Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, who reigned over Central India during the 18th Century, played a pivotal role in protecting her kingdom and writing one of the glorious chapters of the empire. Her life testifies to the importance of male allyship and a perfect combination of courage and compassion that an able leader needs.
Widowed at 29, on the verge of committing Sati, and losing her young son, life was never easy for Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar. However, she was destined to take the kingdom to heights with courage.
The early story
Drawn by her compassion as a young girl, Malhar Rao Holkar, king of the Malwa region, got his son Khanderao married to her when she was just 8. Home-schooled by her father, she learned to read and write at a time, when education was not considered unimportant for girls.
There were many such exceptions to her life, building a prosperous kingdom in her three-decade reign. After her husband’s passing away, her father-in-law stopped her from committing Sati, a practice in which the widow of the deceased man immolates in his lit funeral pyre. After almost a decade, soon after the passing away of her father-in-law and her young son, she ascended the throne. Though there was opposition to a woman assuming powers, her army of men supported her, and she began leading the kingdom from the front.
She faced invaders just days after taking over the reins of the kingdom, but little did they know that it wasn’t a weakling they were facing. She led from the front and ousted them in a brave battle.
Compassionate and approachable, she was always available for her people and prodded them to reach heights and progress.
The rise of the kingdom
In her rule, Ahilyabai ensured she fought from the front wielding swords. Her political acumen was specifically strong as she saw through the designs of the British when the Peshwa rulers couldn’t sense it.
From constructing step wells to patronizing temples and building rest houses that stretched from the Himalayas on the North to South, her contribution had no bounds.
One of the highlights of her work was the growth of Indore as a huge commercial center. Her eye for prospects also led to the growth of Maheshwari weaves, where she invited handicrafts persons to develop the weave making it a sought-after textile from the center in Maheshwar on the banks of the Narmada River.
Hailed as the saint queen in records of her times and reign, Ahilyabai was also a strong voice in favor of women’s empowerment. Knowing the pain of being close to committing it, she also advocated against Sati and pioneered the concept of women’s education.
Nurturing a kingdom that became a melting pot of culture, literature, and a symbol of prosperity in every possible way, Ahilyabai is remembered centuries after her passing way as the noble queen who faced adversities but wasn’t deterred by any to build a flourishing empire.
Watch this space throughout International Women’s Month to know more about some strong and impactful women who shaped India’s history!
