The 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar was celebrated on May 31, 2024, honoring the remarkable queen of Malwa for her contributions to Indian history and culture.

About Devi Ahilyabai Holkar (1725 – 1795)

• Birth and Early Life: Born in Chondi village, Ahmednagar, in 1725, Devi Ahilyabai was the daughter of Mankoji Rao Shinde.
• Marriage: She married Khanderao Holkar, and became the queen of Malwa following his death in 1754, who was killed in the Battle of Kumbher.
• Succession: After her husband's death, Devi Ahilyabai became the ruler of Malwa and appointed Tukoji Rao Holkar, her adopted son, as the commander of her army.
• Capital: She established Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh as the seat of the Holkar dynasty.

Key Contributions

• Temple Reconstruction: Devi Ahilyabai was instrumental in the reconstruction of several temples. Notably:
• Somnath Temple: Rebuilt under her patronage, this temple is believed to be the first jyotirlinga, and has faced repeated destruction and rebuilding over the centuries, including invasions by Mahmud Ghazni, Delhi Sultans, and Aurangzeb.
• Kashi Vishvanath Temple: Located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, this temple is one of the twelve jyotirlingas and was also supported under her reign.
• Patronage of Arts:
• Khushali Ram: A Sanskrit scholar who received her patronage.
• Moropant: A Marathi poet known for his works, including a political commentary on the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and numerous Akhyanes based on puranas.
• Shahir Anantaphandi: Known for composing Lavani and Powadas, traditional Marathi forms of music and poetry.
• Social Development:
• Women’s Education and Social Reform: Advocated for women's education, widow remarriage, and fought against practices like Sati and Untouchability.
• Support for Tribes and Lower Castes: Worked to integrate Bhil and Gond tribes and lower castes into mainstream society.
• Economic Contributions:
• Tax System: Implemented a well-organized tax system, which contributed to economic stability.
• Trade and Commerce: Maheshwar and Indore became major centers of trade.
• Maheswari Weaving Industry: Promoted the local weaving industry, with Maheswari sarees and fabrics recognized as handicraft goods under Geographical Indications (GI).

Holkar Dynasty

• Role in Maratha Confederacy: The Holkar Dynasty was a crucial member of the Maratha Confederacy, an alliance of Maratha clans which included the Bhonsles of Nagpur, Gaekwads of Baroda, and Sindhias of Gwalior.
• Third Anglo-Maratha War:
• Malhar Rao II: Ruler of the Holkar Dynasty from 1811 to 1833, played a significant role in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1819).
• Treaty of Mandsaur: After the battle of Mahidpur and Malhar Rao II's defeat, the Treaty of Mandsaur was signed in 1818, defining the future relationship between the Holkars and the British.

Legacy

Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's reign is celebrated for its advancements in cultural, social, and economic domains. Her contributions to temple restoration, arts, social reforms, and economic development have left a lasting impact on Indian history, and her legacy continues to be honored and remembered.

Araku Coffee, particularly known for its Araku Arabica variety, has gained notable recognition, including mention in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' program. This coffee is celebrated for its unique qualities and sustainable production practices.

Key Points:

Geographical Origin:

• Location: Araku Coffee is cultivated in the hilly regions of the Araku Valley, situated in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh and extending into Odisha.
• Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: The coffee was granted a GI tag in 2019, which helps protect its unique identity and quality tied to its geographical origin.
• Growing Conditions:
• Climate: The coffee benefits from the valley's distinctive climate, characterized by hot days and cold nights. This temperature variation helps the coffee beans ripen slowly, enhancing their flavor and aroma.
• Soil: The iron-rich soil in the region contributes to the coffee's rich taste and aromatic profile.

Sustainable Practices:

• Organic Farming: Araku Coffee is produced using organic methods. The cultivation process emphasizes the use of organic manures, green manuring, and organic pest management practices.
• Tribal Involvement: The coffee is primarily grown by tribal communities in the region, who have traditionally practiced sustainable agriculture.
• Characteristics:
• Flavor Profile: Araku Coffee is known for its distinctive aromatic richness and complex flavor profile, which is attributed to the unique growing conditions and organic farming practices.
• Variety: The coffee is specifically an Arabica variety, which is renowned for its smooth and nuanced taste compared to other coffee types.

Economic and Cultural Impact:

• Local Economy: The cultivation of Araku Coffee supports the livelihoods of tribal farmers in the region, providing them with a sustainable income source.
• Cultural Heritage: The traditional methods of cultivation and the involvement of local communities add cultural value to the coffee, making it an important part of the region’s heritage.

