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Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar is one the greatest peacetime monarchs that Bharat as ever seen! If we can celebrate the life of Bharat ka Veer Putra Maharana Pratap, she is no less a veer putri of Bharat mata!!
She was born May 31, 1725
She was the queen of what is now Madhya Pradesh. She came from a humble background but she married into the Holkar dynasty.
Ahilyabai Holkar -She is fondly remembered as a noble, saintly and courageous woman. She ruled the kingdom of Indore (which was then part of the wider Maratha Empire) for several decades. Her rule is remembered as a golden age in Indore's history. Western Scholars compare her to a female version of Akbar.
From an agricultural background herself, she married Khanderav, prince of Indore. Thereafter, she resided in the Royal Palace. Later, she was trained in statecraft and accompanied the army to war on many occasions. At that time the Maratha Empire (which was founded by Shivaji) was at the apex of its power. There were frequent battles and skirmishes, both against foreigners as well as internal feuds. In one such battle in 1754, Ahilyabai's husband was killed. Her aged father-in-law was shattered at the death of his son. He summoned Ahilyabai who he loved deeply, and said: "You are now my son. I wish that you look after my kingdom." And that she did with all her life!
When going to war she rode out with her army making her popular. There was an incident where a few ministers wanted to seize power and tried to enlist the help of the army but they were fiercely loyal and refused to support them! She even had a women's army who she had taken to fight the Peshwa!
She also restored temples that were destroyed by invaders, including the Somnath Temple, to name of many!
Ahilyabai's humility was one of her outstanding characteristics. Considering her achievements, she had every reason to become arrogant, a common trait in many otherwise great men and women. But quite the opposite. A court-poet once compiled a book of poems praising Ahilyabai She had the book thrown into a river! The reason was that she did not want to receive all these eloquent praises.
She is revered as Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in Madhya Pradesh even today, her statue is installed in many major areas including at the main palace in Indore and at Maheshwar where she had established her capital.
She looked out for her people in every way she could! I am partial to her because I am from Indore but she was a great lady that did a great deal for Bharat (thru charity work) and all Indians, especially women should be inspired from her! Many women have the fear that their careers will end after marriage but her started in her in-laws started!! š
photos and some of the info is from here:
http://www.hinduhistory.info/maharani-ahilyabai-holkar-1725-1795/
more info here too: http://ahilyabai-holkar.blogspot.in/
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