Rani Ahilyabai Holkar
Reign : 11 December 1767- 13 August 1795
Coronation : 11 December 1767
Predecesso : Malerao Holkar
Heir apparent : Tukojirao Holkar I
Consort : Khanderao Holkar
Full name : Rani Ahilyabai Holkar
House : Holkar ( The Dhangar)
Father : Mankoji Shinde (Dhangar)
Born : May 31, 1725
village : Chaundi in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
Religion : Hindu
Punyashlok Rajmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar (Marathi/Dhangar)(31 May 1725-13 August 1795) (ruled 11 December 1767- 13 August 1795) also known as the Philosopher Queen was a Holkar dynasty Queen of the Malwa kingdom, India. She is often compared with Catherine II of Russia, Elizabeth I of England, Margaret I of Denmark. Ahilyabai was born in the village of Chaundi in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. She moved the capital to Maheshwar south of Indore on the Narmada River.
Ahilyabai's husband Khanderao Holkar was killed in the battle of Kumbher in 1754. Twelve years later, her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar, died. She tried to protect her kingdom from Thugs, the plunderers. She personally led armies into battle. She appointed Tukojirao Holkar as the Chief of Army. She is also famous for her sense of justice. One day, she found her only son, putting poisonous scorpions into the shoes of her subjects resulting in their deaths. She ordered his execution under the elephant feet.
Rani Ahilyabai was a great builder and patron of many Hindu temples which embellished Maheshwar and Indore. She also built temples and Dharmshala (Free lodging)at sacred sites outside her kingdom, at prominent religious places like Dwarka in Gujarat east to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Varanasi on the Ganges, Ujjain, Nasik and Parali Baijnath in Maharashtra. Seeing the destroyed and desecrated temple in Somanath, Rani Ahilyabai built a temple where Lord Shiva is still worshipped by Hindus.Contents
Early life
Ahilyabai was born on May 31, 1725 in the village of Chaundi, in the present-day Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra. Her father, Mankoji Shinde, was the patil of the village, a member of the proud Dhangar community. Women then did not go to school, but Ahilyabai's father taught her to read and write.
Her entrance on to the stage of history was something of an accident: Malhar Rao Holkar, a commander in the service of the Peshwa Bajirao and lord of the Malwa territory, stopped in Chaundi on his way to Pune and, according to legend, saw the eight-year-old Ahilyabai at the temple service in the village. Recognising her piety and her character, he brought the girl to the Holkar territory as a bride for his son, Khanderao (1723–1754). She was married to Khanderao in 1733.
Reign
Fort Ahilya in Maheshwar
Ahilya Bai’s husband Khanderao was killed during the siege of Kumbher in 1754. Twelve years later, her father-in-law, Malharrao died. Malharrao was succeeded by Malerao, the only son of Khanderao, but he also died on 5 April 1767. From 1767 until her death in 1795, she ruled Malwa, trained in both administrative and military matters by Malhar Rao. A letter to her from Malhar Rao in 1765 illustrates the trust he had in her ability during the tempestuous battle for power in the 18th century:
"Proceed to Gwalior after crossing the Chambal. You may halt there for four or five days. You should keep your big artillery and arrange for its ammunition as much as possible….On the march you should arrange for military posts being located for protection of the road."
Already trained to be a ruler, Ahilyabai petitioned the Peshwa after Malhar’s death, and the death of her son, to take over the administration herself. Some in Malwa objected to her assumption of rule, but the army of Holkar was enthusiastic about her leadership. She had led them in person, with four bows and quivers of arrows fitted to the corners of the howdah of her favourite elephant. The Peshwa granted her permission on 11 December 1767, and, with Subhedar Tukojirao Holkar (Malharrao's adopted son) as the head of military matters, she proceeded to rule Malwa in a most enlightened manner, even reinstating a Brahmin who had opposed her. Ahilyabai never observed purdah but held daily public audience and was always accessible to anyone who needed her ear.
Among Ahilyabai's accomplishments was the development of Indore from a small village to a prosperous and beautiful city; her own capital, however, was in nearby Maheshwar, a town on the banks of the Narmada river. She also built forts and roads in Malwa, sponsored festivals and gave donations for regular worship in many Hindu temples. Outside Malwa, she built dozens of temples, ghats, wells, tanks and rest-houses across an area stretching from the Himalayas to pilgrimage centres in South India. The Bharatiya Sanskritikosh lists as sites she embellished, Kashi, Gaya, Somnath, Ayodhya, Mathura, Hardwar, Kanchi, Avanti, Dwarka, Badrinarayan, Rameshwar and Jaganathpuri. Ahilyadevi also rejoiced when she saw bankers, merchants, farmers and cultivators rise to levels of affluence, but did not consider that she had any legitimate claim to any of that wealth, be it through taxes or feudal right. She must, in fact, have financed all her activities with the lawful gains obtained from a happy and prosperous land.
