GS I-History
Birth and Family Background:
- Born in 1725 in Chondi village, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra.
- Father: Mankoji Rao Shinde.
- Married to Khanderao Holkar, son of Malhar Rao Holkar, the founder of the Holkar dynasty.
Her Rise to Power:
- Khanderao Holkar was killed in the Battle of Kumbher (1754).
- After his death, Ahilyabai took charge of the Holkar dynasty under the guidance of her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar.
- She appointed Tukoji Rao Holkar (Malhar Rao’s adopted son) as the commander of her army.
- She established Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh) as the capital of the Holkar dynasty.
Contributions:
Temple Reconstruction:
- Patronized the reconstruction of Somnath Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva) in Gujarat.
- Supported the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas on the western bank of the Ganges.
- Somnath Temple, believed to be the first Jyotirlinga, had faced multiple raids—Mahmud Ghazni (1024), Delhi Sultanate (1297 & 1394), and Aurangzeb (1706).
Promotion of Arts and Literature:
- Patronized Sanskrit scholar Khushali Ram and Marathi poets Moropant and Shahir Anantaphandi.
- Moropant: Known for his political commentaries on the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and works like Aryabhata and Kekavati.
- Shahir Anantaphandi: Famous for composing Lavani and Powadas.
Social Development:
- Championed women’s education and widow remarriage.
- Actively resisted social evils like Sati and untouchability.
- Worked to integrate Bhil and Gond tribes as well as lower castes into mainstream society.
Economic Initiatives:
- Implemented a well-organized tax system.
- Promoted trade and commerce, making Maheshwar and Indore important centers.
- Encouraged the Maheshwari weaving industry, now recognized under the Geographical Indications (GI) tag as Maheshwari sarees and fabrics.
The Holkar Dynasty
- Part of the Maratha Confederacy, alongside the Bhonsle of Nagpur, Gaekwad of Baroda, and Sindhia of Gwalior.
- Malhar Rao II (1811–1833) played a significant role in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1819).
- After the defeat at the Battle of Mahidpur, the Treaty of Mandsaur (1818) established the Holkars’ relationship with the British.