNESCO included the Kumbh Mela in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Today, the Maha Kumbh stands as a symbol of global faith, devotion, and consciousness.
Similarly, in Ujjain, a corridor was constructed at the Shri Mahakal Temple, which provides devotees visiting this renowned pilgrimage site with information about the significance and history of the place.
In modern times, very few individuals have had the courage to follow the path of Sanatan Dharma, as taught by Devi Ahilyabai, with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi being the foremost among them. Inspired by the same tradition of Rani Ahilyabai, he has made significant efforts for the Pali language. Lord Buddha delivered his teachings in Pali, and by recognizing Pali as a classical language, his government has paid a humble tribute to the great legacy and heritage of Lord Buddha.
Just like Rani Ahilyabai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken several initiatives to preserve and promote religion and culture in remote areas. He oversaw the redevelopment of Kedarnath Dham, which was severely damaged in the 2013 floods. The entire temple complex was rebuilt, and new facilities were added to
restore its grandeur. In 2017, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for five major reconstruction projects at the temple. Additionally, the Char Dham project was initiated, which involves the construction of a modern and extensive road network connecting the four pilgrimage sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made efforts to preserve India’s cultural heritage not only within the country but also globally. Under his initiative, the renovation of the 200-year-old Shrinathji temple in Bahrain’s capital was undertaken. His efforts also led to the United Arab Emirates granting permission for the construction of the first traditional Hindu temple, the Swaminarayan temple, in Abu Dhabi.The Indian government, under Modi’s leadership, has successfully retrieved a record number of artifacts from foreign countries in the past five years. The Archaeological Survey of India has recovered 44 artifacts from countries such as Australia, Singapore, Germany, Canada, and the UK, which were stolen from India.
Additionally, 119 more artifacts will soon return to India. On the occasion of the Prime Minister’s visit to the US, the American side has assisted in the repatriation of 297 antiquities that were either stolen or smuggled out of India. It is noteworthy that under Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government has undertaken unprecedented efforts over the past decade to bring back more than 600 ancient heritage items, artworks, sculptures, and relics to India.
Rani Ahilyabai Holkar played a pivotal role in raising a powerful voice against social evils. She stood against the practice of Sati in the Malwa region and took courageous steps to break the contemporary societal norms. Among her significant actions was increasing the minimum age for girls to marry and ensuring widowed women had a rightful share of property. Moreover, she herself was a skilled archer and established a women’s security force during her reign. Just as she ensured that women were part of the military, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced permanent commissions for women in the armed forces and opened 12 new branches for female officers. Additionally, the recruitment of women Agniveers in the Navy and Air Force has significantly increased their participation in the military.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Mahila Startup Yojana’ in the Wardha district of Maharashtra, under which women-led startups will receive financial assistance of up to Rs. 25 lakh in the initial stages. This scheme is a meaningful effort to realize the vision of Rani Ahilyabai, where women are empowered to be self-reliant.
Just like Ahilyabai, Shri Modi has promoted women’s empowerment through the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign. The positive outcome of this initiative is evident in the sex ratio at birth, which improved from 918 in 2014-2015 to 933 in 2022-2023. This reflects the Prime Minister’s unwavering commitment to the cause.
Maharani Ahilyabai established a textile industry in Maheshwar, Malwa, which is still renowned for its artistic and exquisite Maheshwari sarees, both in India and abroad
By abolishing the unjust practice of triple talaq, Modi has ensured respect and dignity for millions of women. Today, daughters of India are excelling in every field. Whether it’s sports or safeguarding the country’s borders, India’s daughters are making the nation proud on every front.
Extensive Initiative for Good Governance
Rani Ahilyabai had simplified the land revenue management processes. Following her ideals, the Modi government is also focused on simplifying land management. Through schemes like the Swamitva Yojana, several important steps are being taken, including the digitization of land records. During her reign, Rani Ahilyabai ensured free meals, accommodation, and security arrangements for the poor. Similarly, under Shri Modi’s leadership, free ration has been provided to economically weaker sections, a scheme that was initiated during the pandemic and continues to this day.
