Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar born on 31st May 1725 in Chaundi
village of present Maharashtra state. Her father used to teach her how to write
and read in those days.
Ahilyabai married to Khande Rao, son of Malhar Rao Holkar
who was then ruler of Indore. Unfortunately, Khande Rao lost his life in the
1754 battle in Rajasthan. Later, she moved the capital to Maheshwar nearer to
Indore on the banks of Narmada River.
In 1754, her father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar died, as she
trained in administration and military, she petitioned The Peshwa to take over
the Reign of Malwa by herself. She took the direct management of affairs and
sat every day in the discussion on various issues in open durbar. Later she
appointed Tukojirao Holkar as chief of the Army and she led into many battles
in the front with arrows on her elephant.
Maharani Ahilyabai reconstructed many Hindu temples like
Gaya (East) to Dwaraka (West) and Gangotri (North) to Rameshwaram (South) which
destroyed during the Mughal era. She constructed many dharmashallas,
financially supported many temples for Pooja and Harathi, repaired the
Manikarnika ghat and Dasasvamedha ghat where every day Ganga Harathi, is going
to be held in Varanasi.
Ahilyabai considered as one of the best warrior queens in
the Indian history, because of her moderate assessment, sacred respect for
fundamental rights of village officers, distribution of justice and intelligent
decision.
Ahilyabai capital Indore developed as a prosperous city with
wealth mart of Malwa products. In 1975, on 13th August died. Her legacy
remained forever.
To honour her greatness, Government of India issued a
commemorative stamp on 25th August 1996.
Reference: Some of the facts collected from the History and
Culture of Indian People (Maratha Supremacy)
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