Punyashlok Rani Ahilyabai Holkar 300th Anniversary

Mita Nath

(mitanathbora7@gmail.com)

“Her name is cherished in India with a reverence not often accorded to rulers. Her story is that of a woman who ruled wisely, fought bravely, and lived nobly.”

— British historian John Keay.

31st May marks the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar.

In the grand tapestry of Indian history, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, who lived from 1725 to to1795, is a radiant symbol of one of the finest female rulers. A visionary leader known for her values and valour, social reforms, inclusive governance, and more, Ahilyabai Holkar stands out not only as a wise and benevolent ruler but also as a strategic and courageous warrior queen who helped strengthen the Maratha Empire.

Popularly known as ‘Rajmata’, Ahilyabai Holkar was the Queen of the Kingdom of Malwa. Born in 1725 in the village of Chaundi in Maharashtra, Ahilyabai’s destiny changed when she was chosen by Malhar Rao Holkar, a noble of the Maratha Empire, to marry his son, Khanderao Holkar. Ahilyabai rose to prominence after marrying into the family of Holkar. Her life took a tragic turn with the deaths of her husband and father-in-law, but rather than retreat into widowhood, Ahilyabai rose to lead the Holkar dynasty in Malwa (present-day Madhya Pradesh) in 1767, becoming one of the few women of her time to rule a kingdom directly.

Despite facing initial opposition from male courtiers, she proved to be a firm yet just leader, winning over both her people and the army through wisdom, decisiveness, and unyielding moral authority. What set Ahilyabai apart from other female rulers of her time was not only her administrative prowess but also her military leadership. When threats from neighbouring states and internal rebellion loomed large, she personally led armies into battle. It was rare—and remarkable—for a woman in 18th-century India to don armour and command troops. But Ahilyabai broke stereotypes, often riding horseback into war zones and devising military strategies with her generals. Ahilyabai’s military achievements were not limited to the battlefield. She was also a pioneer in military administration, implementing reforms that improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the Holkar army and a military strategist.

Her reign witnessed several successful campaigns to defend her kingdom, protect trade routes, and ensure the safety of her people. She maintained law and order in a region marred by chaos after the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Rani Ahilyabai’s rule was marked by religious and cultural revival. She played a key role in the construction and refurbishment of temples across India, at the seven sacred cities (Saptapuri) that included Kashi (Kashi Vishwanath temple restored in 1780), Somnath in Gujarat, Ayodhya, Mathura, Kanchi, Dwarawati, Avantika Puri and four abodes of Hindu pilgrimage – Badrinath, Jagannath, Rameshwaram, and Dwaraka. She resurrected jyotirlingas across Bharat that were destroyed by Muslim invaders. Under her patronage, the majestic temples of Maheshwar and numerous other architectural marvels flourished. She made contributions and donated for the maintenance and preservation of sites in Ayodhya, including Bhairava temple, Nageshwar and Sarayu Ghats. She also constructed dozens of ghats, wells, tanks and rest houses stretching from the Himalayas in the north to the pilgrimage centres in the south.

Her ability to combine military valour with spiritual vision made her one of the most respected rulers of her time. She ensured justice in her court, promoted Sanskrit scholarship, and governed with compassion. Her governance was based on the principles of dharma, equality, and welfare of the common people. She opened her court to petitions from anyone, regardless of caste or status, and refused to tolerate corruption. Even the British chroniclers, who were often critical of Indian rulers, praised her leadership. Her ability to maintain a stable and just kingdom at a time when much of India was in turmoil is a testimony to her exceptional leadership.

Ahilyabai was also a social reformer. She fought against and worked for the abolition of the dowry system. When the Brahmins came with complaints about their inability to marry off their daughter. Ahilya introduced a new law abolishing the tradition of dowry. She declared that giving or receiving dowry would now onwards be a punishable offence. Anyone involved in giving or accepting dowry would be fined or punished. The person receiving dowry must pay double the amount received as a penalty. The person giving dowry must pay the same amount as a penalty. Mediators (if any) must pay the full amount received to the Holkar Daftar as a fine.

During the same time, Ahilyabai fought against Sati. She questioned the practice of Sati, protested against it and tried to stop it. She saw the death of her two young daughters-in-law as they practised Sati, sitting on the funeral pyre with her dead son Malerao against her wish. Ahilyabai fainted from the shock. That traumatic moment firmed here – She decided to lawfully abolish the ritual of Sati one day.” She questioned the double standards in society where widowed men would remarry easily, while women were pushed into death. Why were only women expected to sacrifice their lives? Why men were never expected to make such sacrifices.

She took steps to safeguard the rights of widows and prevent the embezzlement of their property. She allowed the widow to adopt whoever they want to choose as the next heir and gave them legal permission. She appointed soldiers to ensure the safety of women from harassing relatives. She gifted clothes to the adopted child as a gesture of goodwill. She insisted that no fees should be charged for adoption permission. She ensured that the administration does not make money out of poor women’s plight.

Ahilyabai is famously known for forpromoting industrialization in the 18th century. She established a textile industry in her city. She invited and settled weavers and made them ideate and work on the best available silk of the times. The famous Maheswari Silk was conceived by her and is today a very famous and successful silk industry and most revered. She encouraged other small-scale industrialisation to bolster the economy and ensure self-reliance. Her capital was known for its distinct craftsmen, sculptors and artists. During her era, the kingdom was financially stable. She was considered as the fountainhead of architecture of Holkar state.

Her era of rule witnessed around a 150 per percent increase in the revenue. John Malcolm, in his book ‘A Memoir of Central India’, acknowledges the contributions of Ahilyabai and calls her rule a glorious era in history.

As a ruler of the Malwa kingdom, her reign is often regarded as a period of progressive governance, especially concerning women’s empowerment. As a woman ruler in an era dominated by male monarchs, she set a remarkable example by successfully ruling the Holkar dynasty and administering it with wisdom and compassion. She played a significant role in enhancing the political and administrative status of women. Her leadership contributed to the changing perceptions of women in Indian society, demonstrating that women could hold positions of power, lead armies, and contribute to the welfare of their subjects. She is a role model for future generations of women in India, exemplifying the virtues of strength, resilience, and intelligence.

Her capital at Maheshwar was a melting pot of literary, musical and artistic achievements. She opened her capital’s doors to stalwarts like Marathi poet Moropant, Shahir Anantaphandi and Sanskrit scholar Khushali Ram.

Maharani Ahilya died in the year 1795 on August 13th in her capital, Maheshwar. She was of the age of seventy. The Republic of India issued a stamp on August 25th in the year 1996 in memory of her and gave honour to her greatness.