वैशिष्ट्यीकृत पोस्ट
- लिंक मिळवा
- ईमेल
- अन्य अॅप्स
अहिल्याबाई होल्कर
महारानी अहिल्याबाई (३१ मई १७२५ - १३ अगस्त १७९५) इतिहास-प्रसिद्ध सूबेदार मल्हारराव होलकर के पुत्र खंडेराव की पत्नी थीं। जन्म इनका सन् 1725 में हुआ था और देहांत 13 अगस्त 1795 को; तिथि उस दिन भाद्रपद कृष्णा चतुर्दशी थी। अहिल्याबाई किसी बड़े भारी राज्य की रानी नहीं थीं। उनका कार्यक्षेत्र अपेक्षाकृत सीमित था। फिर भी उन्होंने जो कुछ किया, उससे आश्चर्य होता है।
महारानी अहिल्याबाई होल्कर
मालवा साम्राज्य, इंदौर की महाराणी अहिल्याबाई होल्कर की दिल्ली के महाराष्ट्र सदन स्थित मुख प्रतिमा
मालवा राज्य की महारानी
शासनकाल
१ दिसंबर १७६७ - १३ अगस्त १७९५)
राज्याभिषेक
११ दिसंबर, १७६७
पूर्वाधिकारी
माळेराव होल्कर
उत्तराधिकारी
तुकोजी राव होल्कर - १
जीवनसाथी
खाण्डेराव होलकर
पूरा नाम
अहिल्या बाई साहिबा होल्कर
राजघराना
होल्कर
पिता
मान्कोजी शिन्दे
जन्म
31 मई 1725
ग्राम चौन्दी, जमखेड, अहमदनगर, महाराष्ट्र, भारत
मृत्यु
13 अगस्त 1795
धर्म
हिन्दू
जीवन परिचय:
दस-बारह वर्ष की आयु में उनका विवाह हुआ। उनतीस वर्ष की अवस्था में विधवा हो गईं। पति का स्वभाव चंचल और उग्र था। वह सब उन्होंने सहा। फिर जब बयालीस-तैंतालीस वर्ष की थीं, पुत्र मालेराव का देहांत हो गया। जब अहिल्याबाई की आयु बासठ वर्ष के लगभग थी, दौहित्र नत्थू चल बसा। चार वर्ष पीछे दामाद यशवंतराव फणसे न रहा और इनकी पुत्री मुक्ताबाई सती हो गई। दूर के संबंधी तुकोजीराव के पुत्र मल्हारराव पर उनका स्नेह था; सोचती थीं कि आगे चलकर यही शासन, व्यवस्था, न्याय औऱ प्रजारंजन की डोर सँभालेगा; पर वह अंत-अंत तक उन्हें दुःख देता रहा।
योगदान:
अहिल्याबाई ने अपने राज्य की सीमाओं के बाहर भारत-भर के प्रसिद्ध तीर्थों और स्थानों में मंदिर बनवाए, घाट बँधवाए, कुओं और बावड़ियों का निर्माण किया, मार्ग बनवाए-सुधरवाए, भूखों के लिए अन्नसत्र (अन्यक्षेत्र) खोले, प्यासों के लिए प्याऊ बिठलाईं, मंदिरों में विद्वानों की नियुक्ति शास्त्रों के मनन-चिंतन और प्रवचन हेतु की। और, आत्म-प्रतिष्ठा के झूठे मोह का त्याग करके सदा न्याय करने का प्रयत्न करती रहीं-मरते दम तक। ये उसी परंपरा में थीं जिसमें उनके समकालीन पूना के न्यायाधीश रामशास्त्री थे और उनके पीछे झाँसी की रानी लक्ष्मीबाई हुई। अपने जीवनकाल में ही इन्हें जनता ‘देवी’ समझने और कहने लगी थी। इतना बड़ा व्यक्तित्व जनता ने अपनी आँखों देखा ही कहाँ था। जब चारों ओर गड़बड़ मची हुई थी। शासन और व्यवस्था के नाम पर घोर अत्याचार हो रहे थे। प्रजाजन-साधारण गृहस्थ, किसान मजदूर-अत्यंत हीन अवस्था में सिसक रहे थे। उनका एकमात्र सहारा-धर्म-अंधविश्वासों, भय त्रासों और रूढि़यों की जकड़ में कसा जा रहा था। न्याय में न शक्ति रही थी, न विश्वास। ऐसे काल की उन विकट परिस्थितियों में अहिल्याबाई ने जो कुछ किया-और बहुत किया।-वह चिरस्मरणीय है।
इंदौर में प्रति वर्ष भाद्रपद कृष्णा चतुर्दशी के दिन अहिल्योत्सव होता चला आता है।
अहिल्याबाई जब 6 महीने के लिये पूरे भारत की यात्रा पर गई तो ग्राम उबदी के पास स्थित कस्बे अकावल्या के पाटीदार को राजकाज सौंप गई, जो हमेशा वहाँ जाया करते थे। उनके राज्य संचालन से प्रसन्न होकर अहिल्याबाई ने आधा राज्य देेने को कहा परन्तु उन्होंने सिर्फ यह मांगा कि महेश्वर में मेरे समाज लोग यदि मुर्दो को जलाने आये तो कपड़ो समेत जलायॆं।
मतभेद:
उनके मंदिर-निर्माण और अन्य धर्म-कार्यों के महत्त्व के विषय में मतभेद है।[1] इन कार्यों में अहिल्याबाई ने अंधाधुंध खर्च किया और सेना नए ढंग पर संगठित नहीं की। तुकोजी होलकर की सेना को उत्तरी अभियानों में अर्थसंकट सहना पड़ा, कहीं-कहीं यह आरोप भी है[2] इन मंदिरों को हिंदू धर्म की बाहरी चौंकियाँ बतलाया है।[3] तुकोजीराव होलकर के पास बारह लाख रुपए थे जब वह अहिल्याबाई से रुपए की माँग पर माँग कर रहा था और संसार को दिखलाता था कि रुपए-पैसे से तंग हूँ। फिर इसमें अहिल्याबाई का दोष क्या था ?[4] हिंदुओं के लिए धर्म की भावना सबसे बड़ी प्रेरक शक्ति रही है; अहिल्याबाई ने उसी का उपयोग किया। तत्कालीन अंधविश्वासों और रुढ़ियों का वर्णन उपन्यास में आया है। इनमें से एक विश्वास था मांधता के निकट नर्मदा तीर स्थित खडी पहाड़ी से कूदकर मोक्ष-प्राप्ति के लिए प्राणत्याग-आत्महत्या कर डालना।
विचारधाराएं:
अहिल्याबाई के संबंध में दो प्रकार की विचारधाराएँ रही हैं। एक में उनको देवी के अवतार की पदवी दी गई है, दूसरी में उनके अति उत्कृष्ट गुणों के साथ अंधविश्वासों और रूढ़ियों के प्रति श्रद्धा को भी प्रकट किया है। वह अँधेरे में प्रकाश-किरण के समान थीं, जिसे अँधेरा बार-बार ग्रसने की चेष्टा करता रहा। अपने उत्कृष्ट विचारों एवं नैतिक आचरण के चलते ही समाज में उन्हें देवी का दर्जा मिला।
सेनापति के रूप में:
मल्हारराव के भाई-बंदों में तुकोजीराव होल्कर एक विश्वासपात्र युवक थे। मल्हारराव ने उन्हें भी सदा अपने साथ में रखा था और राजकाज के लिए तैयार कर लिया था। अहिल्याबाई ने इन्हें अपना सेनापति बनाया और चौथ वसूल करने का काम उन्हें सौंप दिया। वैसे तो उम्र में तुकोजीराव होल्कर अहिल्याबाई से बड़े थे, परंतु तुकोजी उन्हें अपनी माता के समान ही मानते थे और राज्य का काम पूरी लगन ओर सच्चाई के साथ करते थे। अहिल्याबाई का उन पर इतना प्रेम और विश्वास था कि वह भी उन्हें पुत्र जैसा मानती थीं। राज्य के काग़ज़ों में जहाँ कहीं उनका उल्लेख आता है वहाँ तथा मुहरों में भी 'खंडोजी सुत तुकोजी होल्कर' इस प्रकार कहा गया है।
मृत्यु:
राज्य की चिंता का भार और उस पर प्राणों से भी प्यारे लोगों का वियोग। इस सारे शोक-भार को अहिल्याबाई का शरीर अधिक नहीं संभाल सका। और 13 अगस्त सन् 1795 को उनकी जीवन-लीला समाप्त हो गई। अहिल्याबाई के निधन के बाद तुकोजी इन्दौर की गद्दी पर बैठा।
_____________________________________________
Ahilyabai Holkar
Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar (31 May 1725 – 13 August 1795) was the Holkar Queen of the Maratha Malwa kingdom, India. Rajmata Ahilyabai was born in the village of Chondi in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. She moved the capital to Maheshwar south of Indore on the Narmada River.
Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar
महाराणी अहिल्या बाई होळकर
Her Highness Maharani Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Ahilya Bai Sahiba
Ahilya Mata Statue at Datta Temple, Sahastra Dhara, Jalkoti.jpg
Maratha Holkar Queen of Indore
Queen of the Malwa Kingdom
Reign
1 December 1767 – 13 August 1795
Coronation
11 December 1767
Predecessor
Malerao Holkar
Successor
Tukojirao Holkar I
Born
31 May 1725
Grram Chaundi, Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India
Died
13 August 1795
Spouse
Khanderao Holkar
Full name
Ahilya Bai Sahiba Holkar
House
House of Holkar
Dynasty
Maratha Confederacy
Father
Mankoji Shinde
Religion
Hindu
Ahilyabai's husband Khanderao Holkar was killed in the battle of Kumbher in 1754. Twelve years later, her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar, died. A year after that she was crowned as the queen of the Malwa kingdom. She tried to protect her kingdom from plundering invaders. She personally led armies into battle. She appointed Tukojirao Holkar as the Chief of Army.
Rani Ahilyabai was a great pioneer and builder of Hindu temples. She built hundreds of temples and Dharmashalas throughout India.
Early life:
Ahilyabai was born on 31 May 1725 in the village of Chaundi, in the present-day Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra. Her father, Mankoji Rao Shinde, was the Patil of the village. Women then did not go to school, but Ahilyabai's father taught her to read and write.
Her entrance on to the stage of history was something of an accident: Malhar Rao Holkar, a commander in the service of the Maratha Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao and lord of the Malwa territory, stopped in Chaundi on his way to Pune and, according to legend, saw the eight-year-old Ahilyabai at the temple service in the village. Recognising her piety and her character, he brought the girl to the Holkar territory as a bride for his son, Khanderao (1723–1754). She was married to Khanderao Holkar in 1733. In 1745, she gave birth to their son Malerao and in 1748, a daughter Muktabai. Malerao was mentally unwell and died of his illness in 1767. Ahilyabai broke another tradition when she married her daughter to Yashwantrao a brave but poor man after he succeeded in defeating the dacoits.
ReignEdit
The Royal Palace of Maheshwar
Courtyard of the royal palace (Rajwada), Maheshwar
Statue of Ahilya Bai Holkar in the royal palace, Maheshwar
Her husband was killed during the siege of Kumher in 1754.[1] In 1754, on request of support from Imad-ul-Mulk, the Mughal Emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur's Mir Bakhshi, Ahilya Bai’s husband Khanderao Holkar, in the army of his father Malhar Rao Holkar, laid the siege of Kumher fort of Jat Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur State who had sided with the Mughal Emperor's rebellious wazir Safdar Jang. Khanderao was inspecting his troops on an open palanquin in the battle of Kumher when was hit and killed by a cannonball from the Jat army. After his death in 1754, his father Malhar Rao prevented his wife Ahilya Bai from committing sati.[2] Malhar Rao Holkar died in 1766, 12 years after the death of his son Khanderao. Malhar Rao's grandson and Khanderao's only son Male Rao Holkar became the ruler of Indore in 1766, under the regentship of Ahilyabai, but he too died within few months on 5 April 1767. Ahilyabai became the ruler of Indore after the death of her son with Khanderao.
A letter to her from her father-in-law Malhar Rao in 1765 illustrates the trust he had in her ability during the tempestuous battle for power in the 18th century:
"Proceed to Gwalior after crossing the Chambal. You may halt there for four or five days. You should keep your big artillery and arrange for its ammunition as much as possible….On the march you should arrange for military posts being located for protection of the road."
Already trained to be a ruler, Ahilyabai petitioned the Peshwa after Malhar’s death, and the death of her son, to take over the administration herself. Some in Malwa objected to her assumption of rule, but the army of Holkar supported her leadership. She led them in person, with four bows and quivers of arrows fitted to the corners of the howdah of her favourite elephant. The Peshwa granted her permission on 11 December 1767, and, with Subhedar Tukojirao Holkar (Malharrao's adopted son) as the head of military matters, she proceeded to rule Malwa in a most enlightened manner, even reinstating a Brahmin who had opposed her. Ahilyabai daily public audience and was always accessible to anyone who needed her ear.
Among Ahilyabai's accomplishments was the development of Indore from a small village to a prosperous and beautiful city; her own capital, however, was in nearby Maheshwar, a town on the banks of the Narmada river. She also built forts and roads in Malwa, sponsored festivals and gave donations for regular worship in many Hindu temples. Outside Malwa, she built dozens of temples, ghats, wells, tanks and rest-houses across an area stretching from the Himalayas to pilgrimage centres in South India. The Bharatiya Sanskritikosh lists as sites she embellished, Kashi, Gaya, Somnath, Ayodhya, Mathura, Hardwar, Kanchi, Avanti, Dwarka, Badrinarayan, Rameshwar and Jaganathpuri. Ahilyadevi also supported the rise of merchants, farmers and cultivators to levels of affluence, and did not consider that she had any legitimate claim to their wealth, be it through taxes or feudal right.
