All about Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maratha queen and feminist icon

The Queen of Malwa, Ahilyabai Holkar, fondly referred to as
Rajmata Ahilya Bai, was among the most successful and celebrated Maratha
rulers. Rajmata, who was known for strong opinions and bravery, was married to
Maratha subedar Malhar Rao Holkar’s son Khanderao.

Today, on the 296th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai,
a feminist, a prudent leader, a valiant warrior, and a wise scholar, here are
some interesting facts about her: 

1.     
Ahilyabai Holkar was born on May 31, 1725 in Jamkhed,
Ahmednagar in the erstwhile Malwa kingdom.

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2.     
Despite not being born in a royal family, her
inclusion into royalty came purely by chance, as Malhar Rao Holkar, a nobleman
in the Malwa territory, was moved seeing an eight-year-old Ahilyabai feeding the
needy outside a temple and subsequntly asked her hand in marriage for his son
Khanderao Holkar.

3.     
After the death of both Malhar Rao and Khanderao
Holkar, the kingdom witnessed a strong power vacuum. Despite personal grief,
including the aforementioned deaths and the death of her younger son shortly
afterwards, Ahilyabai ascended the throne on December 11, 1767 and became the ruler
of Indore.

4.     
Indore, the Malwa seat of power was transformed
under her into a flourishing city. Ahilyabai is renowned for building many
roads and forts in the Malwa region, as well as for philanthropic contributions to
various festivals and Hindu temples. The capital was well-recognised for its artists
and craftsmen, skilled in their work.

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5.     
In a letter, she is credited with warning the Maratha
Peshwa about the devious intentions of the British in India in 1772, and noting
that it would be rather difficult to triumph over them.

6.     
Ahilyabai Holkar, as per historical accounts, used
to address grievances of her subjects frequently.

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“The poor, the homeless, the orphaned were
all helped according to their needs. The Bhils, who had long been the torment
of all caravans, were routed from their mountain fastnesses and persuaded to
settle down as honest farmers. Hindu and Musalman alike revered the famous
Queen and prayed for her long life”, a Hindustan Times report quotes historian
Annie Bessant as having written.

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7.     
She died at the age of 70 years after a 30-year rule.
Her Commander, Tukoji Rao Holkar I, replaced her afterwards.

In August, 1995, a stamp commemorating her memory was issued by the Government of India. Additionally, Indore’s domestic airport has been named after her.