Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar – 300th Birth Anniversary Commemoration

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Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar – 300th Birth Anniversary Commemoration

ANALYSIS

1. Context

• On 31 May 2025, the Prime Minister inaugurated multiple development projects in Bhopal on the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar.
• A commemorative postage stamp and a ₹300 special coin featuring her portrait were released.
• The National Devi Ahilyabai Award was presented to a woman artist contributing to tribal, folk, and traditional arts.
• Earlier, on 20 September 2024, the PM launched the ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme’ in Maharashtra offering ₹25 lakh financial assistance to women-led startups, with 25% reservation for women from backward classes and EWS.

2. Life History of Ahilyabai Holkar

1. Birth and Background
   • Born on 31 May 1725 in Chondi, Jamkhed (Ahmednagar, Maharashtra).
   • Came from a humble family; father Mankoji Rao Shinde taught her reading and writing.
2. Early Life and Marriage
   • Noticed by Malhar Rao Holkar, who married her to his son Khanderao Holkar in 1733.
3. Personal Tragedies
   • Husband Khanderao died during the Siege of Kumher Fort (1754).
   • Prevented from committing sati by Malhar Rao, who trained her in administration and warfare.
   • Malhar Rao died in 1766; her son Male Rao died in 1767.
4. Rise to Power
   • Petitioned the Peshwa to allow her to take charge of Malwa; despite opposition, the army backed her.
   • Became ruler of Indore on 11 December 1767.

3. Governance and Administration

1. Military and Strategic Skills
   • Trained in warfare; led armies herself.
   • Laid the foundation of the Holkar army in 1792 (as per narrative tradition).
2. Good Governance
   • Held daily public audiences.
   • Ensured justice, welfare, and effective administration.
   • Capital Maheshwar became a cultural hub for poets, artists, musicians, and scholars.
3. Economic Contributions
   • Established the textile industry in Maheshwar, now famous for Maheshwari sarees.
   • Encouraged trade, supported farmers, and promoted industrial activity.

4. Nation-Building Contributions

1. Temple Construction and Restoration
   • Renovated Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1780).
   • Rebuilt Old (Juna) Somnath Temple in Gujarat.
   • Built and restored temples across Haridwar, Kashi, Somnath, Rameshwaram, and more.
2. Infrastructure Development
   • Built roads, ghats, wells, tanks, and dharamshalas across India.
   • Encouraged education by establishing gurukuls and schools.
3. Women’s Empowerment
   • Created a women’s army trained in self-defense and administrative security—remarkable for the 18th century.
4. Cultural Patronage
   • Patronized arts, literature, and music, turning her kingdom into a cultural center.

5. Legacy

• Passed away on 13 August 1795 at the age of 70.
• Referred to as the “Philosopher Queen” for her wisdom and philanthropic outlook.
• Remembered for rebuilding Kashi Vishwanath and uplifting Indore and Maheshwar.
• Her works continue to shape India’s cultural and architectural heritage.

STATIC PORTION 

1. Holkar Dynasty
   • Part of the Maratha Confederacy.
   • Capital: Indore / Maheshwar (during Ahilyabai’s rule).
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple Reconstruction
   • Rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar in 1780 after its destruction by Mughal rulers.
3. Maheshwari Sarees
   • Origin: Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh.
   • Patron: Ahilyabai Holkar.
4. Peshwa Role
   • Supreme authority in Maratha polity who approved her accession.

Updated – 31 May 2025 ; 06:02 PM | PIB

News Source: PIB (https://www.pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=154531&ModuleId=2)