There are many stories of her care for her people. She helped widows retain their husbands’ wealth. She made sure that a widow was allowed to adopt a son; in fact, in one instance, when her minister refused to allow the adoption unless he was suitably bribed, she is said to have sponsored the child herself, and given him clothes and jewels as part of the ritual. To honour the memory of Ahilyadevi Holkar, in 1996 leading citizens of Indore instituted an award in her name to be bestowed annually on an outstanding public figure. The prime minister of India gave away the first award to Nanaji Deshmukh. The only time Ahilyadevi seems not to have been able to settle a conflict peacefully and easily was in the case of the Bhils and Gonds, "plunderers" on her borders; but she granted them waste hilly lands and the right to a small duty on goods passing through their territories. Even in this case, according to Malcolm, she did give "considerate attention to their habits".
Ahilyabai’s capital at Maheshwar was the scene of literary, musical, artistic and industrial enterprise. She entertained the famous Marathi poet, Moropant and the shahir, Anantaphandi from Maharashtra, and also patronised the Sanskrit scholar, Khushali Ram. Craftsmen, sculptors and artists received salaries and honours at her capital, and she even established a textile industry in the city of Maheshwar.
Historians of the 19th and 20th centuries—Indian, English and American—agree that the reputation of Ahilyabai Holkar in Malwa and Maharashtra was then, and is, even now, that of a saint. Nothing has ever been discovered by any researcher to discredit that. She was truly a magnificent woman, an able ruler and a great queen.
After her death, she was succeed by Tukojirao Holkar I, her commander-in-chief, who soon abdicated the throne in favour of his son Kashirao Holkar in 1797.
Views about her
"The reign of Ahilyabai, of Indore in central India, lasted for 30 Yrs. This has become almost legendary as a period during which perfect order and good Government prevailed and the people prospered. She was a very able ruler and organizer, highly respected during her lifetime, and considered as a saint by a grateful people after her death." [3]
An English poem written by Joanna Baillie in 1849 reads:[4]
"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 tright her frame,
And Ahlya was her honoured name."
"The Great Maratha lady who affords the noblest example of wisdom, goodness and virtue. That which Akbar is among male sovereigns, is Ahlia Baie among female sovereigns".[5]
"Ahilyabai's extraordinary ability won her the regard of her subjects and of the other Maratha confederates, including Nana Phadnavis. Collecting oral memories of her in the 1820s, Sir John Malcolm, the British official most directly concerned with the 'settlement' of central India, seems to have become deeply enamourned of her. "With the natives of Malwa ... her name is sainted and she is styled an avatar or Incarnation of the Divinity. In the most sober view that can be taken of her character, she certainly appears, within her limited sphere, to have been one of the purest and most exemplary rulers that ever existed".[6] Her latest biographers call her 'The Philosopher Queen', a reference perhaps to the 'Philosopher king' Bhoj."[7]
"Ahilyabai Holkar, the 'philosopher-queen' of Malwa, had evidently been an acute observer of the wider political scene. In a letter to the peshwa in 1772 she had warned against association with the British, and likened their embrace to a bear-hug: "Other beasts, like tigers, can be killed by might or contrivance, but to kill a bear it is very difficult. It will die only if you kill it straight in the face, Or else, once caught in its powerful hold, the bear will kill its prey by tickling. Such is the way of the English. And in view of this, it is difficult to triumph over them."[8]
"This great ruler in Indore encouraged all within her realm to do their best, Merchants produced their finest cloths, trade flourished, the farmers were at peace and oppression ceased, for each case that came to the queens notice was dealt with severely. She loved to see her people prosper, and to watch the fine cities grow, and to watch that her subjects were not afraid to display their wealth, lest the ruler should snatch it from them. Far and wide the roads were planted with shady trees, and wells were made, and rest-houses for travellers. The poor, the homeless, the orphaned were all helped according to their needs. The Bhils who had long been the torment of all caravans, were routed from their mountain fastnesses and persuaded to settle down as honest farmers. Hindu and Musalman alike revered the famous Queen and prayed for her long life. Her last great sorrow was when her daughter became a Sati upon the death of Yashwantrao Phanse. Ahalya Bai was seventy years old when her long and splendid life closed. Indore long mourned its noble Queen, happy had been her reign, and her memory is cherished with deep reverence unto this day.[9]
"From the original papers and letters, it becomes clear that she was first-class politician, and that was why she readily extended her support to Mahadji Shinde. I have no hesitation in saying that without the support of Ahilyabai, Mahadji would never have gained so much importance in the politics of northern India." [10]
"Definitely no woman and no ruler is like Ahilyabai Holkar." [11]
"It reveals beyond doubt that all ideal virtues described by Plato and Bhismacharya were present in her personality like Dilip, Janak, Shri Ram, Shri Krishna and Yudhishthir. After through scrutiny of the long history of the world we find only one personality of Lokmata Devi Ahilya that represents an absolutely ideal ruler." [12]
Over the years, in independent India, the city of Indore, when compared to neighboring Bhopal, Jabalpur or Gwalior, has progressed dramatically: economically, through business and financial prowess, politically and in all possible ways cities are supposed to progress. In fact, the local population proudly states that they live in 'mini-Mumbai', a reference to the great metropolis pulsing 600 km away. The good deeds of Devi Ahilyabai, her dedication to religion and her policies are enriching the city even today! The faith and belief in the good vibes of Indore go to such an extent that local inhabitants say that if you have lived in Indore for a thousand days, you are unlikely to leave it! Long live Devi Ahilya!
