Ahilyabai Holkar: Queen of Malwa
Ahilyabai Holkar, born in 1767, was not a just ruler of the Kingdom of Malwa (Central India region), but also the greatest and most respected personality of India. Due to her pious nature and courageous personality she was known as the saintly ruler of Indore. Her father (who was Patil, chief of the village, in Maharashtra) imparted her education at such times when female education was not a popular idea in 18th century Indian society.
Ahilyabai Holkars Marriage:
Ahilyabai Holkar's arrival at the juncture of history was a coincidence. Malhar Rao Holkar, who then served under Peshwa Bajirao's army as a commander, was impressed by Ahilyabai's simplicity and intelligence. He arranged Ahilyabai's marriage with Khanderao Holkar and Devi Ahilyabai came to Holkar dynasty. Ahilyabai's husband, Khanderao Holkar, died during the siege of Kumher in 1754. Her father-in-law prevented her from committing Sati. In fact, he trained her in the best administration, governance, and military affairs.
Death punishment to Ahilyabai's son:
There are conflicting accounts of her son Maloji's death, with some saying that he was punished on Ahilyabais orders and others which state he died of natural causes. while Rajmata Ahilya is known as a wise and impartial leader. Unfortunately, we can't say the same about her son, He was least interested in the matters of the state and preferred to play pranks. One day, he unwittingly decided to put a scorpion in the shoes of the courtiers, which caused his death. Justice was justice for Ahilya Devi, even though the culprit was her only son. Hence, Ahilyabai Holkar ordered his death.
Ahilyadevi Holkar: Warrior Queen
After taking control over her kingdom, she shifted the capital from Indore to Maheshwar, where she built Ahilya Fort which is an excellent example of 18th century Maratha architecture on the banks of the Narmada River.
Ahilyafort
Being a brave warrior and excellent archer, she led the Army many times to protect her kingdom. She prevented raids from Bhils and Gonds near the border of her territory.
Respect for Art and Culture:
Ahilyadevi Holkar was one of those rulers who respected art, music, literature, sculpture, poetry and her court was always open for artists. Although once she threw a book of poems which consisted of her praises as she didn't want any.
Development of Indore by Ahilyadevi Holkar:
Ahilyabai Holkar developed a small village and prior capital Indore into a big and flourished city. During her reign, the crime rate was greatly dropped as she encouraged poor people to get involved in trade or farming. She employed forest tribes to be the protectors of travelling merchants.
Charity by Ahilyadevi Holkar:
Ahilyabai Holkar was a philanthropic soul who always believed in the development of her people and kingdom. Rani Ahilyabai provided her people with proper infrastructure by properly utilizing tax money. She helped widows in retaining their husband's property so that they can live their lives independently and with honor. Most of the developments and charity were done by her personal fund which was estimated to be 16 crores at that time.
Construction and restoration of buildings:
Ahilyabai Holkar not only constructed monuments in her kingdom but also worked outside her Kingdom. The famous 'Somnath temple' of Gujarat was reconstructed by Devi Ahilyabai Holkar after it was looted and destroyed by Mohammad Ghaznavi. 'Kashi Vishvanath Temple' of Varanasi was reconstructed by her. Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Bihar was reconstructed by her. Most of the ghats near the bank of Ganga in Varanasi were constructed during Ahilyadevi Holkar's reign.
Ahilyaghat Varanasi
she built roads, wells, forts, temples, lodges throughout India. Ahilyabai Holkar died in 1725 Rameshwaram. In memory of this great female ruler, the Government of India issued commemorative stamps in 1966.
In the same year, the people of Indore also instituted an award in Devi Ahilya bai Holkar's name to be annually given to citizens who turn out to be outstanding public figures. Nanaji Deshmukh was the first recipient of this award.
Indore University and Indore Airport are named after her as Devi Ahilya Vishva Vidyalaya, Indore, and Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport respectively.
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| Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport |
Ahilyabai Holkar had all the qualities that a strong ruler should hold, irrespective of gender. Her intelligence, courage, leadership, and sense of justice are worth praise. But one cannot ignore how compassionate, pious, and humble she was as a human being. No wonder Devi Ahilyabai Holkar considered a saintly ruler, a title that hardly anyone in history ever held.
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar
An English poem written by Joanna Baillie in 1849 reads:
"For thirty years her reign of peace,
The land in blessing did increase;
And she was blessed by every tongue,
By stern and gentle, old and young.
Yea, even the children at their mothers feet
Are taught such homely rhyming to repeat
"In latter days from Brahma came,
To rule our land, a noble Dame,
Kind was her heart, and bright her fame,
And Ahilya was her honoured name."