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For future generations, it should be a matter of deep contemplation as to how someone, even in the smallest and most ordinary of circumstances, can elevate their personality to such towering heights despite being in completely adverse conditions.
How did a girl born into the humble family of a simple farmer, Mankoji Shinde, in the small village of Chondi in Maharashtra, rise—unshaken and undeterred by the ups and downs of life—to become revered as Punyashlok Devi Ahilyabai Holkar?
Fearless, endowed with indomitable courage, unwavering faith, and the highest ideals and values of life, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar’s entire personality and legacy are an inexhaustible source of inspiration
Ahilyabai Holkar, like her revered deity Mother Narmada, flows from the depths upward. To not flow according to nature, but to shape nature to flow according to one’s own path—that is the true Narmada-like current. Fearless, endowed with indomitable courage, unwavering faith, and the highest ideals and values of life, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar’s entire personality and legacy are an inexhaustible source of inspiration.
Eight-year-old Ahilya was making clay Shivlings with her companions when suddenly, a horse from the convoy of Malharrao Holkar, the Subedar of Malwa, strayed from its path and began moving toward the girls. Panic and fear spread among them, and all the girls scattered—except Ahilya. She remained steadfast, absorbed in crafting the Shivling, trusting in her beloved Lord Shiva. Deeply moved by her unwavering faith and fearlessness, Malharrao Holkar chose young Ahilya as the bride for his son, Khanderao.
Malharrao’s foresight does not fail. This very ordinary farmer’s daughter later rises to become Punyashlok Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, who elevates the banner of Sanatan Dharma and culture to towering heights of glory.
To truly understand Queen Ahilyabai, it is essential to understand the environment in which she lived. The political landscape of the time, along with the external and internal conflicts of Malwa, played a crucial role in shaping her character. First, she took a firm stand against the ambitions of Malharrao’s relatives (rivals of Khanderao) who sought to usurp power. Second, she strategically countered the conspiracies of neighboring border states with timely and wise political responses.
For the effective administration and governance of her kingdom, Ahilyabai Holkar remained directly connected to the common people, addressing their problems and prioritizing public welfare. In dispensing justice, she made no distinction between her own and others—impartiality was her guiding principle.
The former ruler of Ujjain, Emperor Vikramaditya, was her ideal. For her, power was not a means of indulgence but a medium of service. This is why her reign remained etched in the hearts of the people for a long time. Representatives of all tribal communities, including the Bhils and Adivasis, willingly abandoned criminal activities under her rule and stood ready to lay down their lives at the command of their beloved queen.
Her administrative decisions in favor of social harmony, women’s education, and the dignity of women greatly enhanced her popularity and deepened her connection with the people.
During the reign of Queen Ahilyabai, decisive and large-scale initiatives were undertaken for women’s education, freedom, and overall empowerment. Emphasizing the strength of women, even a women’s army was formed. Women
For the upliftment of Sanatan Dharma and culture, Ahilyabai Holkar regarded Shri Adi Shankaracharya as her source of inspiration. By honoring both arms and scriptures, she protected and nurtured the wisdom of Indian intellect, valuable Sanskrit texts, arts, and literature. In strengthening Maratha power and authority, she also stood firm against the Mughals and their nawabs
were trained in horseback riding and the use of various weapons like swords, spears, and lances, making them physically and mentally strong.
Not only in the region from Maheshwar to Indore, but across many of the nation’s prominent pilgrimage sites, she commissioned the construction of temples, dharamshalas (rest houses), wells, and stepwells. In Maheshwar, she developed permanent ghats and temples along the banks of the Narmada River. She also built and restored sacred temples including the Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, the twelve Jyotirlingas, and many other revered Shiva temples.
For the upliftment of Sanatan Dharma and culture, Ahilyabai Holkar regarded Shri Adi Shankaracharya as her source of inspiration. By honoring both arms and scriptures, she protected and nurtured the wisdom of Indian intellect, valuable Sanskrit texts, arts, and literature. In strengthening Maratha power and authority, she also stood firm against the Mughals and their nawabs.
Becoming synonymous with the exalted worship of her beloved Lord Mahadev Shiva Shankar, Ahilyabai Holkar devoted herself wholeheartedly to the welfare of the people and the public good. Queen Ahilyabai’s life story will continue to inspire and energize us in the cause of Sanatan Dharma and culture.
Religion, culture, and life’s values are an
imperishable heritage.
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar guides us on the true and
righteous path.
The towering banner of glory of Sanatan Dharma and culture, Punyashlok Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, remains profoundly relevant through the ages. As long as life’s values, ideals, and human virtues are respected in the world, the inspiring life story of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar will continue to hold great significance in the hearts of the people, firmly established as a symbol of Indian wisdom.
(The writer is a scholar of Indian culture)