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In today’s context, Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar stands as the most powerful symbol of Women-led Good Governance and Development. When our Prime Minister speaks of women-led development today, a clear reflection of that vision can be seen in the life and work of Ahilyabai Holkar.
India has a long list of queens who displayed bravery, wielded power, engaged in struggle, and skillfully managed the affairs of the state. Such illustrious women can be found across the length and breadth of the country—from north to south and east to west. However, it is rare to find in a single woman leader with a firm resolve to
Ahilyabai Holkar was one of those rare personalities in whom one witnesses a unique confluence of brilliance, bravery, and selfless devotion
uphold Indian values, a combination of courage and valor, sharp strategic insight, and an unwavering passion for lifelong public service. Ahilyabai Holkar was one of those rare personalities in whom one witnesses a unique confluence of brilliance, bravery, and selfless devotion.
There is a common tendency to believe that the greatness of historical figures is confined to their own era and that their relevance does not extend beyond their time. It is often assumed that emulating such eminent personalities today is nearly impossible. However, Ahilyabai’s vision was so eternal and her perspective so timeless that her thoughts remain relevant even today. Remarkably, the ideas she conceived, the policies she adopted, and the actions she undertook over 300 years ago continue to inspire our Prime Minister as he carries out his responsibilities today.
Ahilyabai enriched the Indian tradition of governance rooted in public welfare through her visionary thinking and actions. Today, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is dedicated to making that tradition even more effective and powerful by following the path she once illuminated. The common foundation of this tradition is pure public welfare. The Prime Minister’s message of “Nation First” and Ahilyabai’s belief that “the king belongs to the people” both center around the core principle that public interest is paramount.
The very mention of Punyashlok Ahilyabai immediately brings to mind her historic and nationwide work in temple construction. In almost every region of the country, temples built by Ahilyabai have become prominent centers of pilgrimage. But her temple-building efforts were not merely architectural projects—they were symbols of resilient self-confidence and an unwavering resolve to preserve cultural identity. Her campaign was a powerful example of her pan-Indian vision and her commitment to public service through the creation of sacred spaces.Today, Prime Minister Shri Modi too is following in her footsteps. Whether it is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple or the newly reconstructed Ram Temple in Ayodhya, these are not just about the consecration of deities; seen from a broader perspective, they signify the awakening and consecration of national consciousness. The influence and reach of the Prime Minister have expanded to such an extent that even in a city like Abu Dhabi, a magnificent temple has been built—something that once seemed unimaginable.
Ahilyabai built ghats along rivers, while Modi ji developed Riverfront projects. Devi Ahilyabai established the first Water Conservation Department under her administration. Similarly, after independence, for the first time in decades, the Prime Minister brought a unified vision to water management—consolidating 28 scattered departments into one comprehensive Jal Shakti Ministry. Ahilyabai also constructed reservoirs, ponds, and water tanks along with temples. Today, Prime Minister Shri Modi, through the Amrit Sarovar scheme, is engaging public participation to continue those efforts.During the Holkar reign, agriculture and agricultural enterprises were promoted. Likewise, under Modi ji’s governance, agricultural enterprises and food processing industries are being strongly encouraged. Just as Ahilyabai insisted that farmers should have the freedom to sell their produce anywhere, the Prime Minister shares the same policy vision.
Devi Ahilyabai distributed government land to impoverished farmers, but with a unique condition – they had to plant nine fruit-bearing trees along their field boundaries for personal use, and eleven additional fruit trees whose produce would go to government storage. As an astute administrator, she even enacted a law called the “Nau-Gyarah Kaanoon” (Nine-Eleven Law) to ensure proper implementation of this scheme. Today, PM Modi’s visionary “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign carries forward the same spirit as Ahilyabai’s law – ultimately aiming to increase the earth’s green cover through tree plantation.
