Daily News Analysis

Devi Ahilyabai Holkar: Celebrating a Legacy

stylish_lining

 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.

Asiatic Wild Dog

Asiatic Wild Dog A new study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has confirmed the return of the dhole (Asiatic wild dog) to Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL) in Assam, after being beli
Share It

Kolhapuri Chappals

Kolhapuri Chappals Kolhapuri Chappals are a traditional type of handcrafted leather footwear originating from Kolhapur, a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra History and Origin Or
Share It

THAAD Missile System

THAAD Missile System The United States utilized 15-20% of its THAAD missile inventory during a recent 12-day conflict involving Israeli and U.S. strikes on nuclear facilities.This deployment
Share It

India's First Butterfly Sanctuary: Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary

India's First Butterfly Sanctuary: Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary In a significant step towards biodiversity conservation, Kerala has established India’s first butterfly sanctuary, located in
Share It

Global Gender Gap Index 2025

Global Gender Gap Index 2025 India's slippage to 131st out of 148 countries in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Index marks a concerning setback in its pursuit of gender equality. While the country h
Share It

Financial Conditions Index (FCI)

India is set to enhance its financial monitoring system with the proposed creation of a Financial Conditions Index (FCI), aimed at providing a daily snapshot of the country's financial stability.
Share It

Hypersonic Missile

India's successful hypersonic missile test marks a significant milestone in the country's defense capabilities, particularly in the realm of advanced missile technology. India Tests It
Share It

India Successfully Tests K-4 Nuclear-Capable Missile

India Successfully Tests K-4 Nuclear-Capable Missile Overview of the Test: India has successfully test-fired the K-4, an indigenously developed nuclear-capable ballistic missile, from the
Share It

India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute:

India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute: The fishing dispute between India and Sri Lanka in the Palk Bay has been a long-standing issue with a range of underlying causes and implications for both countrie
Share It

Ensuring Child Safety Online

Ensuring Child Safety Online Overview: In early February, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg publicly apologized to parents whose children had fallen victim to online predators during a Congressional hearing
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS