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The entire country is celebrating the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar. Various social organizations and women’s groups are organizing events and seminars throughout the commemorative year to highlight her diverse qualities and contributions. Different governments are hosting discussions
Seeing her extraordinary qualities, British historian John Keay gave her the title of “The Philosopher Queen”
on topics such as Queen Ahilyabai’s good governance, urban development, and employment-oriented industrial policies. The life and style of governance of the queen were characterized by sensitivity, simplicity, straightforwardness, religious devotion, a sense of justice, and a commitment to public welfare. These qualities earned her the enduring respect of her people, regarded her as the Lokmata. Seeing her extraordinary qualities, British historian John Keay gave her the title of “The Philosopher Queen”.
Ahilyabai was born on May 31, 1725, into the family of her father, Mankoji Rao Shinde, and her mother, Sushila Bai. Her birthplace is Chaundi (Ahmednagar, Maharashtra), which has now been renamed as Ahilyanagar. She was born into the Dhangar caste, and her talents were recognized by both Peshwa Bajirao and Malhar Rao Holkar. After mutual consultation, Malhar Rao Holkar arranged Ahilyabai’s marriage with his son, Khanderao Holkar. She had to endure the sorrow of losing her husband, who attained martyrdom in battle. During her life, she witnessed the untimely deaths of her father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar, her grandson (daughter’s son), and her daughter. Bearing these unbearable pains, she eventually passed away in 1795 at the age of 70.
After the death of her husband, at the request of her father-in-law she began to take charge of the administration. Her reign was a symbol of compassion for the people, justice, and good governance. Owing to her devotion to religion, she shifted her capital from Indore to Maheshwar, a sacred town situated on the banks of the holy Narmada River. Her decision to shift the capital to Maheshwar was driven by her desire to govern the state while simultaneously serving and worshiping Maa Narmada. Her palace on the banks of the sacred river was not just a royal residence but reflected the austerity and devotion of a selfless ascetic. She spent 28 years of her life there.
The governments of today focus on uplifting marginalized communities and promoting small-scale industries through their economic policies. However, nearly 300 years ago, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar demonstrated remarkable foresight by issuing a royal decree in 1745, inviting weavers, carpenters, and artisans to settle in Maheshwar. The contemporary governments of the country, in formulating their economic policies, focus on the upliftment of the backward sections of society and on policies centered around small-scale industries. Nearly 300 years ago, demonstrating remarkable foresight, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar invited weavers, carpenters, and artisans to settle in Maheshwar through a royal edict in 1745. Among the many economic initiatives undertaken by Ahilyabai Holkar, one of the most notable is the Maheshwari saree, which continues to enjoy worldwide recognition.
Which is known as Maheshwari saree. To encourage this industry, she herself used to wear the clothes made there and also used to gift these clothes to the dignitaries visiting from the country and abroad. She also made arrangements to support farmers during natural calamities and provided compensation for crop damage caused by the movement of military troops. In order to make Maheshwar a Centre of education along with self-reliance, she also initiated a Sanskrit school by inviting scholars and religious leaders.
After Malhar Rao departed on military campaigns, Maharani Ahilyabai efficiently managed the administration of the state. She regularly communicated with Malhar Rao through correspondence, sending him updates about the affairs of the kingdom and seeking his advice on governance matters. She meticulously organized provisions and logistical supplies, ensured the smooth collection of taxes, and maintained administrative stability with remarkable skill and dedication.
