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Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Celebrating Rani Ahilyabai Holkar gives us an opportunity to reclaim our history
The Indian Subcontinent has always been a land of flourishing science, arts, and culture. The foreign rule, however, reshaped our politics, epistemology and narratives. It colonised us to such an extent that we started undermining our own cultural traditions. This uncritical engagement with colonisers' knowledge system produced a sense of inferiority. Anything Indic was considered less significant. Against this backdrop, it is essential to critically look at our colonial past to restore the ancient civilisational wisdom and decolonise our consciousness. The British depicted our past as savage and uncivilised. Often, they questioned the status of women in our society without knowing our civilisational legacy of having women across spheres — goddesses, philosophers, rulers and extraordinary women leaders. Celebrating these women's courage, valour, and ethical wisdom is one of the ways to reclaim Indic epistemology — a step towards achieving Viksit Bharat. If women figures like Maitreyi and Lopamudra marked our history in the Vedic age, in medieval India, there were devotees like Mirabai, and in the British period, there were revolutionaries like Jhalkaribai, Uda Devi, and Rani Abbakka Chowta. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar was also one such icon. Her political consciousness, spiritual nationalism, sense of duty, service, and wisdom made her an icon. Born on May 31, 1725, in Chondi village of Maharashtra, Rani Holkar ruled Malwa territory (a major part of which is now in Madhya Pradesh) from 1767 to 1795. The Holkar dynasty under the Maratha Empire achieved its peak during her tenure. Rooted in the civilisational ethos of samajik samrasta — a philosophical vision that aims to foster an equitable and dignified society — her policies addressed disadvantaged groups, specifically the Bhils, Gonds, and Dalits. Her efforts to bring the marginalised to the mainstream were evident in the implementation of Bhilwadi taxes that brought Bhil and Gond tribes into the administrative fold. Holkar's unequivocal defence of rights of widows over their deceased husbands' properties was way ahead of its time. The transport routes in Malwa, along with various social and public infrastructure, like temples, dharamshalas, water tanks, bathing ghats and comparable facilities within the region and at distant sacred sites — including Varanasi, Dwarka and Rameshwaram — still testify to her excellence. These infrastructural developments helped bridge the distance between different territories and their people. Her leadership established Maheshwar as a prominent textile production hub, giving rise to the Maheshwari handloom industry. Her administration supported artisans with resources and training to improve their skills. She also implemented balanced trade practices, developed markets, and established quality standards. Nari shakti is one of the key concepts in Bharatiya darshan shastra (Indian philosophy). Rani Holkar showed how women could be both compassionate, nurturing, and, at the same time, strong and decisive. The strand of modern feminism that speaks of embracing femininity instead of conceiving masculine traits to be superior was a defining feature of her leadership. She was a feminist much before feminism was conceptualised in the West. Her spiritual nationalism was manifested in the reconsecration of several religious structures allegedly desecrated by foreign invaders. The works of social reformers Aurobindo Ghosh and Deendayal Upadhayay on spiritual nationalism and antyodaya (marginalised) echo the foundational ethos and culture of Bharat that Rani Holkar upheld throughout her life. The post-colonial idea of secularism represents the Western understanding. However, the separation of church and state — it mostly defines Western secularism — is an alien concept for our ancient civilisation. In India, the concept of religion has been so fluid that to confine it within a proto-theistical paradigm of the West would be anachronistic. For us, 'dharma' goes much beyond religion and manifests itself in duties, responsibilities and conduct. It is a concept that transcends the monotheistic limits of understanding. Our basic philosophical concept is not right-based; rather, it is duty-based. For Holkar, dharma was an important element to bring everyone together. Her notions of sewa, nyaya and dharma are also evident in the work of PM Narendra Modi, who upholds an inclusive cultural narrative: Sabka saath sabka vikas. Holkar's life, contribution, and philosophy need more engagement from our scholars, activists and common people. Only the knowledge of the past can help us understand the present and reclaim history. The writer is assistant professor of Sociology, Lakshmibai College, Delhi University
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Ahilyabai Holkar was not just a ruler, but also a symbol of women empowerment": Haryana CM Saini
Kurukshetra (Haryana) [India], May 31 (ANI): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday paid rich tributes to Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar on the occasion of her 300th birth anniversary. Addressing the state-level Holkar Jayanti Samaroh, the Chief Minister stated that Ahilyabai Holkar was not just a ruler, but also a symbol of women's empowerment. Chief Minister Saini lauded Ahilyabai Holkar's contributions, especially her efforts in restoring sacred temples across India during times of historical turbulence. '... When some Mughals tried to destroy our temples, Mata Ahilyabai Holkar opened up her coffers for the welfare of the poor. Whether it is Kashi Vishwanath temple or Somnath temple, she worked to complete construction of these temples. Not only temples, she worked for the religion and culture. We bow to her. PM Modi is taking her work forward... the construction of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is the completion of her work. Ahilyabai Holkar Ji was not just a ruler, but also a symbol of women empowerment,' CM Saini said. In a social media post on X, the Chief Minister further lauded Ahilyabai Holkar for her contributions in the field of religion, justice, public service, women empowerment and cultural renaissance, calling it a 'source of inspiration' for the society. CM Saini wrote, 'Today, it is a matter of pride and honour for me to participate in the state-level function organised on the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar ji in Kurukshetra under the 'Saint Mahapurush Samman and Vichar Prasar Yojana'. The exemplary work done by Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in her life in the field of religion, justice, public service, women empowerment and cultural renaissance is still a source of inspiration for the society.' 