Punyashlok Lokmata

Punyashlok Lokmata

“Punyashlok” means one whose life is sacred—full of glory, fame, and grace. One such illustrious and praiseworthy queen lived in India, whose greatness has been compared by world-renowned historians not just to queens in India but also to notable queens globally—like Catherine the Great of Russia, Queen Elizabeth of England, and Queen Margaret of Denmark.

The famous poet Joanna Baillie wrote about Ahilyabai Holkar:

> “In latter days from Brahma came

To rule our land, a noble dame

Kind was her heart and bright her fame

And Ahilya was her honoured name.”

Ahilyabai was born on May 31, 1775, in the village of Chondi in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Her journey to becoming the sovereign of the Maval region is extraordinary. Her life displays qualities like discernment, duty-bound nature, patience, discipline, courage, the resilience to rise from the ashes like a phoenix, sharp decision-making, and most importantly, compassion—which is considered the greatest virtue of humanity.

In the 18th century, when it was a challenge for women to even step out of their homes, Ahilyabai’s father, Mankoji Shinde, opened the door of education for her. “Those ahead of their time are the ones who understand time,” it’s said. Later, Malharrao Holkar turned that door into a royal gateway for his daughter-in-law. Ahilyabai was taught everything from riding horses, making cannons, procuring ammunition, archery, to governance and administration by Malharrao, a key subhedar (governor) of the Peshwas who later established an independent kingdom in the Maval region.

Ahilyabai mastered these teachings and displayed her abilities thoroughly in governance. When Bajirao Peshwa once questioned Malharrao Holkar, he replied, “Whatever sword my son and I wield in war, it’s only because of our daughter-in-law’s support.” This statement is still recorded in the court documents of Deccan College and speaks volumes about Ahilyabai’s capabilities. He also said, “If she can manage 84 palaces, she can easily govern a thousand.” This truly echoes the legacy of strong women like Jijabai, Yesubai, and Tarabai.

Ahilyabai stood firm on ethics over relationships in governance. Once, when her husband Khanderao returned from war and did not deposit the war bounty into the treasury and spent a year’s budget in two months, he demanded more money from the state. When Ahilyabai refused, stating she had pledged to the subhedars impartial governance, he angrily threw the royal seal. Ahilyabai instructed her minister Gangoba Chandrachud to reprimand Khanderao, fine him 25 gold coins, and report back immediately.

At just 29, Ahilyabai lost her husband in battle. As per custom, she prepared to commit sati. But Malharrao Holkar—whose name was revered across India—pleaded with her not to follow the tradition and instead rule the kingdom. She promised him she would govern.

 

Ahilyabai bore the unbearable pain of losing her husband, her father-in-law, her own son, and even her son-in-law and daughter (whom she couldn’t stop from committing sati). Yet, she walked through the fire of grief and brought prosperity to Maval.

At the time, jobless tribal people living in forests often robbed travelers. Ahilyabai understood this issue deeply and launched the “Bhillari Scheme,” where she encouraged them to become protectors of the state. She promised government salaries in return for their services in guarding travelers. Thus, she turned these outlaws into defenders.

Later, she handed over the administration of Indore to Tukoji Holkar and established her capital in Maheshwar on the banks of the Narmada River. A devoted worshipper of Lord Shiva, she saw herself not as the ruler but as the guardian of the state. Coins bore symbols of Shiva’s linga and nandi (bull), and instead of signing documents, she wrote “Jai Shankar” (Victory to Shiva). Her descendants continued this practice until Indian independence.

After the tragic loss at the Battle of Panipat, where Maratha soldiers died of hunger and lack of shelter, Ahilyabai was deeply moved. She built ghats (riverbanks), dug wells and ponds, started water stations, food shelters, festivals, and temple restoration projects across India—from Badrinath, Dwarka, Omkareshwar to Puri, Gaya, and Rameshwar. She reconstructed destroyed temples and built nearly 100 new ones, 30 rest houses, and countless ghats and wells. She also initiated farm ponds, rural banks, and seed loans for farmers.

Muslims from the cruel Nizam regime sought refuge in Maheshwar under her protection—testament to her fairness and trustworthiness. After Aurangzeb’s death and the chaos that followed, Ahilyabai and Mahadji Shinde safeguarded Delhi. Though the nation was embroiled in wars, no one dared attack Malwa. Under her, Malwa remained peaceful and prosperous.

> “A male leader takes you where you want to go,

A female leader takes you where you ought to go.”

In the 18th century, Malwa was a hub for industry, arts, music, and literature. Ahilyabai protected intellectuals, traders, and artisans. The now-famous Maheshwari saree was her legacy. From the lake and temple at Jejuri, to the restoration of Ajanta and Ellora, to banyan trees lining highways—these were all initiated under her guidance.

After losing her husband, father-in-law, and son, her trusted minister Gangoba Chandrachud turned traitor and invited Peshwa Raghoba Dada to capture Malwa. Dada even prepared for war and reached Ujjain. But Ahilyabai gathered a women’s army of 5,000, armed herself, and led them atop an elephant. She wrote to Raghoba Dada:

> “If you consider me weak and aim to devour Malwa, fine. My women and I stand at the front of the army. If we lose, people will curse you for attacking a grieving widow. But if you lose, imagine the shame!”

Raghoba Dada, realizing her strength, changed his tone and claimed he had come to offer condolences—not to wage war. To which Ahilyabai replied:

> “If that’s true, the gates are open—but then why did you bring an army?”

Even her enemy, British officer John Malcolm, wrote about her political brilliance, calling her a master strategist. Truly, “Those who don’t have time to write history are the ones who make it.”

One well-known incident further highlights her sense of justice: Once her son Malojiraje’s chariot accidentally killed a calf. On learning this, she demanded that he be punished as any commoner would be. She ordered his hands and feet tied and a chariot to run over him. When no one dared drive the chariot, she volunteered herself—but the cow, in grief, stood in the way. Finally, villagers begged her to forgive him, and she relented.

Her justice, her dedication, her fairness—without any bias—defined her rule.

In 1992, after the Babri Masjid demolition, riots broke out across India—but not in Indore. A journalist investigating this came across a 75-year-old Muslim man who said:

> “The queen who once built both mosques for us and temples for Hindus taught us to live together. That’s why we never stand against one another.”

Such was the timeless inspiration of this mother of the people—Lokmata—who lives on even in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Lastly, a German law graduate named Gunther Somtheimas, wanting to study Indian folk life and culture, was advised by D.D. Kosambi in Russia to live among the Dhangar community of Maharashtra. He stayed with them for 20 years—traveling from Jejuri to Pandharpur to Ratnagiri, living in their huts, eating their food, even herding goats. Such was the lasting impact of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy.

||Shri Mauli Charni Arpan||

Ashwini Gawande

 

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