By: Vinay Nalwa

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is commemorating the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar with a year-long series of engagements reflecting on her life and times. This is anappropriate occasion to pay tribute to the legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar a personification of both wisdom and strength. Leading a life marked by simplicity and vision, she united the roles of a sage and sovereign.Upholding the values of Dharma in governance and exemplifying the ideals of Indian womanhood. Her legacy aligns closely with the values respected by the RSS, which sees women as central to the nation-building process. The RSS envisions empowerment in India as a partnership between men and women, where both play essential, complementary roles in society. This dynamic not only supports their individual contributions but also fosters a balanced and harmonious relationship, built on mutual support and respect.

In his Vijayadashami speechOctober 2024the RSS Sarsanghchalak (Chief Mentor) Mohan Bhagwat said, “Devi Ahilya Bai was a skilled state administrator and a dutifulconscientious ruler striving for the welfare of her people.She was proud of Dharma, Sanskriti and motherland, a great example of outstanding moral values and a ruler with an excellent understanding of war strategy. Even in the most adverse circumstances, the way she displayed incredible ability and managed the family, the state, and due to her national vision, the societal harmony and culture by restoring pilgrimage sites and constructing temples even outside her state boundaries is a role model worth emulating for us all including the Matrushakti to this day. Along with this, she is also a bright symbol of the splendid tradition of the capability and leadership of the woman of Bharat.”

Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal(All India Executive Council), one of the the highest decision making bodies of the RSS has stated in an official communique, “This is 300th year of Punyashloka(revered)Ahilyabai Holkar. Her extensive work in social awakening, renovation of temples, efficient governance shows that even 300 years ago, women power was at the centre and could provide governance for people and public good capably.”

In honouring Ahilyabai’s life, RSS is emphasizingon the unique Indian tradition of respect toward women, showcased from the Rigveda to the present day.

Rajrishi Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar – the architect of the cultural renaissance

Ahilyabai Holkar’s just rule and her charitable works that extended far beyond her own region have made her a beloved figure throughout India. Her legacy can be seen across the country, with contributions to sacred temples stretching from the high Himalayas in the north to Rameshwaram in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, and from the revered Somnath and Dwarkadhish temples in Gujarat in the west to the Jagannath temple in Odisha in the east.

Without any conquest or cruelty, she united the geographically and politically divided India. Her rule was the most benevolent and stable reign of the 18th century. When the Mughals were occupied in destruction and expansion, Devi Ahilya bai was expanding on an altogether different horizon of reviving the spirit and togetherness of India.

Ahilyabai Holkar’s upbringing and marriage played a pivotal role in shaping her future as a ruler. Ahilyabai Holkar was born on May 31, 1725, to Mankoji Shinde, the Patil (village headman) of Chahunde village in Aurangabad (now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra). In 1737, she was married to Khandoji, the only son of Subedar Malhar Rao Holkar, who commanded thirty Perganas, yielding an annual revenue of over seven lakh rupees. As the army commander for Peshwa Bajirao, Malhar Rao played a critical role in the Maratha revival, especially in the Third Battle of Panipat (P.V. Thombre, Karnataka Devi Shree Ahilyabai Holkar, p. 9)

While he was successful in most of his campaign, on personal front his destiny struck a different note when on March 24, 1754, his brave and only son Khandoji, the husband of Ahilyabai died from injuries sustained in the battle of Kumbher (in Rajasthan). His grandson was too young to take charge of the state’s affairs, Malhar Rao decided to prepare his son’s wife Ahilyabai, in statecraft. She excelled at administrative and military strategies under the guidance of her father-in-law, who believed she should lead her people one day. On May 20, 1766, another tragedy struck when Malhar Rao died and Ahilya bai who was managing a district’s administration became the queen regent. Few years later when her son also passed away, she petitioned the Peshwa (prime minister of Maratha kingdom) to become the ruler, backed by the support of her army. Despite political conspiracies and personal tragedies, she was wise and highly observant of political and social events, always attentive to the welfare of her people.