'Our Government, under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, following the path shown by Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar ji, is not only preserving the cultural heritage of the country but also realizing the resolve of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,' the post added. Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar is remembered for her people-centric policies, deep commitment to economic and socio-cultural issues, especially those that affected the life of women. She encouraged the education of women and their participation in the social and religious life of the local community. She supported and encouraged women weavers to make Maheshwari sarees. Her contributions were wide-ranging from infrastructure development (water bodies, roads, dharamshalas) to reconstruction and revival of temples across the length and breadth of the land. The edifices created by her have not only left an indelible mark on India's cultural and spiritual landscape but also stood the test of time. (ANI)
The Print
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
PM Modi takes part in Bhopal event on 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, launches projects
Ahilyabai Holkar, the revered queen of the Holkar dynasty in 18th-century Malwa, is remembered for her exceptional governance, commitment to social welfare, and contributions towards culture and spirituality. During the programme at Jamboori Maidan here, he also virtually inaugurated the Super Priority Corridor of Indore Metro, Datia and Satna airports and laid the foundation stone of various developmental projects. Bhopal, May 31 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took part in a 'Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan' in Bhopal on the 300th birth anniversary of legendary queen Ahilyabai Holkar. Modi also transferred the first instalment of 1,271 new Atal Gram Seva Sadan (Panchayat Bhawan), built at Rs 483 crore. The six-km-long Super Priority Corridor of Indore Metro is part of the Metro Yellow Line, which includes 5 stations. It will give Indore, the country's cleanest city, a modern, pollution-free and fast transport facility, a first in Madhya Pradesh, according to officials. The PM released a postal stamp and a Rs 300 commemorative coin dedicated to Ahilyabai. He also honoured the artist, who has made a significant contribution to tribal, folk and traditional arts, with the National Devi Ahilyabai Award on the occasion. PTI MAS NR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
PM Narendra Modi to unveil Indore's first Metro, 2 airports in Madhya Pradesh today
BHOPAL/INDORE: Indore, the country's cleanest city, will get its first Metro train on Saturday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off the inaugural run during his visit to Bhopal for a Women Empowerment Conference on the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai. The PM will also inaugurate Satna and Datia airports, lay the foundation for construction of ghats on River Kshipra under a Rs 778 crore project and transfer the first instalment for 1,271 new panchayat bhavans, costing Rs 483 crore. PM Modi will release a postage stamp and 35g coin dedicated to Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai. A govt official said the Rs 300-denomination coin is the first such in the world. Governor Mangubhai Patel, chief minister Mohan Yadav and Union culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will attend the event at Bhopal's Jamboree Maidan where the PM will address a gathering of over 2 lakh women. The CM said it will be a "historic day" for Madhya Pradesh. Over 150 years after the Holkar rulers initiated construction of Indore's first railway line (to Khandwa) at a cost of Rs 1 crore, a Rs 7,500 crore is on to give citizens a hassle-free commute across the historic city. The network is over 31.3km long, of which the first stretch of 6km will be inaugurated by the PM on Saturday. Indore Metro's opening route has five stations: Gandhinagar and Super Corridor-6, 5, 4 and 3.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
PM Modi to address gathering at queen Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's birth anniversary celebrations in Bhopal on May 31
BHOPAL: Eighteenth century's legendary Holkar dynasty queen Devi Ahilyabai Holkar – who is famous for good governance and social reforms, besides cultural patronage and religious contributions – is presently at the centerstage of BJP's development politics in Madhya Pradesh. Ongoing celebrations marking the 300th birth anniversary of the visionary queen of Malwa kingdom, which began in September 2024, will reach its zenith on May 31 (the birth anniversary date) – when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the 'Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan' at Bhopal's Jamboree Maidan. The mega gathering of women (perhaps the first all women mega gathering to be addressed by the PM anywhere since Operation Sindoor) will see the presence of two lakh women from across the state. 'The gathering will have the presence of women entrepreneurs, workers, self help group members as well as beneficiaries of various women-oriented welfare schemes, like CM Ladli Behna Yojana. It will also see the PM virtually inaugurating the metro railway for Indore, unveiling new airports in Satna and Datia and foundation laying of a Kshipra river ghat in Ujjain,' state's urban development and housing minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said. 'While the PM will inaugurate the projects virtually from Bhopal, union ministers are likely to be present in each of the locations, Indore, Ujjain, Satna and Datia simultaneously,' he said.