Recognition and Promotion:

• National Attention: The mention in the Prime Minister’s 'Mann ki Baat' has increased awareness and recognition of Araku Coffee, highlighting its significance in India’s coffee industry.

Significance:

Araku Coffee exemplifies a successful model of combining traditional agricultural practices with modern sustainability efforts. Its GI tag not only protects its unique identity but also promotes the preservation of indigenous farming methods and supports local economies. The coffee’s distinct flavor, derived from its unique growing conditions and organic cultivation, underscores its value as a premium product in the global coffee market.

Recent Developments

• Disaster Assistance: India has recently extended aid to Papua New Guinea, which has been severely affected by a massive landslide. This gesture highlights India’s commitment to the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and its role in regional humanitarian efforts.

Significance of Pacific Islands Nations for India

• Geopolitical Importance:
• Indo-Pacific Strategy: The Pacific Islands are pivotal to India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which aims to maintain a free, open, and inclusive region.
• Geostrategic Location: The islands offer strategic maritime opportunities and potential for military alliances, as the Indo-Pacific becomes a central arena for global power competition.
• Global South Credibility: Engagement with these nations helps India advocate for developing countries in global forums like the G-20 and G-7, enhancing South-South cooperation.
• Economic Leverage:
• Maritime Trade: Trade between India and FIPIC was valued at $571.66 million in 2021-22.
• Resource Security: The large Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Pacific island nations provide opportunities for partnerships in the Blue Economy.
• Reformed Multilateralism:
• Global Stance: Pacific Island nations can help build a collective stance on global issues, supporting India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC).
• Climate Change Commitment:
• International Solar Alliance (ISA): Some Pacific nations are members, aligning with India’s climate goals.
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): India has encouraged Pacific nations to join this coalition.
• Diaspora and Historical Ties:
• Fiji: Over one-third of Fiji’s population is of Indian origin.
• Historical Links: Nations like Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands share colonial ties with India as former British colonies.

India’s Engagement with Pacific Island Nations

• Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI, 2019):
• A non-treaty-based initiative aimed at managing, conserving, and securing the maritime domain in the region.
• Grant-in-Aid and Concessional Credits:
• Focus on renewable energy and climate projects.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR):
• COVID-19: Provided vaccines and other relief efforts.
• Election Process Facilitation:
• Papua New Guinea: Supplied indelible ink for elections.
• Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC):
• Sagar Amrut Scholarship Scheme: Offers 1,000 training opportunities to Pacific Island countries.
• India-UN Development Partnership Fund (2017):
• Assists Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
• Community Development Projects:
• Marshall Islands: Funded community development projects.
• Fiji: Supported healthcare with a Super Specialty Cardiology Hospital.

Challenges in Cooperation

• Geopolitical Competition:
• China’s Influence: China’s increasing strategic presence, including a security pact with the Solomon Islands in 2022, challenges India’s influence in the region.
• Resource Constraints:
• Domestic Priorities: India’s need for domestic investment may limit its ability to provide substantial international aid.
• Geographical Distance:
• Diplomatic Engagement: The vast distance complicates regular interactions and project implementation.
• Vulnerability:
• Natural Disasters: Pacific Island nations face severe impacts from natural disasters and supply chain disruptions.
• Exclusion from Global Policy Discussions:
• Policy Influence: These nations are often excluded from significant global policy discussions, such as those by QUAD and AUKUS.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Diplomatic Engagement:
• High-Level Dialogues: Increase regular dialogues and outreach to enhance diplomatic presence and engagement.
• Climate Resilience Projects:
• Leadership in Climate Change: India can offer technology and expertise to support climate resilience initiatives in the region.
• Maritime Cooperation:
• Regional Stability: Collaborate on issues like illegal fishing, piracy, and marine pollution to contribute to regional and global stability.
• Enhanced Economic Partnerships:
• Strategic Investment: Allocate resources strategically in infrastructure and sustainable development, with regular reviews to strengthen economic ties.

Conclusion

India’s engagement with Pacific Island nations reflects a commitment to regional stability, climate resilience, and economic cooperation. Despite challenges such as geopolitical competition and resource constraints, India can leverage its strategic interests and historical ties to build stronger partnerships and contribute to the broader Indo-Pacific strategy. The emphasis on humanitarian aid and developmental assistance underscores India’s role as a key player in the region’s future.