Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar

Source: PIB

Context: Prime Minister of India addressed the Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan on the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

About Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar:

• Born: 31 May 1725, Chondi village, Ahmednagar (Maharashtra).

• Father: Mankoji Rao Shinde, village head who educated her.

• Married: Khanderao Holkar, son of Malhar Rao Holkar of the Malwa kingdom.

• Became ruler of Malwa in 1767 after approval from the Peshwa.

• Kingdom and Reign:

• Ruled over the Malwa region, capital at Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh). Known for wise, just, and inclusive governance during politically volatile times. Personally led military campaigns and founded the Holkar army in 1792.

• Ruled over the Malwa region, capital at Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh).

• Known for wise, just, and inclusive governance during politically volatile times.

• Personally led military campaigns and founded the Holkar army in 1792.

• Administrative & Governance:

• Held daily public audiences to address people’s grievances. Introduced public welfare reforms focusing on: Farmers, Artisans, and Tribal communities. Promoted irrigation, crop diversity, and rural entrepreneurship.

• Held daily public audiences to address people’s grievances.

• Introduced public welfare reforms focusing on: Farmers, Artisans, and Tribal communities.

• Promoted irrigation, crop diversity, and rural entrepreneurship.

• Cultural & Religious Contributions:

• Rebuilt and restored hundreds of temples, including: Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1780) and Somnath Temple (Old Juna Mandir). Commissioned ghats, tanks, wells, and dharamshalas across India. Built two Jyotirlinga temples and extended religious support nationally.

• Rebuilt and restored hundreds of temples, including: Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1780) and Somnath Temple (Old Juna Mandir).

• Commissioned ghats, tanks, wells, and dharamshalas across India.

• Built two Jyotirlinga temples and extended religious support nationally.

• Social Reforms & Women Empowerment:

• Advocated: Raising minimum age of marriage for girls Property rights for women Widow remarriage Formed women’s army and village-level safety units.

• Advocated: Raising minimum age of marriage for girls Property rights for women Widow remarriage

• Raising minimum age of marriage for girls

• Property rights for women

• Widow remarriage

• Formed women’s army and village-level safety units.

• Nation-Building Initiatives:

• Constructed roads and rest houses across pilgrimage routes: Rameshwaram, Haridwar, Kashi, Somnath Established gurukuls and schools to promote education.

• Constructed roads and rest houses across pilgrimage routes: Rameshwaram, Haridwar, Kashi, Somnath

• Established gurukuls and schools to promote education.

• Legacy:

• Died: 13 August 1795, aged 70. Founded the Maheshwari saree textile industry, still famous today. Known as the ‘Philosopher Queen’ for her wisdom and spiritual outlook. Remembered for combining development with dharma (duty). Her work continues to influence India’s cultural preservation and grassroots governance.

• Died: 13 August 1795, aged 70.

• Founded the Maheshwari saree textile industry, still famous today.

• Known as the ‘Philosopher Queen’ for her wisdom and spiritual outlook.

• Remembered for combining development with dharma (duty).

• Her work continues to influence India’s cultural preservation and grassroots governance.