Ahilyabai Holkar
Ahilyabai Holkar (1725-1795) was one of the most noteworthy women rulers of India. She ruled over Malwa for over thirty years with Maheshwar as her capital.
She is credited with reviving the art of Maheshwari saris.
Ahilyabai was the daughter-in-law of
Malhar Rao Holkar, the ruler of Malwa. When her husband was killed in battle in
1754, Malhar Rao trained the young widow in the administrative and military
affairs of the kingdom and even allowed her to accompany him on some of his
military campaigns.
Malhar Rao died in 1766 and Ahilyabai’s
son was appointed successor. He died within a year and the state was left
without an heir. Sensing an opportunity, Raghoba, an uncle of Peshwa of Pune
arrived at the bank of the river Kshipra (in the Holkar kingdom) with an army
of 50,000 to seize the state.
Ahilyabai wrote to him: “I am prepared
for a battle. If you win, no one will consider it a great feat, but consider
the consequences if you should lose at the hands of a woman…”
Raghoba was not confident of victory and the letter made him still more nervous. He decided to withdraw. He wrote back saying that he had not come to fight, but to pay a condolence visit on the death of her son.
Ahilyabai accepted the explanation, though she could not help remarking that she thought it strange that a man should come with an army of 50,000 to pay a condolence visit.
A conscientious administrator, Queen Ahilyabai was tolerant and just in her outlook. So efficient was her rule that there were no rebellions against her during her lifetime and her kingdom prospered like never before. She used her wealth to build temples, ghats, roads and dharamshalas.
Ahilyabai was also a fearless warrior and led the Holkar army into battle on more than one occasion. Her fortitude won her the admiration of the Peshwas, Nana Phadnavis and Mahadji Scindia of Gwalior.
