Ahilyabai Holkar-Life Story of a Female Ruler of India
Table of Contents
31st May is the day of one of the greatest female rulers of India, Ahilyabai Holkar. We celebrated her 296th birth anniversary on 31st May 2021.
Life Introduction of Ahilyabai Holkar
| Real Name | Ahilyabai |
| Place of Birth | Chondi in Jamkhed, Ahmedanagar |
| Father of Ahilyabai Holkar | Mankoji Shinde |
| Mother of Ahilyabai Holkar | Sushila Shinde |
| Date of Birth | 31 May 1725 |
| Husband | Khanderao Holkar |
| Marriage Date | 1735 |
| Father in Law | Peshwa Baji Rao |
| Children | Son(Male Rao), Daughter(Muktabai) |
Life of Ahilyabai Holkar
Ahilyabai was born in the village of Chondi in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra to Mankoji Shinde, Patil of Chondi village, and Sushila Shinde on 31st May in 1725. Also, Ahilya, since her childhood, was a great deity of Lord Shiva. Her entrance onto the stage of history was quite an interesting story.
Malhar Rao, the subedar of Malwa kingdom, who was also the commander in the service of the Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao stopped in Chondi on his way to Pune and saw the 8-year-old Ahilyabai at the temple service in the village. He recognized her piety and character and thus, married her to his only son, Khanderao Holkar in 1735.
Husband and Children of Ahilyabai Holkar
In 1745, she gave birth to her son Male Rao and in 1748, a daughter Muktabai. Khanderao, her husband, was killed in the battle of Kumbher in 1754, leaving her widow at only 29.
Why Ahilyabai did not commit Sati? Death of Khanderao
Ahilya was about to commit Sati but Malhar Rao didn’t let that happen. He had been a great support for her at that time. But soon after 12 years of Khanderao’s death, Malhar Rao too died and Ahilya could see her kingdom fall. This sudden death led to Ahilya’s son, Male Rao ascending the throne under her regency.
Male Rao was mentally ill and soon he died of his mental illness in 1767.
One can imagine, what would be the situation of a woman who lost her husband, father-in-law, and son. But Ahilya stood strong in this tough situation to protect her kingdom from falling down.
She took matters into her hands and petitioned the Peshwa after her son’s death to take over the administration in herself. She ascended the throne and became the ruler of Indore on 11th December in 1767. While there was indeed a section of the kingdom which objected to her taking over the throne but the army of Holkars stood by her and supported their Queen’s decision.
Just in a year, the kingdom saw their brave queen, protecting the kingdom from invaders and other enemies kingdoms. She moved the seat of her kingdom to Maheshwar, south of Indore on the Narmada River. So, to save guard her kingdom Ahilya did not commit sati.
Her confidante on military matters was Subedar Tukojirao Holkar (the adopted son of Malhar Rao and the most trusted person in the whole kingdom) whom she appointed the head of the military.
Ahilya is known for her compassion towards her subjects whom she treated like her own family. She is also famous for building numerous forts and Hindu temples and for sponsoring festivals and giving donations to many Hindu temples. She also fought for the rights of women in the society in that era when they were not even given the education they deserve and many other malpractices going on like the sati system
Death of Ahilyabai Holkar
Unfortunately, Ahilyabai died at the of 70 and succeeding the throne to Shreemant Tukojirao Holkar. Long story short- she was one of those finest rulers of India who is still remembered and honored.
Television show in the name of Ahilyabai Holkar
Also, would like to mention the Sony TV’s show ‘’Punyashlok Ahilyabai’’ (which is still going on; Mon- Fri at 7:30 pm) is based on the true-life story of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar from being an innocent child from a small village to being the Queen of Malwa.
It’s a wonderful show staring wonderful artists like Aetasha Sansgiri playing the iconic role of (grown-up) Ahilyabai Holkar / Aditi Jaltare ( who played the role of young Ahilyabai Holkar) who has been married to the Malha Rao Holkar’s son, Khanderao Holkar; Rajesh Shringarpure as Malhar Rao Holkar, Krish Chauhan as young Khanderao Holkar, and many more great actors.
This show focuses on Ahilyabai that how in the 18th century’s orthodox society where women don’t even use to have any basic rights like men to study, she flourished through her wit and father-in-law’s love and guidance. Through all of her struggles, she became one of the finest rulers of India, who is still remembered and honored.
So, let’s end this article with a lesson from Ahilyabai about compassion and love to all, no matter which section of society they belong to. Ahilyabai always helped her subjects, she never discriminated against them from her children and gave them some respect and love she would give to her children or family.
Do the best we can. Doing the next right thing. Being bold and brave.
Learnings from Ahilyabai Holkar’s life
Ahilyabai’s life teaches us so many lessons. We can just make her birthday memorable for her by just applying some of these lessons in our life too. Ahilya is no more with us but her life’s story and works are still remembered all over India.
Also Read:
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Kadambini Ganguly – Women Reformer of British Ruling India
Ahilyabai Holkar-Life Story of a Female Ruler of India
Kamini Roy-Poet and First Women Honours Graduate of British India
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