A commemorative stamp [1] was issued in her honor on 25 August 1996 by the Republic of India.
As a tribute to the great ruler, Indore domestic airport has been named Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport.
Similarly, Indore university has been renamed as "Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya".
Works throughout India
Ahilya Ghat, Varanasi
The current structure of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is built by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780
The current structure of Vishnupad Temple is built by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1787
It was the specialty of Holkar family that they did not use public funds to meet their personal and family expenses. They had their personal fund from their private property. Devi Ahilya inherited personal fund which at that time was estimated to be sixteen crores rupees. Ahilyabai used personal fund in charitable works. [13]
Alampur (MP) – Harihareshwar, Batuk, Malharimarthand, Surya, Renuka, Ram Hanuman Temples, Shriram Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Maruti Temple, Narsinh Temple, Khanderao Martand Temple, Memorial of Malharrao (I)
Amarkanthak(MP)- Shri Vishweshwar Temple, Kotithirth Temple, Gomukhi Temple, Dharamshala, Vansh Kund
Amba Gaon – Lamps
Anand Kanan – Vishweshwar Temple
Ayodhya (U.P)– Built Shri Ram Temple, Shri Treta Ram Temple, Shri Bhairav Temple, Nageshwar/Siddhnath Temple, Sharayu Ghat, well, Swargadwari Mohatajkhana, Dharamshalas
Badrinath Temple (UP) – Shri Kedareshwar and Hari Temples, Dharamshalas (Rangdachati, Bidarchati, Vyasganga, Tanganath, Pawali), Manu kunds (Gaurkund, Kundachatri), Garden and Warm Water Kund at Dev Prayag, Pastoral land for cows
Beed – Jirnnodhar of a ghat
Berul (Karnataka) – Ganpati, Pandurang, Jaleshwar, Khandoba, Tirthraj and Fire temples, Kund
Bhanpura – Nine Temples and Dharmashala
Bharatpur – Temple, Dharmashala, Kund
Bhimashankar – Garibkhana
Bhusawal - Changadev Temple
Bitthur – Bhramaghat
Burhanpur (MP) - Raj Ghat, Ram Ghat, Kund
Chandwad waphegaon – Vishnu Temple and Renuka Temple
Chaundi – Chaudeshwaridevi Temple, Sineshwar Mahadev temple,
Ahilyeshwar Temple, Dharamshala, Ghat,
Chitrakut(UP) - Pranpratishta of Shri Ramchandra
Cikhalda – Annakshetra
Dwarka(Gujrath) – Mohatajkhana, Pooja House and gave some villages to priest
Ellora – Temple of Red Stone
Gangotri – Vishwanath, Kedarnath, Annapurna, Bhairav Temples, Many Dharmashalas
Gaya (Bihar) – Vishnupad Temple
Gokarn – Rewaleshwar Mahadev temple, Holkar wada, Garden and Garibkhana
Gruneshwar (Verul) – Shivalaya Tirth
Handiya – Siddhanath Temple, ghat and dharmashala
Haridwar (Uttarakhand) – Kushawarth Ghat and a Huge Dharmashala
Hrishikesh – Many temples, Shrinathji and Govardhan ram temples
Indore – Many Temples and ghats
Jagannath Puri (Orrisa) – Shri Ramchandra Temple, Dharmashala and Garden
Jalgaon - Ram Mandir
Jamghat – Bhumi dwar
Jamvgaon – Donated for Ramdas swami Math
Jejuri – Malhargautameshwar, Vitthal ,Martand Temple, Janai Mahadev and Malhar lakes
Karmanasini River – Bridge
