Lokmata Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar Jayanti

Salutations on the birth anniversary of Lokmata Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar - 

A symbol of Justice, Compassion, and Woman Power – an embodiment of divine virtues, who blessed Madhya Pradesh with her service and ascetic life!

Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar (31 May 1725 – 13 August 1795) was the revered queen of the Malwa Empire and a prominent ruler of the Holkar dynasty. She holds a significant place in the glorious history of the Maratha Empire and is known for her wise governance, social reforms, and religious endeavors.

Ahilyabai Holkar was born into an ordinary farmer’s family in Maharashtra. Her father, Mankoji Shinde, was an ordinary farmer. 

At the tender age of eight, she was married to Khanderao, the son of Malhar Rao Holkar, the founder of the Indore state.

After the death of her husband Khanderao, Ahilyabai assumed the responsibilities of governance and ruled the Malwa state from 1765 to 1795.

Ahilyabai undertook numerous welfare initiatives for her subjects and extended her contributions beyond her own state. She built temples, developed pilgrimage sites, established dharamshalas (rest houses) and Annakshetras (food distribution centers), and promoted education and healthcare. She helped the poor, introduced new laws for the welfare of widows, and built ashrams for widows, orphans, and the disabled — not only in Indore but across other regions as well. She also established bhojanalayas (community kitchens), Dharamshalas, inns, and water facilities like stepwells.

Ahilyabai Holkar was not just a ruler — she was a symbol of dharma, justice, service, and women’s empowerment. She always worked in the best interests of her people and state.

She personally led her army in many battles, riding on an elephant and fighting with great bravery.

Her administrative style was simple and accessible. She always treated her subjects with great love and kindness.  She is remembered in history for her fairness, simplicity, bravery, social reforms, and efficient leadership, and is revered as Lokmata (Mother of the People).

                             A rare example of impartial justice 
Once, to uphold impartial justice, Ahilyabai even ordered the death penalty for her only son. However, upon the heartfelt plea of the aggrieved mother and the public appeal, the punishment was later revoked.

Ahilyabai Holkar’s name is revered throughout India. In her honor, Ahilyotsav is celebrated annually on Bhadrapad Krishna Chaturdashi in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

A contemporary English poetess, Joanna Baillie, once wrote:

“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.”

Former Vice President Dr. Gopal Swarup Pathak said:

“Ahilyabai was the living symbol of Indian culture. Many adversities and trials came upon this radiant woman, but she faced them all with great patience and upheld dharma while protecting the state. That was her uniqueness. She upheld the traditions of Indian culture. 

As long as Indian culture lives, we will continue to draw inspiration from the life of Ahilyabai.”

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said: 
 “When she ascended the throne, she was a 30-year-old young widow, yet she was remarkably successful in state administration. She personally oversaw state affairs, avoided wars, maintained peace, and brought prosperity to her state at a time when much of India was in turmoil. It is no surprise, that even today, she is worshipped like a goddess in India.”

                                                    " Rajan Sachdeva "