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Indian history is filled with tales of the incredible bravery and valor of many queens and empresses. Among them, the name of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a living symbol of feminine power who attained divinity two centuries ago, stands foremost. Even today, the ghats of Maheshwar tell the story of Ahilyabai Holkar’s devotion to
Ahilyabai Holkar, who provided capable leadership, protection, and stability to the Holkar state during difficult times, is not just a golden page in Maratha history but in the entire history of India
Narmada and Lord Shiva. Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, who provided capable leadership, protection, and stability to the Holkar state during difficult times, is not just a golden page in Maratha history but in the entire history of India. Through her valor, wisdom, political acumen, and philanthropy, Ahilyabai made her name among the few female rulers of the world who not only governed their empires but, by refuting the patriarchal perspectives of the time, set examples for the modern society that earned universal recognition for India’s great feminine power, courage, intellect, and wisdom.
The famous poet Joanna Baillie wrote for Ahilyabai:-
”In latter days from Brahma came,
To rule our land, a noble dame
Kind was her heart and bright her fame,
Ahilya was her honoured name,”
Born into a humble family in a small village, how did Ahilyabai rise to become the revered Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar? This transformation was made possible only by the exceptional values instilled in her during childhood. Ahilyabai’s spiritual consciousness was her true strength—she didn’t just practice religion but embodied it in her life. She considered governance and all worldly duties as extensions of divine worship. She famously proclaimed, “This kingdom is not mine—it belongs to Lord Shiva,” dedicating her administration as an offering to the deity. Her life was marked by immense struggles, yet through her exemplary religious and social work, she earned nationwide acclaim. Her entire existence was steeped in spirituality, which is why she continues to be worshipped by the masses as a divine mother and goddess.
It is said that the values instilled in childhood shape one’s future. Ahilyabai was born in 1725 in a religious family in the village of Chondi, near Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.
Her parents were devout, simple-hearted individuals who believed in prayer and worship. Ahilyabai inherited the qualities of simplicity and religious devotion from her mother and father from an early age. As the only daughter of her parents, Ahilyabai was their beloved child. Her father, Manakaji Shinde, was a righteous man with a simple and gentle nature, while her mother, Sushilabai, would take her daughter to the temple daily for prayers and rituals, and narrate stories from the Bhagavad and Puranas. It was here that she imbibed the values of exemplary conduct and behavior.
Once, when Ahilyabai went to a Shiva temple for worship, by coincidence Malhar Rao Holkar, the Subedar of Malwa, also arrived there. He was deeply impressed by the eight-year-old girl’s devotion and concentration during prayers. Recognizing her spiritual qualities, he resolved to make her his daughter-in-law. Thus, Ahilyabai was married to Malhar Rao’s son, Khanderao, transforming from an ordinary village girl into the queen of the Holkar kingdom. However, her life was not destined to remain simple—she would soon face immense struggles and sorrows in the years ahead.
Ahilyabai received education in reading, writing, and a deep respect for religious scriptures at her father’s home. After moving to her in-laws’ house, she won everyone’s heart with her sweet behavior. During this time, she gave birth to a son, Malerao, and a daughter, Muktabai. With the encouragement of her father-in-law,
Rajmata Ahilyabai eliminated the menace of dacoits and robbers from her kingdom. With remarkable wisdom, she transformed the tribal communities living in forests – who previously looted travelers – into protectors of those very routes
she also gained proficiency in state affairs, and soon began writing letters related to royal matters in her own name. She was highly skilled in governance, and her intelligence and efficiency deeply impressed Malhar Rao. He trusted her judgment so much that whenever he went out, he left the responsibility of the state’s affairs in her hands. During this time, the people were extremely satisfied and happy with the effective governance, and Ahilyabai had many admirers.
In 1764, during the battle of Kumbher, Queen Ahilyabai’s husband, Khande Rao, attained martyrdom, and with that, a cycle of struggles and hardships began for Ahilyabai. She wished to immolate herself with her husband’s body. However, Malhar Rao, her father-in-law, persuaded her, saying, “Daughter, I have never considered you less than a son. If you leave, who will manage things here? I have given you the education of statecraft and have never considered you any less than my own son. Now, you must take the reins of governance. I will consider my son still alive.” Ahilyabai, with a determined heart, began serving the people. She had not yet recovered from the grief of her husband’s death when her father-in-law, Malhar Rao, also passed away.
After the death of Malhar Rao, Ahilyabai’s son, Malerav Holkar, ascended the throne. However, shortly thereafter, her son also passed away. The loss of her son caused Ahilyabai immense grief, but wiping away her tears, she gathered extraordinary patience, courage, and strength to take charge of the state. Ahilyabai declared that she would take the reins of governance into her hands, which caused some people to become agitated. Raghunath Rao (Raghoba), the son of the Maratha Peshwa Balaji Rao, sent a message to Ahilyabai, stating that the right to rule belongs only to men and that she should hand over the state to them. Ahilyabai responded with pride, saying, “Where is the state? I have already dedicated the state to the feet of Lord Shiva. I am merely protecting this inheritance as a servant.”
