Ahilya Bai- legendary figure in Malwa region  

Ahilya Bai Holkar is a legendary figure almost worshiped in Malwa region. She is among the most popular monarchs in our history. She was not born great. She did not belong to princely family by birth. This fact enhances other glory. She was born on 31st May 1975 in Chaundi village (presently in Ahmednagar District of Maharshtra state). In those days, female education was not prevalent. But her father, Mankoli Shinde (Dhankar), Patil of the village, taught her how to read and write.

Her entry in Holkar royal family and coronation as queen of Malwa 

One day, ruler of Malwa territory, Malhar Rao Holkar happened to pass by the village Chaundi on his way to Pune. He was also commander of Peshwa Bajirao. He saw Ahilya, then a small eight year old girl, doing service at the village temple. He was so impressed that he brought her to Hokar territory,as a bride for his son, Khandrrao. She was married in 1733. 

The turn of events led to her coronation as queen of Malwa. Her husband died during the seige of Kumbher in 1754. Her father in law died twelve years thereafter. The only son of Khandarao also died on 5th April 1767. This turn of events led to her coronation as queen. She herself ruled Malwa until her death in 1795. 

An ideal and efficient ruler and administrator

Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar was well trained in state administration and military affairs under able guidance of her father in law Malhar Rao. He was kind hearted and generous. She even reinstated a Brahim who had opposed her. In those days, women used to observe Purdah (veil) but she held regular public audience. Anybody could approach her in time of need. 

Charitable, religious  and public interest activities 

Maharani Ahilyabai got built many roads and forts in her capital- Maleshwar. She also developed Indore- the nearby town. The small village Indore has become a big city. The residents of the city still hold Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar in high esteem and reverence. Her interest in charity and public welfare was not confined only to her own state Malwa. She sponsored many festivals, built many temples, wells, tanks and rest houses outside Malwa region. Her public welfare and charitable work covered very wide geographical area- from Himalaya region to south India.  

Patron of poets, artists and artisans

The Maharani was a great patron of literature, music, artisans and craftsmen. She patronized well known Marathi poet Moropant, Sanskrit scholar Khushal Ram among others. She paid salary to craftsmen and honored them. The credit of establishing textile industry in the city of Maheshwar goes to her. She also developed Indore city, near to her capital. The citizens of Indore hold her in high reverence. The city is now highly developed and citizens are very proud of this. Indore was just a village but Maharani Ahilya Bai Hokar helped the village grow to city. The citizens still hold that the seeds of development were sown by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar. That is why the airport as well as University at Indore has been named after Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar.  It is also worth mention that citizens of Indore established an award in name of Ahilya Bai Holkar to honor an outstanding public figure every year. First award was given to Nanaji Deshmukh. 

Her unique place in Indian history

Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar undoubtedly holds a very unique status in Indian History though she is not immune from caste identification. Her birth anniversary is routinely observed by Pal Baghel community. This is what happened to Dr. Ambedkar as well who is reduced to a Dalit leader only. It is worth mention that historians- Indian and foreign- accept her unique status and contribution to nation and society.

Sir John Malcolm was a British official involved with the settlement of central India. according to him, "With the natives of Malwa, her name is sainted and she is styled as avatar or incarnation of divinity. In the most sober view that can be taken of her character, she certainly appears, within her limited sphere, to have been one of the purest and most exemplary rulers that ever existed."

Her unique character and popular saintly image is well portrayed in following poem by Joanna Baillie, composed in 1849. With this poem, the article is concluded.

Image from wikipedia