Ahilyabai Holkar (1725-1795) was a great ruler and the Queen of the Kingdom of Malwa, popularly known as Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar and she was born in 1725 in the village of Chondi in Maharashtra, India. She was a queen but lived a life of a holy saint by serving the mankind through out her life.

Her father educated her himself, for why she grew up living a humble pious life.

Her character impressed Malhar Rao Holkar, who served under Peshwa Bajirao’s army as a commander at that time and he choose her to marry his son Khande Rao.

After her husband’s death in the battle of Kumbher in 1754, Ahilyabai was introduced to the administrative and military affairs of the state by her father-in-law, which saw her perform brilliantly under his guidance.

She built temples at Srinagar, Haridwar, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Rishikesh, Prayaga, Varanasi, Naimisharanya, Puri, Rameshwaram, Somnath, Nasik, Omkareshvar, Mahabaleshwar, Pune, Indore, Srisailam, Udipi, Gokarna, Khatmandu etc.

Excepting territories controlled by Afghans, Nawabs & British, she built temples everywhere.
Without her, ALL Tirthas would have been in ruins and there wouldn’t be any standing temple.

She built numerous tanks for people’s welfare.

She defended her kingdom; personally led armies into battle and developed Malwa into a prosperous kingdom. She rebuilt temples destroyed by Aurangzeb. She built Dharmashalas at many Tirthas.

Ahilyabai who built temples, orphanages, residences and irrigation tanks all over India led a modest personal life, as she never built anything for herself . She used to live in a small residence in Maheshwar. The Saint Queen used to sleep on floor. Her lips always uttered “Shiva”.

Ahilyabai never issued capital punishment. She used to take personal oath from prisoners & released them. A prisoner who promised not to commit misdeeds again was released. As a result of her generosity many such prisoners adopted an honest life.

Ahilyabai Introduced 7/12 scheme wherein the state sponsored the expenses and cultivation of the farmers, where in profits were also divided between the state and the farmers, making both prospered.

Ahilyabai removed all taxes for traders as there was no trader tax beyond custom. Her subjects weren’t afraid to display wealth. She inaugurated the golden era of Malwa in true sense.

Image Sources: Wikipedia