Ahilya Bai Holkar was an Indian queen who ruled the Malwa kingdom in the 18th century. Her life is a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Born in 1725 in Chaundi, a village in present-day Maharashtra, Ahilya Bai was the daughter of Mankoji Shinde, a Patil in the village. Despite the prevailing societal norms that discouraged the education of women, Ahilya’s father taught her to read and write. This early education would prove crucial in shaping her future as a leader. At the age of eight, she caught the eye of Malhar Rao Holkar, a commander in the army of Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I and ruler of Malwa, who was impressed by her piety and character. He married her to his son, Khande Rao Holkar, on the Peshwa’s advice, and she accompanied Khande Rao on many military campaigns. Tragedy struck in 1754, when Khande Rao was killed in battle while inspecting his troops. After his death, Ahilya Bai was discouraged by her father-in-law from committing sati, the practice of self-immolation by widows on their husband’s funeral pyre. She was instead encouraged to take on the mantle of leadership and trained in military affairs by Malhar Rao Holkar himself. In 1767, after Malhar Rao’s death, Ahilya Bai succeeded him as the queen of the Malwa kingdom. She quickly established herself as a competent ruler, with a keen eye for governance and administration. One of her first acts as queen was to abolish the unpopular tax on salt, which had been levied by her predecessors. She also implemented several measures to promote agriculture and trade, which helped boost the kingdom’s economy. Ahilya Bai was a devout Hindu and a patron of the arts. She commissioned the construction of several temples and supported the development of music and dance. She was also a patron of the renowned Marathi poet Moropant and the Sanskrit scholar Khushali Ram. Under her leadership, the Malwa kingdom enjoyed a period of peace and prosperity. She was loved by her subjects, who affectionately called her “maa” (mother). Ahilya Bai’s reign is remembered as a golden age in the history of the Malwa kingdom. Ahilya Bai Holkar was a true warrior queen, who faced numerous challenges throughout her life but emerged victorious through her sheer determination and resilience. Her life and legacy continue to inspire women around the world to this day.
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