#Thread : #Ahilyabai_Holkar_Jaynti
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a name synonymous with courage, patience, good governance and most importantly leadership. On the occasion of her, Jayanti let's read about the life and times of the great warrior queen Ahilyadevi Holkar.
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Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a name synonymous with courage, patience, good governance and most importantly leadership. On the occasion of her, Jayanti let's read about the life and times of the great warrior queen Ahilyadevi Holkar.
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Born on 31st May 1725 in a small village named Chondi, Ahilyadevi had a charming persona since her childhood. Her father Mankoji Shinde was a respected man in the village and he was the one who taught her to read and write.
One day, Malharrao Holkar, A brilliant warrior and Senapati in the army of Bajiro decided to rest for a day in Chondi as he was heading to Pune for some meeting with the Peshwa. There he saw, Ahilyadevi helping the needy, providing them food and doing Seva of the Mandir nearby.
Malharrao was impressed by this gesture and he enquired about Ahilyadevi. He asked Mankoji Shinde, Ahilyabai's hand in marriage for his son, Khanderao Holkar, and within a few days, the two got married.
Many years passed and an unfortunate incident took place, Khanderao Holkar was shot dead in the battle of Kumbher in 1754, and at the age of 21, Ahilyabai became a widow.
Ahilya Bai was fully prepared to go to Sati but Malharrao Holkar stopped her from doing so and taught her governance, martial arts and various aspects of administration. This step was huge at that time.
A few more years passed and Malharrao passed away in 1766, and then a few years later the successor of the Holkar dynasty, Ahilyabai and Khanderao's son Male Rao, too passed away.
Ahilyabai stood up with great courage after facing such horrible incidents. Now Ahilyabai took over the entire reign and started her tremendous work in the Malva Province.
Some people rejected Ahilyabai's leadership but after she got backing from the Peshwa's, the Sevaks of Chatrapati, the entire Holkari army stood firmly behind them.
Ahilyadevi Holkar appointed Tukojirao Holkar as Sarsenapati of Holkari Sainya. Her vision and her administration skills made her rule the Malva Province successfully for 30 years.
Ahilyabai was an expert in archery, she promoted all kinds of arts and skills in her kingdom. She focused not only on increasing the strength of her army but also on paying close attention to the growth of arts, culture and literature.
Ahilyabai's court was open to all. The subjects of her kingdom would directly tell their problems to her and she would personally look after those. People of her province were always happy as they had faith in the justice system.
When the wealth of the Holkars came into her hands, she used it properly, donated it to many places, used the wealth for religious purposes, renovated hundreds of temples, built many Dharamsala, lakes and wells.
And she did this not only in her province but all over India. She never neglected her army while doing Dharmakarya. In the war of 1772,Holkari army supported Peshwas while they were fighting in Gujrat and Kokan.
She also supported Peshwas while they were fighting against Tipu Sultan.
One of the most progressive decisions of her time was, she made a special rule for widows, where a widow would get wealth of her husband after he passed away.
One of the most progressive decisions of her time was, she made a special rule for widows, where a widow would get wealth of her husband after he passed away.
Maheshwari saree factories were set up during the time of Ahilya Bai Holkar and today they are known all over the world as Maheshwari sarees. Good roads, houses, ghats and rest houses were built in Malwa province.
Following is the list of temples restored by AhilyaDevi:
Following is the list of temples restored by AhilyaDevi:
Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya, Shri Chintamani Ganesh Mandir Ujjain, Shri Ram Mandir Nashik, Sangamner and Pandharpu, Vasudev Mandir Bhusawal, Ganpati Mandir Sultanpur are some temples where she donated in huge amounts.
The Lingarchan Puja started by Ahilyabai in 1766 in the palace of Maheshwar is still going on after these many years. Every morning from 8.30 am to 9.30 am, the puja is performed.
After reading all these things, we realize why Ahilyabai Holkar became Ahilya Devi Holkar for us. Ahilyadevi's contribution to Hindu society is immeasurable. My humble tributes to warrior Queen, Ahilyadevi Holkar on her Jayanti !
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(19/19)
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