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.

Local Governance in India

The Panchayati Raj system and municipal bodies serve as the first point of contact between citizens and the state. However, grassroots governance in India often struggles with inaccessible, detail
Share It

China’s Mega-Dam on Brahmaputra

China is constructing a massive 60,000 MW hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo River (called the Brahmaputra in India and Jamuna in Bangladesh), located in Tibet near Gelling in Arunachal Prad
Share It

India Hosts 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave

India recently hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, focusing on enhancing maritime connectivity and sustainable development across the Bay of Bengal region. This event underscor
Share It

Manipur Crisis

The ongoing crisis in Manipur, which has now lasted for over two years, has resulted in over 250 deaths and widespread displacement, yet it has not received the same level of national priority as
Share It

India Africa

India and Africa are building a robust and evolving partnership, particularly in the realm of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which holds tremendous potential to boost socio-economic developm
Share It

Mangrove Ecosystems

The International Day for Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, observed annually on 26th July, serves as a vital reminder of the urgent need to protect mangroves, which are disappearing at an alar
Share It

Food Security and Nutrition

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2025 report presents a mixed picture of global progress in combating hunger, highlighting both positive trends and pressing challenges,
Share It

The ‘Rising Northeast

The Investor Summit 2025’ organized by the Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) in New Delhi is a major event aimed at showcasing the immense investment and trade potentia
Share It

India's Smart Cities Mission (SCM)

Launched in 2015, India's Smart Cities Mission (SCM) was conceived to tackle urban challenges using technology and sustainable development practices. The mission has witnessed significant inve
Share It

Ethanol Blending Success

India's achievement of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025 is a significant milestone in the country’s pursuit of clean energy and sustainable development. Factors Behind India&rsq
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS