Ahilyabai Holkar
The much-remembered beloved queen of Malwa
As Mughal rule receded after Aurangzeb’s death and its weaknesses became obvious, the Marathas stamped their power and influence all over India in the 18th century under Peshwa Balaji Bajirao. Several Maratha chiefs (Holkar, Scindia, Gaekwad and other sardars) were given charge of various parts of the kingdom due to their performance in military campaigns. Each of these provinces became centres of polity, art and governance.
Ahilyabai (1725 - 1795 CE) is a rare female ruler in the 18th century remembered today for her excellent governance. Her state was considered the best governed state in India of her time. She ascended the Holkar throne in Malwa by sheer circumstance. Ahilyabai’s husband Khanderao Holkar was killed in the battle of Kumher, Rajasthan in 1754. Twelve years later her father-in-law Malhar Rao, the ruler, also died. Ahilyabai’s son Malerao was installed at the throne but he was mentally ill and died soon afterwards. The mantle of ruling now fell on Ahilyabai’s shoulders in 1767.
Early years
Ahilyabai’s father Mankoji Shinde was patil (headman) of the village of Chonde in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. He took the unusual step for the time of ensuring his daughter learnt to read and write, attributes that stood her in good stead later in life.
Malharrao Holkar stopped in Chonde on his way to Pune from Malwa. He was very taken in by the young Ahilyabai’s personality and demeanour and resolved to have his son marry her. In good time the births of her son and her daughter Muktabai completed the family. Ahilyabai’s forward thinking was apparent when in due time she took the unusual of step of having her daughter marry a poor but brave man Yashwantrao who put up a fight against dacoits.
On the demise of his son and grandson who were to rule after him, Malhar Rao resolved to educate Ahilyabai in statecraft. He was convinced of her merit and knew the state would be in safe hands with Ahilyabai on the throne. Malhar Rao trained her in diplomatic and military matters. Even while he ruled Malhar Rao ensured Ahilyabai had practical experience in these areas with her deep involvement in the affairs of the state.
Ahilyabai’s rule
All this experience made Ahilyabai a seasoned decision-maker when she ascended the throne. She ruled for 30 years and brought prosperity and peace to the Holkar territory. She set an example by her personal simple lifestyle, donating over Sixteen crore rupees of her personal wealth to the country's treasury.
One of her immediate tasks, not resolved fully by any previous ruler, was to settle the hill tribals who regularly made destructive forays into the kingdom. She did this by offering them avenues for livelihood and a settled life.
Indore was developed into one of the foremost cities in India. Ahilyabai ranks very high as an administrator too. She was able to keep invasions away from her realm, provide good and clean administration and was seen to be just. She was very clear on governance and provided a mechanism that got the work done without fear or favour. Her genuine aim was the increased prosperity of her subjects which endeared her to them unlike several other rulers.
Building anew, Rebuilding temples
As artisans and craftsperson flocked to Maheswar, it turned into a major textile weaving centre. Maheswari textiles were known for their finesse and vibrantly aesthetic weaves. This tradition continues even today.
Ahilyabai is also remembered for the architecture she constructed and maintained through the length and breadth of India. The four jyotirlingas (Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Trimbakeswar in Nashik, Kedarnath in Rudraprayag, Grishneswar in Aurangabad), the sapta puris (Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Varanasi, Kanchi, Ujjain, Dwaraka), four dhams (Badrinath, Puri, Dwaraka and Rameswaram), several other temples, numerous resthouses, water tanks all over India are ancient structures that she renovated or built anew. They are testament to her piety and that she viewed India, in spite of all political divisions, as one whole.
The famous temple of Somnath had been repeatedly destroyed by invaders for centuries. Ahilyabai repaired the temple. Her’s was the sixth attempt after several rulers and rich merchants rebuild the temple every time it was destroyed.
In Varanasi also she rebuilt several important destroyed temples. The ghats we see there today descending to the Ganga are built by Ahilyabai Holkar.
Ahilyabai may have taken up this extensive temple building activity, much of it with her personal finances, to solidify her position in the Maratha confederacy. But there is no denying the fact that her personal interest and piety also played a major role in reconstructing and building new structures. She took care to not encroach upon other religious structures and left them well alone.
Her legacy
Ahilyabai’s various acts of charity to the underprivileged, constantly watching for the welfare of her citizens were hallmarks of a good ruler. They extended her influence, as also that of the Maratha rule, all over India. It is no wonder that her 30 year rule is considered a golden era in the Malwa region.
Ahilyabai overcame the prevalent 18th century bias against females by demonstrating how good governance and exemplary conduct is not decided by gender. She was a strong administrator who ruled by dharma and was ahead of her times by taking a keen interest in industrialisation, to the extent possible for the times. 13 August 2022 marked her 227th death anniversary.
Ref:
Women, Gender and Art in Asia c.1500-1900. Edited by Melia Belli Bose
Image attribution:
Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
#BlogchatterA2Z https://www.theblogchatter.com/
A word about BlogchatterA2Z - This is an annual event during which I have taken up the challenge of blogging on Women in Indian History starting with A and ending in Z during the month of April, 2021. Here then is A - Ahilyabai Holkar. Drop in everyday to read my posts on other interesting women as I work my way down the alphabet to Z!