Despite being a woman, the queen was not only adept in statecraft but also a skilled warrior. From a young age, she received training in military tactics, horse riding, and weapon handling. During Raghoba’s attack, using diplomacy to protect his kingdom, she sought help from Scindia, Bhonsle, Gaekwad, etc. on the basis of old relations. She also took a bold step by training a military unit of 500 women to
Queen Ahilyabai’s rule was strict and fair. Rising above the discrimination of caste and class, she married her daughter to a young man who freed the people from the fear of thieves
give proper punishment to Raghoba. The letter written by Ahilyabai to Raghoba remains a testament to her diplomatic foresight. In it, she boldly stated, “You have come here to seize my kingdom, assuming I am weak. However, you will witness my true strength on the battlefield. I will face you with my army of women. If I am defeated in battle, no one will laugh at me or praise me. But if you are the one who loses, you will have no place to show your face.” Not only Raghoba, he also faced the challenge coming from Rajasthan on the borders of his state with courage and crushed the enemy. Managed military operations, ensuring proper medical care for soldiers and maintaining discipline within her army. Nana Fadnavis praised her, stating, “Until now, we have heard praises of Devi Ahilyabai’s religious devotion, but we did not know that she was so courageous that she could make her enemies bite the dust”.
Queen Ahilyabai’s rule was strict and fair. Rising above the discrimination of caste and class, she married her daughter to a young man who freed the people from the fear of thieves. She was always ready to serve the poor and the vulnerable. Provision of complete rights over the husband’s property after the death of husband and giving women the right to adopt are clear examples of women’s empowerment. She empowered the Bhils (tribal community) living in her kingdom by providing them with agricultural tools to help them lead a crime-free life. Strict punishment for crimes and prompt resolution of problems were distinctive features of her rule. In her reign, everyone received equal justice without any favoritism. She even had her commander’s son imprisoned for committing a crime. To ensure justice for her people, she established courts and appointed judges. She behaved sensitively and with great affection towards his state employees and established provisions from the state treasury to care for the families of soldiers who were martyred in battle. Living a strict life, taking care of the people like a son, public welfare schemes and her love for justice, she received the title of Lokmata.
Despite having many qualities in governance, her rule was based on religion or Dharma. While service, sacrifice, penance and charity were important aspects in her personal life. she also undertook the restoration of temples, established permanent financial arrangements for them, and set up rest houses and food distribution
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said, “I bow to Devi Ahilyabai and pay tribute to her sacred memory. Devi Ahilyabai gave priority to small needs in governance; every chapter of her life is so inspiring that future generations will keep learning from her
centers. Dedicating her kingdom to Lord Shiva, she ruled as his representative. The services she initiated from Badrinath and Kedarnath in the Himalayas, Rameswaram in the south, Dwarka in the west, and Jagannath Puri in the east are still renowned today. Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar played a crucial role in the restoration of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and contributed to the development of nearly all major pilgrimage centres across India. The system of sending Ganga water to the places of pilgrimage seems to bind the country together. Along with the renovation of Kashi Vishwanath temple, development of almost all the pilgrimage places of the country, she constructed concrete ghats at hundreds of places on the banks of rivers across the country, including the Ganga ghats of Haridwar and made arrangements for proper bathing of pilgrims. She carried out countless religious and charitable activities using her personal wealth. She was a devoted and dedicated Karma yogi for the underprivileged, the destitute, and the needy people.
The renowned historian from southern India, Rai Bahadur Chintamani Vinayak Vaidya, wrote about Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, describing her as an extraordinary woman. He emphasized that due to her numerous virtues, she was not only a source of pride for Maharashtra but also an invaluable figure for all of humanity. In his address in Indore, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said, “I bow to Devi Ahilyabai and pay tribute to her sacred memory. Devi Ahilyabai gave priority to small needs in governance; every chapter of her life is so inspiring that future generations will keep learning from her.
Taking inspiration from Lokmata Maharani Ahilyabai life, on the occasion of her 300th birth anniversary, let us follow the path she showed and work towards building a unified, prosperous, harmonious, and powerful India. Let us take pride in our cultural heritage and commit ourselves to the welfare of the world. This would be the truest tribute to Maharani Ahilyabai on her 300th birth anniversary.
{The writer is National Jt. General Secretary (Organisation), BJP}
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“I bow to Devi Ahilyabai and pay tribute to her sacred memory. Devi Ahilyabai gave priority to small needs in governance; every chapter of her life is so inspiring that future generations will keep learning from her.”
– PM Shri Narendra Modi