To defend her kingdom from enemies, Ahilyabai even formed an army of women. She personally taught the women soldiers how to handle weapons and provided them with training in warfare and battle strategies. Ahilyabai’s army was full of enthusiasm. When Raghoba, the grandfather, along with his army, arrived in Ujjain to seize the throne, he was demoralized by the sight of Ahilyabai’s well-prepared army on the banks of the Shipra River. Ahilyabai was a skilled ruler. Like a mother, she cared for the happiness and distress of her people and was always striving for their welfare. Anyone could approach her to express their troubles.
Due to her generosity and affectionate behavior, the people referred to her as “Maa Sahab.” Ahilyabai built roads, wells, and rest houses for various pilgrimage sites and temples. She arranged food for the poor and orphans. The life of such a generous, religious, brave, and courageous woman was filled with hardships, yet she continued to lead her kingdom with loyalty and wisdom.
Rajmata Ahilyabai eliminated the menace of dacoits and robbers from her kingdom. With remarkable wisdom, she transformed the tribal communities living in forests – who previously looted travelers – into protectors of those very routes. Thus, these tribes began living peacefully under Ahilyabai’s rule and received state protection. She ordered the planting of shade trees along roadsides, construction of wells at regular intervals, and built rest houses for travelers. Later, Ahilyabai left Indore to reside in a simple house at the pilgrimage site Maheshwar. Her devotion to Narmada made Maheshwar her new capital. The doors of this house remained forever open to the distressed and afflicted.
She was like a mother to all. People would come to her with their problems, worries, and sorrows. Ahilyabai would listen to them attentively, just like a family member, and would do whatever she could to alleviate their suffering. Her new capital, Maheshwar, became a hub for art, literature, and creativity. It is said that during her time, the sound of artisans’ chisels and hammers never stopped. Artisans and courtiers received special protection and support from the queen. Maharani
Ahilyabai Holkar worked for the welfare of the entire India beyond the boundaries of her state. She constructed ghats, wells, step-wells, and roads. She established food distribution centers and water facilities for the thirsty. She made provisions in temples for scholars to meditate, reflect, and deliver discourses
Ahilyabai also established a permanent business for weavers here, which is today famous for the Maheshwari sarees.
Ahilyabai’s greatest achievement was that during her reign, no invasion could penetrate the state of Malwa, even though there was intense struggle for power among various factions at that time. However, under Rajmata Ahilyabai’s leadership, Malwa evolved into a symbol of stability, prosperity, and peace.
Ahilyabai not only worked for the welfare of her own state but also contributed to the greater good of the entire country. Queen Ahilyabai had an interest in religious activities from a young age. While she provided stability to the Holkar state, she also engaged in charitable deeds in the religious domain. From the Himalayas to South India, she built rest houses for travelers at various pilgrimage sites. Additionally, she arranged for the development of roads, wells, and shaded trees. At these locations, she also organized numerous cultural programs and religious events.
Along with this, she also built and renovated many temples. From Badrinath, Dwarka, Omkareshwar, to Puri, Gaya, and beyond, Ahilyabai’s contribution was seen in every pilgrimage site in some form. The most remembered among them is the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which she had rebuilt.
While performing works of religion, virtue, and philanthropy, Ahilyabai eventually passed away in 1795, attaining the status of Golokvasi. She died at the age of 70. The news of her demise spread rapidly, and every person in Malwa mourned deeply. It felt as though everyone had lost their mother, who had given them birth. Even today, many centuries later, her legacy lives on in countless temples and dharamshalas, to which she dedicated her entire life.
Ahilyabai built the highest number of temples, dharmashalas (charitable rest houses), and shelters for the underprivileged. Her 28-year reign is still remembered as a model of effective governance. Ahilyabai’s fame wasn’t limited to her own country – she is counted among the world’s greatest ruling queens in global history.
“These statements about her are indeed true:
‘Ahilyabai is unparalleled in foresight and greatness; no one can match her in these aspects.’ – Nana Fadnavis”
“Ahilyabai’s personality was as tough as a rock and as delicate as a flower. The world does not worship a person, but rather worships their perspective and actions.” – Acharya Vinoba Bhave
Ahilyabai Holkar worked for the welfare of the entire India beyond the boundaries of her state. She constructed ghats, wells, step-wells, and roads. She established food distribution centers and water facilities for the thirsty. She made provisions in temples for scholars to meditate, reflect, and deliver discourses. She also contributed to the economic and cultural heritage of the world-renowned Maheshwari sarees, which carried the designs of the temples built during her reign. By renouncing the false attachment to self-interest, she always endeavored to administer justice, which led people to regard her as a goddess during her lifetime. The governance that Ahilyabai executed with patience under challenging circumstances remains unforgettable. Every year on the day of Bhadrapad Krishna Chaturdashi, people in Indore celebrate “Ahilyotsav,” keeping their “Maa Saheb” alive in the cultural consciousness of the masses.
(The writer is a Government Teacher and
Women’s Welfare Scholar)