Devi Ahilyabai understood that the path to people’s prosperity runs through a robust economy. With this vision, she expanded the economic scale, which grew by over 40% during her reign compared to previous times, creating a stronger economic system. Today, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India’s economy has
Devi Ahilyabai distributed government land to impoverished farmers, but with a unique condition – they had to plant nine fruit-bearing trees along their field boundaries for personal use, and eleven additional fruit trees whose produce would go to government storage
similarly expanded – advancing from the eleventh position among world economies to secure the fifth spot globally. Ahilyabai left no effort incomplete in her work for the development of farmers, artisans, and all disadvantaged groups in her kingdom.
Today we see that by creating systems like GIFT City in Gujarat, the pace of international trade growth is being accelerated. Ahilyabai too had established an artisan colony in Ambad tehsil of today’s Sambhajinagar district in Maharashtra under her rule, providing all necessary facilities there itself for the growth of craftsmanship. She also used to provide loans to her kingdom’s artisans at low interest rates. The Modi government’s Vishwakarma Scheme and Ahilyabai’s artisan colony initiative are just two different forms of the same vision.
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar was deeply committed to ensuring justice for the marginalized groups within her kingdom. She made persistent efforts to integrate tribal communities into the mainstream of her subjects. Today, the initiatives by the Modi government to bring tribal communities—such as the Bodo, Bru, and Chakma tribes of Northeast India—into the mainstream of development, and efforts to free tribal populations in Chhattisgarh and other states from Naxal influence, closely reflect the leadership style and vision of Devi Ahilyabai.
The Queen of Malwa, Ahilyabai, used to say that bathing purifies the body, meditation purifies the mind, and charity purifies wealth. Prime Minister Modi’s vision strengthens the legacy embedded in this message. The Modi government’s initiatives—from the Swachh Bharat campaign and the establishment of International Yoga Day to the PM CARES Fund and various other measures—emphasize collective effort. Isn’t this focus on “everyone’s participation” a living continuation of Ahilyabai’s legacy?
It is often said that comparing two great personalities is generally not advisable. However, it is also believed that great men (and in this, there is no distinction between men and women) think alike. Viewed from this perspective, it becomes clear that for both, nothing was more important than the welfare of their people. After her husband’s death, Ahilyabai was preparing to commit sati, but she changed her decision to dedicate herself to the welfare of her subjects. Similarly, our Prime Minister Modi spends every Diwali with soldiers at the border and, after the passing of his mother, immediately immerses himself in his work on the very same day.
These examples clearly reflect the similarity in their thinking. Both great personalities always made their people feel assured that someone caring for their welfare was seated in the highest leadership. It is no surprise that this trust in leadership existed in the minds of their subjects then, just as it does among the people today.
What former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said about Punyashlok Ahilyabai is truly worth remembering. Atalji said, “Devi Ahilyabai was one of those woman gems of whom India is proud. Her life embodied many qualities that the citizens of the country must emulate. Ahilyabai Holkar’s name is etched like a sacred mark in our nation’s political, social, and cultural history. She was the human
The Modi government’s initiatives—from the Swachh Bharat campaign and the establishment of International Yoga Day to the PM CARES Fund and various other measures—emphasize collective effort. Isn’t this focus on “everyone’s participation” a living continuation of Ahilyabai’s legacy?
embodiment of divine virtues, filled to the brim with patriotism and a deep sense of public welfare. She was not only a devout, justice-loving, and skilled administrator but also a goddess of virtue, humility, and compassion. She always maintained equal respect and regard for all religions and castes. Devi Ahilyabai firmly opposed the social evils of the medieval period and established peace in her kingdom by overcoming antisocial elements. During her reign, she never allowed injustice, bias, or cruelty. All of us, especially the youth, should learn from her ideals, deeds, and thoughts and contribute to the nation-building process.”
What a wonderful coincidence it is that this year marks both the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar and the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This inspiring occasion reminds us of the great leadership of Ahilyabai and encourages us to move forward on the path of serving Mother India.
(The writer is former National Vice President, BJP)