In 1767, Peshwa Madhav Rao recognized Ahilyabai’s right to administer the vast territories of Malhar Rao. However, Ahilyabai was destined for a far greater role than just that. She was to revive the dharmic unity and identity, which had faced significant challenges during the Islamic period, restoring them with renewed vigour and purpose. Ahilyabai’s spiritual and devotional qualities began to shine through during this period, reflecting her deep commitment to faith and service.Knowing the importance of Dharmic kshetras(dharmic places) and Tirthasthals(pilgrimage sites) as the positions on the journey of the Hindu religion, Ahilya bai decided to sustain and strengthen these stations with her charities.

Detailing on the life, and span of Ahilya bai’s charitable works and administration in his book titled, “Karnataka Devi Shree Ahilyabai Holkar” PV Thombre writes, “The Holkar Government collected and published a list of the charities, etc “Devasthan (temple)Classification List” in 1923. They also appointed a “Devasthan Officer” who travelled far and wide and collected information on the spot. All this information-published, collected and culled, has been brought together here -The Holkars were devotees of Siva … There are twelve Jyotir-Lingas (sacred temples/Luminaries) of God Shiva spread all over India. These sacred temples are of immense importance in Hindu dharma, with each dedicated to one of the twelve manifestations of God Shiva, a central deity in Hindu belief. Ahilyabai Holkar, known for her devotion and sense of Dharma, took it upon herself to restore and support these temples, ensuring their preservation and upkeep. Below are the temples she contributed to:

1. Shree Somanath–Located in Gujrat, in 1786 an idol was re-installed.
2. Shree Mallikarjuna – Located in the present-day Andhra Pradesh, she built the temple here.
3. Shree Onkareshwar – In Central India, she contributed significantly by building a house for drums, flower gardens, and providing a silver idol.
4. Shree Vaijnath – In Maharashtra, the temple was rebuilt in 1784, located in the area once ruled by the Nizams (a dynasty in what is now the state of Telangana and parts of Maharashtra).
5. Shree Nagnath – This temple was located in the Nizam’s state (a region in modern-day Telangana and Maharashtra). Nagnath is one of the many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the region was known for its religious importance. The annual payment for worship indicates the level of patronage and upkeep of religious traditions by Ahilyabai.
6. Shree Vishwanath – In Uttar Pradesh, she helped re-install Kashi Vishwanath and supported numerous temples and facilities around the ghats of the Ganges.
7. Shree Trimbakeshwar – In Nasik, she contributed to building a bridge at Kushawarta-Ghat.
8. Shree Ghirishneshwar – In Verul, Maharashtra, she helped rebuild the Shivalaya

In addition to these, Ahilyabai was deeply connected to the concept of the Sapta-Puris (Seven Sacred Cities) and the Chatur-Dhamas (Four-Quarters), revered sites of pilgrimage across India, which are considered essential in the Hindu spiritual journey. She contributed to the following sites:

1. Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh): Known as the birthplace of Sri Rama, Ayodhya is one of Hindu Dharma’s holiest cities. Ahilyabai Holkar built several temples here, including the famous Shree Rama Mandir, along with the Sarayu Ghat on the banks of the Sarayu river, which is a significant site for ritual bathing.
2. Mathura-Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh): Mathura is considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna, while Vrindavan is celebrated for his childhood stories. Ahilyabai funded temples and ghats here, such as the Chain Bihari Mandir and Chir Ghat, both central to Sri Krishna’s devotion and pilgrimage.
3. Hardwar (now Haridwar, Uttarakhand): Located on the banks of the Ganges, Haridwar is a major pilgrimage destination. Ahilyabai contributed by restoring the Kushavarta Ghat and building a rest house, which served as a place for pilgrims visiting this sacred river site.
4. Kashi (now Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh): Known as one of the oldest living cities, Kashi (Benares) is revered in Hinduism for its temples along the Ganges. Ahilyabai funded several important structures here, including temples and dharamshalas (rest houses), supporting the city’s religious activities.
5. Kanchi (now Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu): Kanchipuram is a historic city, revered in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Ahilyabai supported religious practices here by sending Ganges water, honouring its spiritual significance in Southern India.
6. Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): Ujjain is one of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism, especially important for its connection to Lord Shiva. Ahilyabai contributed to the spiritual heritage of the city by building temples such as the Shree Lila Purushottam Mandir and Shree Janardan Mandir.
7. Dwarka (Gujarat): Located on India’s western coast, Dwarka is believed to be the kingdom of Lord Krishna. Ahilyabai established an alms-house here, supporting the welfare of pilgrims visiting this sacred site.