Maharani Ahilyabai established a textile industry in Maheshwar, Malwa, which is still renowned for its artistic and exquisite Maheshwari sarees, both in India and abroad. Similarly, Prime Minister Shri Modi is encouraging entrepreneurs under the “Vocal for Local” initiative, promoting local products and businesses.During Rani Ahilyabai’s reign, there was a strong focus on the development of infrastructure, especially in road construction and water conservation. Inspired by her vision, the Modi government is also accelerating the construction of highways at record speed and is actively promoting water conservation efforts on a war footing.
During Rani Ahilyabai Holkar’s reign, Indore transformed from a small village into a grand, beautiful city. Similarly, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, various new initiatives have been implemented to make the country cleaner and more beautiful. Rani Ahilyabai Holkar had a deep understanding of the pain and suffering of animals. In a similar vein, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative, several programs have been launched in India for cow protection. The Prime Minister has a special fondness for animals, and several cows reside at his official residence, where he also engages in cow service activities.
Guardian of Society
Rani Ahilyabai Holkar was a skilled politician who believed that wealth, prosperity, and royal power were gifts bestowed by the people and God, and she saw herself as the guardian of these resources to be used for the welfare of her subjects. Similarly,
Rani Ahilyabai Holkar was a skilled politician who believed that wealth, prosperity, and royal power were gifts bestowed by the people and God, and she saw herself as the guardian of these resources to be used for the welfare of her subjects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always viewed power and his position as a means of serving the people of the country. Whether it was his decision to make Kashi his political center or his efforts to identify and honor the talented individuals from marginalized and weaker sections of society, these actions reflect the policies of Rani Ahilyabai in his own leadership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the ideals of Lokmata Ahilyabai, has worked over the past two and a half decades in politics to provide the country with a government free from corruption, dynastic politics, and appeasement politics. Today, the country is progressing with the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and now Sabka Prayas.” By adhering to Rani Ahilyabai’s principles, Prime Minister Modi has implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption in India, and it is well-known that anyone caught in corruption will not escape punishment.
Only a true ascetic can preserve the heritage of Sanatan. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is promoting and spreading the Sanatan tradition both nationally and internationally. Through major events like the G-20, Prime Minister Modi has raised the flag of Sanatan culture, enhancing the pride of Mother India. Foreign dignitaries have been captivated by the displays of the Nataraj statue, the Konark Wheel, the Ramayana, Mahabharata, the teachings of the Gita, and life philosophy through the Gita app. In the 18th century, Rani Ahilyabai had the Kalki Temple built in Sambhal, located near the Shahi Jama Masjid.
The life of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar is a golden example in the cultural history of India. It symbolizes that if a ruler prioritizes the welfare of society and the nation despite the challenges of their environment, no power can stop that nation from becoming a world leader. A compassionate heart, brilliant fame, just behavior, and the strengthening of social order are some of the memorable points of Rani Ahilyabai’s life. India’s Sanatan culture has always inspired the world, and today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fulfilling the dreams of Ahilyabai Holkar, who symbolizes this culture. In every era, fearless women like Ahilyabai Holkar have been born, whose personalities and duties make the entire world bow in reverence. Just like her, in this Amrit Kaal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it his mission to preserve the Sanatan tradition in the country. Historian John Keay referred to Ahilyabai Holkar as the “Philosopher Rani.” Similarly, the enlightened people of the country have compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance with her impactful, strong, and welfare-oriented actions. By adopting policies similar to those of Rani Ahilyabai as the foundation of his leadership, India under Prime Minister Modi is moving towards becoming even more strengthened.
(The writer is National Head of BJP Information Technology & Social Media Department, Co-incharge of West Bengal, BJP)