The spirit of Ahilyabai was indomitable, she navigated through the crisis with remarkable skill and strength, achieving great success and leaving behind a legacy that continues to enlighten and inspire everyone. Despite having no formal education, she learned all the skills required to run a kingdom. She was a brilliant military strategist without having attended a military college, as well as an engineer, a metallurgist, and an expert in trade, logistics, and every other field needed to govern her kingdom, especially in times of crisis, said Chinmayeeji Mulye in Bhagyanagar, during the book launch event in Hyderabad.
Chinmayeeji Mulye, the author of “Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar: Queen of Indomitable Spirit,” spoke about her book at its release event organized by Samvit Kendra in the Chandanagar area of Bhagyanagar. The event, held on June 16, 2024, celebrated the 300th birth anniversary of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar.
The three distinguished guests, Dr. Aparnaji Kulkarni, Dr. Vidya Deodhar, and Chinmayee Mulye ji, chairing the event briefly spoke about the history of women’s roles in Hindu civilization and highlighted Ahilyabai Holkar’s pivotal role as a bridge between India’s past and present. They emphasized her special efforts in reconstructing the temples marked a glorious epoch of renaissance of cultural spirit, which had suffered under the brutality of the Mughal Empire.
Dr. Aparnaji Kulkarni, a distinguished entrepreneur and advocate for women in the Indian industry, spoke briefly yet comprehensively about the extensive roles women have played in Hindu civilization. Throughout history, women have been Rishikas, poets, societal leaders, queens, guides, distinguished professionals, and even warriors in Bharat. Despite often receiving minimal or no formal training, women across Bharat have accomplished remarkable feats in managing industries ranging from home-based and cottage industries to the highest echelons of governance.
Dr. Vidya Deodhar, an author and member of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, spoke extensively about the life and career of Ahilyabai Holkar.
Ahilyabai Holkar’s journey began when Malhar Rao Holkar, commander of the Maratha principality in the Malwa region, noticed her playing in a village temple. Impressed by her piety and strong character, he arranged her marriage to his son, Khande Rao Holkar, who later became the heir apparent to the Maratha province of Indore. Tragically, Ahilyabai was widowed at the age of twenty-eight when Khande Rao died in battle. Initially devastated and considering Sati, the act of self-immolation on her husband’s funeral pyre, she was dissuaded by her father-in-law, who convinced her to lead the kingdom instead. The kingdom could not survive without a member of the royal family to care for it. Ahilyabai now undertook this imposing task with the spirit of deep renunciation.
Ahilyabai undertook rigorous training in statecraft, administration, war strategy, military technology, engineering, metallurgy, diplomacy, and trade under the guidance of Malhar Rao Holkar. Over ten years of intensive preparation prepared her to succeed Malhar Rao Holkar after his passing.
Known for her integrity, Ahilyabai strictly adhered to principles of honesty and incorruptibility, a trait even noted by the Nizam of Hyderabad. She funded the preservation and restoration of temples across India from her personal wealth, insisting that state funds should be used exclusively for the welfare of her kingdom.
After Malhar Rao Holkar passed away, she inherited about 10 crore rupees, plus an annual income of 75 lakhs for herself. Her son, who was to inherit the country, was ten years old. However, she gave her kula devata, Shiva, the entire family inheritance and committed the rest of her life to serving Mahadeva.
She staunchly opposed any misuse of state funds, including by her husband, and demonstrated military prowess in campaigns against enemies and criminals, offering her daughter’s hand in marriage as a reward for volunteer, Yashwant Rao, who subdued dacoits.
Despite her firm stance on justice, Ahilyabai also showed compassion and sought reconciliation with dissenting officials for over fifteen years before resorting to their execution in 1787. In 1780, she repealed a law that permitted the state to confiscate property from childless widows, a significant reform during her reign.
Widely revered as a manifestation of Ashta Bhuja, the goddess with eight arms symbolizing multi-talented and decisive attributes, Ahilyabai Holkar left an indelible mark on central India’s history as a visionary and compassionate ruler.
Ayush Nadimpalli, secretary of Samvit Kendra, concluded by informing on the list of books about Ahilyabai and other women in Indian history. He specifically mentioned a six-volume series titled “Mahila Murti” by Dr. Vidya Deodhar that covered 450 people, as well as one book titled “Kanoon Nirman me Mahila” by the same author.
This event was attended by members of Samvit Kendra, several independent research scholars, IT professionals, and many more.
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