Ahilyabai’s contributions went beyond mere construction; she helped restore and maintain the sanctity of these sacred sites, ensuring that they remained centres of pilgrimage and spiritual learning for generations to come. Her charitable acts, spanning across regions and faiths, were deeply rooted in her devotion to both dharma and the well-being of the people.

Her vision extended to the Chaar Dham which are considered the four pillars of Hindu pilgrimage. Ahilyabai’s interventions in these areas highlights her commitment to preserving India’s religious heritage.

With progress and human spiritual evolvement these were succeeded by new-modern schools (Panthas) ofHindu Dharma, Devi Ahilyabai contributed to more than forty such sacred spaces in the form of building temples to contribute towards their festivals.”

Explaining the concept of administration of ancient Bharatiya (Indian)philosophy and pilgrimage, Thombrementions, “The Hindu religion has grown and widened with the Hindu people, the ruler has simply to protect and patronize it. He is the ‘‘guard’’, never the “driver” of the people’s religion. Devi Ahilya bai faithfully and fervently followed this ancient rule of the Bhartiya polity.”

Devi Ahilya bai also began the practice of sending the river ‘Ganges-Water” annually on the Maha-Shivaratri (Hindu festival related God Shiva) night to all well-known sacred spots and shrines of Bharat. These thirty-four places in India were –

(1) Shree Rameshwar (2) Malikarjun. (3) Janardan Vasudeo. (4) Padmanath Janardan. (5) Abhishayan Anant. (6)  Balaji Giri (7) Gokarna Maliabaleshwar (8) Subramaneskwar (9) Pashupateshwar (Nepal) (10) Dwarka (11) Dakore (12) Utkanteshwar (13) Avadhya Jagannath (14) Parali Vaijanath (15) Trimbakeshwar (16) Rama Panchwati Chennai (17) Matru Gaya Sidheshwar Gujrat. (18) Bhima Shanker Post Ghod, Poona. (19) Pandharpur Pandharpur (20) Ekalinga Mahadeo Udaipur (21) Kapila Munee (22) Kedareshwar Tehri (23) Sorti Somanath (24) Nathdwara, Kakarol, Kathiawad. „ Chaturbhujnarayan and Yeshwanteshwar, Udaipur (25) Vridheshwar Mahadeo Ahmadnagar Dist (26)  Ghrishneshwar, Verul (27) Loteshwar Mahadeo Bhavnagar State. (28) Jejuree Jejuri, Poona Bist. (29) Mahankaleshwar Ujjain, Malwa. (30) Rajrajeshwar Maheshwar (31) Onkareshwar Nimar District. (32) Kashi Vishweshwar Benares. (33) Badri Kedareshwar Tehri (34) Zadkhandi Vaijnath Orissa province.”

These efforts showcase how Ahilyabai not only contributed to the physical structures but also to the preservation of India’s spiritual and cultural fabric, earning her a lasting place in the hearts of millions of Indians and Hindus worldwide.

Another aspect of Ahilyabai’s charities was her encouragement and support to National Architecture. Indian architecture in its various attributes flourished through her contribution in building different temples, gardens, and travel houses. In a time when almost the whole of India was engaged in wars and destruction, her charities were nurturing art and building architecture, throughout India.

Devi Ahilya bai was not merely raising temples, but she took care to populate them with colonies of learned men representing all branches of Hindu learning from all parts of India.

