She rebuilt the Kashi Vishwanath temple in 1780, almost a century after its destruction by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
On 31 May, India honoured the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a visionary 18th-century queen of Malwa whose life story continues to inspire. From her humble beginnings to her reign as an exemplary ruler, Ahilyabai’s journey is marked by her unwavering dedication to education, governance, social reform, cultural patronage, and military leadership. Such an expansive portfolio renders her legacy exceptional. Reflective of a deep commitment to the welfare of her people and the preservation of cultural heritage, Ahilyabai remains a less-known figure in Indian history who illustrated the true essence of Nari Shakti. She carried the vision and mission of the Marathas of Hindavi Swaraj and fought all invaders who tried to destroy the civilisational culture of Bharat. She combined Dharma with industrialisation. Dharma is not religion but a way of civilised life.
UNCOMMON UPBRINGING
Born into a modest family in 1724, Ahilyabai was one of the few women rulers in medieval India. Her father, Mankoji Shinde, defied the norms of the time by insisting that his daughter receive an education, a rarity for girls in that era. Her education not only empowered her but also set a precedent for the importance of female education in a predominantly patriarchal society.
Ahilyabai’s ascent to power started with the death of her husband, Khande Rao, in the Battle of Kumbher in 1754. With the guidance and support of her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar, Ahilyabai took up the mantle of leadership, mastering administrative and military strategies. Her reign from 1765 to 1795 is remembered as a period of remarkable stability and prosperity. Even Jawaharlal Nehru praised her rule and described it as “almost legendary as a period during which perfect order and good government prevailed, and the people prospered.”
Despite continual threats from invaders, Ahilyabai displayed exceptional courage in defending her Kingdom. Her leadership was not limited to standing on the sidelines, but leading the troops into battle, which was further accentuated through her strategic insight and bravery on the battlefield. Her efforts as a ruler sought to foster unity among Hindu rulers and promote peace and cooperation across the region. Ahilyabai’s military prowess and determination ensured the security and stability of her Kingdom, making her a formidable figure in a male-dominated world.
GOOD GOVERNANCE WITH SOCIAL
REFORMS
Ahilyabai’s administration was characterised by her deep commitment to public welfare, which combined good governance with social reforms. She held daily public audiences, ensuring the personal address of grievances that afforded her unique exposure to the Kingdom’s concerns and priorities. Her policies were inclusive, aiming to uplift the marginalised sections of society, including landless farmers, tribal communities, and widows. Her social justice and welfare efforts were pioneering, promoting harmony, justice, and prosperity for all. Most notable among these was her battle against the practice of Sati.
Her empathy-oriented governance stands out in her administration, which endeared Ahilyabai to her people. She based her reign on the principles of Dharma and righteousness, focusing on impartial and swift justice. As a result, one sees her administration as a blend of compassion and efficiency, setting high standards for governance in her era.
As a successor of the Holkar family after her father-in-law’s death, she embarked on numerous projects aimed at societal betterment, especially focused on agricultural development, water management, and education. Her numerous charitable works, including constructing temples, ghats, wells, and educational institutions, were spread across the Indian subcontinent. Moreover, infrastructural initiatives, such as building roads and improving trade routes, were critical outcomes of her reign. Such efforts manifested in the transformation of Maheshwar (the capital of the Holkar kingdom from 1766 to 1818) into a centre of trade and industry.
CULTURAL PATRONAGE AND RELIGIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS
Under Ahilyabai’s patronage, the city of Maheshwar flourished as a hub of literature, music, art, and industry. She established the famous Maheshwari sari textile industry, transforming Maheshwar into a thriving commercial centre. The artisans, musicians, and scholars were provided patronage, resulting in a vibrant cultural environment, even while other kingdoms in contemporary India struggled to maintain stability.
Her contributions to religious and cultural heritage were equally significant. Ahilyabai’s contributions extended beyond her kingdom, as witnessed by her nationwide patronage of temples, particularly regarding the reviving and renovating of many temples desecrated by invaders. Her efforts revitalised ancient pilgrimage routes and sacred sites, reflecting a vision that respected and revered India’s spiritual heritage. She was also instrumental in restoring Hindu temples, many of which had been defiled by invaders. Notably, she rebuilt the Kashi Vishwanath temple in 1780, almost a century after its destruction by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Her efforts at revitalising sacred sites across India earned her the revered title of “Punya Shlok.” She also rebuilt the Somnath temple in 1782. She supported constructing and renovating temples, ghats, wells, and educational institutions, reflecting her vision of preserving and promoting cultural and religious heritage.
HER VISION IS HER LEGACY
Her relevance to Viksit Bharat and the Amrit Kaal is the struggle for our factual history where she needs primacy of place and as a cultural icon who fought against the invaders who tried to erase our memory and culture. Ahilaya’s life and achievements continue to inspire generations, with a reign that stood as a testament to the potential of women in leadership roles, breaking the gender barriers. By advocating female education, she exemplified India’s progressiveness during the medieval period, where women’s empowerment was the least of governance concerns. Her leadership corresponds to the idealised good governance that a ruler practising Dharma should follow. The commitment to social justice and compassion as a philosophy of governance was and still remains an example of a holistic rule. For such reasons, Ahilyabai’s legacy should not be viewed as merely a historical account but as a powerful narrative of empowerment, social justice, and cultural preservation.
As we celebrate the 300th birth anniversary of Punya Shlok Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, it is fitting for Indians to embrace her ideals rooted in simplicity, moral fortitude, and ethics. The lack of recognition that Ahilyabai Holkar and the huge contribution of the Marathas receives in history is despairing. Certainly, the way she broke gender barriers at a time when women had no agency should make her an icon of feminist scholarship. Yet, her mentions in history books or feminist scholarship are scant and still overlook her governance and military achievements. The most faithful tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar, the Sivakamini, karmayogini and lokmata is to celebrate and disseminate her contributions to girl education, cultural revival, and good governance.
Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice Chancellor of JNU.