Contributions of Ahilya Bai Holkar

Source-This post on Contributions of Ahilya Bai Holkar has been created based on the article “When a Holkar queen gave India Ram Rajya” published in “The Indian Express” on 31 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-1– Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

Context- The article celebrates the 300th birth anniversary of Maratha queen Ahilya Bai Holkar, a great administrator, visionary, and spiritually inclined figure.

It emphasizes the frequently neglected roles of courageous women in shaping the India we see today, as the historical glorification of men often hides their stories.

Who was Ahilya Bai Holker?

Introduction-She was born in 1725 to a shepherd family in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.
She endeavored to establish herself as a leader in her own right, not merely known as Khande Rao Holkar’s wife.Her 30-year reign brought peace and financial stability to her kingdom.

Leadership and Governance– Breaking patriarchal norms, she took over as monarch after her husband’s death, displaying exceptional leadership skills. Recognizing societal constraints on her as a woman and widow, she appointed Tukoji Holkar, a trusted soldier, as the commander of her army.

What were the contributions of Ahilya Bai Holkar?

1) Spiritual and Architectural Contributions-

A) She resurrected and renovated jyotirlingas across the country as a tribute to Lord Shiva, including at Somnath, Varanasi, Trambak, Gaya, Pushkar, Vrindavan, Nathdwara, Haridwar, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.

B) She installed idols in secret shrines under temples, providing additional security to protect against attacks and iconoclasm.

2) Civilizational Contribution– She defied Mughal rule and united her subjects with a shared cultural identity, regardless of their social or religious backgrounds.

3) Promotion of Crafts and Economic Development-She promoted the traditional Maheshwari sari weave, empowering women through skill development. The production of Maheshwari saris increased state revenue and provided a steady income source for weavers.

4) Environmental Protection-She also made efforts to develop Indore, conserve forests and animals, and foster trade and commerce in her kingdom.

5) Promoted Inclusive Governance– Ahilya Bai’s reign was akin to true Ram Rajya, with flourishing farmers, restored faiths, and inclusivity. She mainstreamed the Bhil and Gond castes, an important but less talked about achievement.

Read more- Rani Chennamma

What is the legacy of Ahilya Bai?

Ahilya Bai’s legacy extends beyond her contribution to temple renovation, encompassing overall governance that brought social harmony and a blueprint for Ram Rajya in modern times. Her impact cannot be overlooked, as she provided a model for samajik samrasta (social harmony) through inclusive and effective rules.

While celebrated regionally, Ahilya Bai’s national recognition is limited due to gender bias, despite commanding respect from contemporaries and later historians and intellectuals.

Question for practice

Highlight the contributions of Ahilya Bai Holkar in advancing inclusive governance and social harmony?