Celebrating the 300th Birth Anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar: Legacy & Significance
Why in the News?
Recently Prime Minister of India paid tribute to Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar on her 300th birth anniversary during the ‘Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan’ in Bhopal. He inaugurated infrastructure projects, released commemorative coins and stamps, and launched women empowerment initiatives, honouring her legacy of progressive governance and cultural contributions.
About Ahilyabai Holkar:
- Early Life: Born on May 31, 1725, in Chondi village (in erstwhile Ahilyanagar District), Maharashtra, Ahilyabai belonged to the Shephard community. Her father, a village head, taught her to read and write- rare for girls then.
- Marriage and Loss: Married to Khande Rao Holkar in 1733, she was widowed in 1754. Her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar, saw her potential and stopped her from committing sati.
- Rise to power: After the deaths of her husband, father-in-law, and son, she became ruler of Malwa in 1765 with support from the Peshwa and her army.
- Capital and Leadership: She moved the capital to Maheshwar, making it a centre of culture, governance, and trade.
- Military and Administration: Ahilyabai personally led armies and appointed Tukoji Rao Holkar as military commander. She promoted justice, welfare, and agricultural growth.
Legacy and Contributions:
- Temple Restoration: Rebuilt the present-day Kashi Vishwanath Temple in 1780 and renovated shrines across India, including in Somnath, Haridwar, Pushkar, and Rameswaram.
- Pilgrim Support: Built rest houses, pilgrim shelters, and ghats to support religious travellers.
- Maheshwari Sari and Weavers: Promoted the handloom industry, empowering local weavers and women economically.
- Social Reforms: Protected widows’ rights, supported tribal communities, and ran a secular and inclusive administration.
- Cultural Patronage: Her court welcomed poets and scholars, including Moropant and Khushali Ram, making Maheshwar an intellectual hub.
- Peaceful Rule: Her 30-year reign was free from war, making Malwa a rare place of peace and prosperity in a chaotic era.
- Recognition: Jawaharlal Nehru called her an able ruler; British historian John Keay called her “The Philosopher Queen”.
- Ongoing Honour: A proposal exists to rename Ahmednagar in Maharashtra as Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Nagar in her memory.
PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION
Question: Why was Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar recently in the news in 2025?
A. A new biography was released on her life and legacy
B. The Government of India declared her birthday a national holiday
C. The Prime Minister paid tributes to her on her 300th birth anniversary
D. The city of Indore was renamed in her honour
Correct Answer: C. The Prime Minister paid tributes to her on her 300th birth anniversary
