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NDTV
3 days ago
- General
- NDTV
Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar Birth Anniversary: Remembering the Warrior Queen Who Shaped Indian History
On the occasion of her birth anniversary, the nation pays tribute to Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, the revered queen of the Maratha Malwa kingdom, whose remarkable legacy of leadership, courage, and devotion to public welfare continues to inspire generations. Early Life and Background Born on 31 May 1725 in the village of Chaundi in present-day Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, Ahilyabai defied the norms of her time. Educated at home by her father, Mankoji Rao Shinde, she rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected rulers in Indian history. Marriage into the Holkar Family Her life took a pivotal turn when Malhar Rao Holkar, a Maratha noble under Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, noticed the young girl during a temple visit. Impressed by her poise and piety, he arranged her marriage to his son, Khanderao Holkar. Following Khanderao's death in the 1754 Battle of Kumbher and the subsequent demise of her father-in-law, Ahilyabai ascended to the throne in 1767. Leadership Prowess and Philanthropic Contributions Across India As queen, Ahilyabai led with unmatched resolve. She protected her kingdom from invasions, led military campaigns, and appointed Tukojirao Holkar as commander-in-chief. But her true legacy lies in her philanthropy-building hundreds of Hindu temples, dharamshalas, wells, and ghats across India, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and temples in Dwarka, Somnath, and Rameswaram. Commitment to Women's Empowerment Ahilyabai Holkar is also remembered for her people-centric policies and deep commitment to economic and socio-cultural issues, especially those that affected the lives 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 saris. Breaking Social Norms Ahilyabai also broke social barriers by arranging her daughter Muktabai's marriage to a brave yet poor man, Yashwantrao, based on merit rather than wealth. Remembered as a wise, just, and progressive ruler, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar's birth anniversary is a celebration of visionary leadership rooted in service and devotion.
Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
First Maharashtra cabinet meeting in Ahilyanagar sanctions Rs 681 crore for Ahilyadevi Holkar memorial at Choundi
After the Maharashtra cabinet met in Ahilyanagar for the first time, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced a Rs 681-crore plan to develop the memorial in Choundi to Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar, who was the queen of the Maratha Malwa kingdom. 'The plan is to develop the area into a national-level inspiration place and a pilgrim centre,' the chief minister said. Choundi is the birthplace of Ahilyadevi Holkar. 'The state government is following the path shown by Ahilyadevi Holkar. In the tri-centenary year of her birth, the government took up the work which was close to Ahilyadevi Holkar. Her life and work should be made popular across the world. For this, we have taken a decision to produce a multilingual movie on her,' he added. Fadnavis said the government would also set up a medical college in Ahilyanagar and name it Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College. He further announced a plan to set up an ITI in Ahilyanagar. 'We will implement a new mission for women's empowerment…Our effort is to create social, health and financial awareness. We will also honour the women working in these fields,' he said. The chief minister also sanctioned Rs 147 crore for the Ashtavinayak temple, Rs 1,865 crore for the Tulja Bhavani temple plan, Rs 259 crore for the Jyotiba Temple plan, Rs 275 crore for the Trimbakeshwar temple plan, Rs 1,445 crore for the Mahalaxmi Mandir plan, and Rs 829 crore for the Mahurgad development plan.