During her reign, life blossomed in every corner of her kingdom. Farmers enjoyed prosperity, trade expanded, and the arts found a welcoming home. In the capital, music, literature, and craftsmanship thrived like never before, and Maheshwar became a haven for weavers, artisans, sculptors, and artists.

Thombre writes (p. 76-77) about her ability in home and foreign affairs which she herself was handling, “(1) Having marked the Devi’s (Ahilya bai) personal diary, we turn to her foreign and home policy: — The Bai (Ahilya Bai) said The English are trying their level best to spread their power in all quarters. It be Peshwa’s duty to enlist a good number of Shiledars(armycommanders), and increase the standing army. The enemy (English) have stationed their army in small groups but in various stations. They should be checkmated. Nawab, Bhonsale and the rest should make a common cause, and crush the English (Maheshwar Durbar patre, 1780 A. D.)”.

As Thombre explains in Karnataka Devi Shree Ahilyabai Holkar, the ancient Indian concept of polity, referred to by the term Rastra, was grounded in a “people-centred” philosophy (p. 89). According to Thombre, the well-being and “contentment” of the populace were considered the highest duty of a ruler, which varied according to the needs of different times. Thombre highlights that, unlike today’s expectations for food, clothing, and education, Ahilyabai ensured ample resources were available to her subjects and even those outside her kingdom, to such an extent that, according to Sir John Malcolm, “no famine-pinches were felt in Central India” during her thirty-year reign.

Author Thombre highlights Ahilyabai Holkar’s commitment to learning by noting that she invited knowledgeable Brahmins to settle in her kingdom, creating a community dedicated to “plain living and high thinking” in Benares. Ahilyabai’s example inspired her court as well; nobles, landowners, and officials followed her lead, hosting Vedic scholars, astrologers, and physicians at their residences and in their camps. This support of intellectual life helped preserve and spread knowledge across her kingdom (Thombre, Karnataka Devi Shree Ahilyabai Holkar, p. 89).

Thombre describes how Ahilyabai Holkar’s governance extended to both her family and loyal allies, who had clear roles and responsibilities. In Karnataka Devi Shree Ahilyabai Holkar (p. 105), Thombre explains that Ahilyabai’s administration included “friends and family-members” — a term encompassing both blood relatives and those bound by service. Prominent families, such as the Shindes and Waghmares, served as “Saranjamis,” (the title given to the landlord or holder of a  grant of land for maintenance of troops or for military service) receiving land grants for maintaining soldiers and scholars, supporting temples, and managing monasteries. This decentralized system granted local leaders the responsibility to uphold religious and social duties within their territories. Additionally, Ahilyabai showed compassion by supporting the families of fallen soldiers, creating an atmosphere of loyalty and care that filled her rule.

Throughout Indian history, many rulers focused on building and supporting sacred sites within their own regions, often emphasizing local significance. Ahilyabai Holkar’s approach was unique—she unified the sacred places under a shared spiritual and cultural umbrella, bringing together a fragmented India through the unifying power of dharma rather than conquest. Her devotion to the common spiritual heritage of India left a legacy that inspires generations to find strength in this shared faith and purpose, emphasizing the spiritual unity of India.

Ahilyabai’s 30-year reign, from 1765 to 1795, was marked by peace, prosperity, and justice. Under her compassionate and fair leadership, people thrived, and she earned deep respect and admiration. The RSS sees in her a guardian of the values established by revered figures like Shree Ramachandra, Yudhisthira, Janak, Ashoka, Vikramaditya, Harshavardhan, and Chhatrapati Shivaji. Her leadership carried forward their ideals, ensuring India’s cultural and spiritual heritage remained strong and resilient through her just and compassionate rule. Through her rule, Ahilyabai preserved the essence of Indian civilization, demonstrating the endurance of cultural values in times of both harmony and adversity.

 

(The writer is an author and columnist. Her latest book is Blood in the Sea: The Dark History of Hindu Oppression in Goa)