Kashi (Banaras) – Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Shri Tarakeshwar, Shri Gangaji, Ahilya Dwarkeshwar, Gautameshwar, Many Mahadev Temples, Temple Ghats, Manikarnika Ghat, Dashaaswamegh Ghat, Janana Ghat, Ahilya Ghat, UttarKashi Dharmashala, Rameshwar Panchkoshi Dharmashala, Kapila Dhara Dharmashala, Shitala Ghat
Kedarnath – Dharmashala and Kund
Kolhapur – Facilities for temple pooja
Kumher – Well and Memorial of Prince Khanderao
Kurukshetra (Haryana) - Shiv Shantanu Mahadev Temple, Panchkund Ghat, Laxmikund Ghat
Maheshwar - Hundreds of temples, ghats, dharmashalas and houses
Mamaleshwar Mahadev – Lamps
Manasa – Seven temples
Mandaleshwar – Shiv Temple Ghat
Miri (Ahmednagar) – Bhairav Temple in 1780
Naimabar(MP) – Temple
Nandurbar[2] - Temple,well
Nathdwar – Ahilya Kund, Temple, well
Neelkantha Mahadev – Shivalaya and Gomukh
Nemisharanya(UP) – Mahadev Madi, Nimsar Dharmashala, Go-ghat, Cakrithirth kund
Nimgaon (Nashik) – Well
Onkareshwar (MP) – Mamaleshwar Mahadev, Amaleshwar, Trambakeshwar Temples (Jirnnodhar), Gauri Somnath Temple, Dharmashalas, Wells
Ozar (Ahmednagar) – 2 wells and kund
Panchawati – Shri Ram Temple, Gora Mahadev temple, Dharmashala, Vishweshwar Temple, Ramghat, Dharmashala
Pandharpur (Maharashtra) – Shri Ram Temple, Tulsibag, Holkar wada, Sabha Mandap, Dharmashala and gave silver utensil for the temple,Well-Which known by Bagirao well.
Pimplas(Nashik) – well
Prayag (Allahabad UP) - Vishnu Temple, Dharmashala, Garden, Ghat, Palace
Pune – Ghat
Puntambe(Maharashtra) – Ghat on Godavari river
Pushkar – Ganpati Temple, Dharmashala, Garden
Rameshwar (TN) – Hanuman Temple, Shri Radha Krishna Temple, Dharmashala, Well, Garden etc.
Rampura – Four Temples, Dharmashala and houses
Raver – Keshav Kund
Sakargaon – well
Sambhal – Laxmi Narayan Temple and two wells
Sangamner – Ram Temple
Saptashrungi – Dharmashala
Sardhana Meerut – Chandi Devi Temple
Saurashtra (Guj) – Somnath Temple in 1785. (Jirnnodhdhar and Pran Prathistha)
Shri Nagnath (Darukhvan) – Started pooja in 1784
Srisailam Mallikarjun (Kurnool, AP) – Temple of Lord Shiva
Shri Shambhu Mahadev Mountain Shingnapur (Maharashtra) – Well
Shri Vaijenath (Parali, Maha) – Jirnnodhar of Baijenath Temple in 1784
Shri Vhigneshwar – Lamps
Sinhpur – Shiv Temple and ghat
Sulpeshwar – Mahadev Temple, annakshetra
Sultanpur (Khandesh) – Temple
Tarana – Tilabhandeshwar Shiv temple, Khedapati, Shriram Temple, Mahakali Temple
Tehari (Bundelkhand) – Dharmashala
Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) – Bridge on Kushawarth Ghat
Ujjain (MP) – Chintaman Ganapati, Janardhan, Shrilila urushottam, Balaji Tilakeshwar, Ramjanaki Ras Mandal, Gopal, Chitnis, Balaji, Ankpal, Shiv and many other temples, 13 ghats, well and many Dharmashalas etc.
Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple 1780.[14]
Vrindavan (Mathura) – Chain Bihari Temple, Kaliyadeha Ghat, Chirghat and many other ghats, Dharmashala, Annakstra
Waphegaon (Nashik) – Holkar wada and one well
In popular culture
A film titled Devi Ahilya Bai was produced in 2002 featuring Mallika Prasad as Devi Ahilya Bai, Shabana Azmi as Harkubai (Khaanda Rani, one of Malhar Rao Holkar's wives) and also including Sadashiv Amrapurkar as Malhar Rao Holkar, Ahilyabai's father in law.[3]
A 20 mins documentary was made by EMRC Indore, about life and time of Devi Ahilya bai holkar,
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