There are many stories of her care for her people. In one instance, when her minister refused to allow the adoption unless he was suitably bribed, she is said to have sponsored the child herself, and given him clothes and jewels as part of the ritual. To honour the memory of Ahilyadevi Holkar, in 1996 leading citizens of Indore instituted an award in her name to be bestowed annually on an outstanding public figure. The Prime Minister of India gave away the first award to Nanaji Deshmukh.
Ahilyadevi was not able to settle the conflict peacefully in the case of the Bhils and Gonds, who plundered her borders; but she granted them waste hilly lands and the right to a small duty on goods passing through their territories. Even in this case, according to Malcolm, she did give "considerate attention to their habits".
Ahilyabai’s capital at Maheshwar was the scene of literary, musical, artistic and industrial enterprise. She entertained the famous Marathi poet, Moropant and the shahir, Anantaphandi from Maharashtra, and also patronised the Sanskrit scholar, Khushali Ram. Craftsmen, sculptors and artists received salaries and honours at her capital, and she even established a textile industry in the city of Maheshwar.
After her death, she was succeeded by Tukoji Rao Holkar I, her commander-in-chief, who soon abdicated the throne in favour of his son Kashi Rao Holkar in 1797.
Views about her:
Statue of Ahilybai Holkar, Maheshwar
A quote by Ahilya bai at Maheshwar Palace.
"The reign of Ahilyabai, of Indore in central India, lasted for thirty years. This has become almost legendary as a period during which perfect order and good government prevailed and the people prospered. She was a very able ruler and organizer, highly respected during her lifetime, and considered as a saint by a grateful people after her death."[5]
Ahilyabai Holkar
An English poem written by Joanna Baillie in 1849 reads:
"For thirty years her reign of peace,
The land in blessing did increase;
And she was blessed by every tongue,
By stern and gentle, old and young.
Yea, even the children at their mothers feet
Are taught such homely rhyming to repeat
"In latter days from Brahma came,
To rule our land, a noble Dame,
Kind was her heart, and bright her fame,
And Ahlya was her honoured name."
"The Great Maratha lady who affords the noblest example of wisdom, goodness and virtue. One english writer quoted that which Akbar is among male sovereigns, is Ahlia Baie among female sovereigns".
"Ahilyabai's extraordinary ability won her the regard of her subjects and of the other Maratha confederates, including Nana Phadnavis. Collecting oral memories of her in the 1820s, Sir John Malcolm, the British official most directly concerned with the 'settlement' of central India, seems to have become deeply enamoured of her. "With the natives of Malwa ... her name is sainted and she is styled an avatar or Incarnation of the Divinity. In the most sober view that can be taken of her character, she certainly appears, within her limited sphere, to have been one of the purest and most exemplary rulers that ever existed". (J. Malcolm) [8] John Keay called her 'The Philosopher Queen', a reference perhaps to the 'Philosopher king' Bhoj:
"Ahilyabai Holkar, the 'philosopher-queen' of Malwa, had evidently been an acute observer of the wider political scene. In a letter to the peshwa in 1772 she had warned against association with the British, and likened their embrace to a bear-hug: "Other beasts, like tigers, can be killed by might or contrivance, but to kill a bear it is very difficult. It will die only if you kill it straight in the face, Or else, once caught in its powerful hold, the bear will kill its prey by tickling. Such is the way of the English. And in view of this, it is difficult to triumph over them."
"This great ruler in Indore encouraged all within her realm to do their best, Merchants produced their finest cloths, trade flourished, the farmers were at peace and oppression ceased, for each case that came to the queens notice was dealt with severely. She loved to see her people prosper, and to watch the fine cities grow, and to watch that her subjects were not afraid to display their wealth, lest the ruler should snatch it from them. Far and wide the roads were planted with shady trees, and wells were made, and rest-houses for travellers. The poor, the homeless, the orphaned were all helped according to their needs. The Bhils who had long been the torment of all caravans, were routed from their mountain fastnesses and persuaded to settle down as honest farmers. Hindu and Musalman alike revered the famous Queen and prayed for her long life. Her last great sorrow was when her daughter became a Sati upon the death of Yashwantrao Phanse. Ahalya Bai was seventy years old when her long and splendid life closed. Indore long mourned its noble Queen, happy had been her reign, and her memory is cherished with deep reverence unto this day." (Annie Besant)
"From the original papers and letters, it becomes clear that she was first-class politician, and that was why she readily extended her support to Mahadji Shinde. I have no hesitation in saying that without the support of Ahilyabai, Mahadji would never have gained so much importance in the politics of northern India." (Historian Judunath Sarkar)
"Definitely no woman and no ruler is like Ahilyabai Holkar." (Nizam of Hyderabad)
"It reveals beyond doubt that all ideal virtues described by Plato and Bhismacharya were present in her personality like Dilip, Janak, Shri Ram, Shri Krishna and Yudhishthir. After through scrutiny of the long history of the world we find only one personality of Lokmata Devi Ahilya that represents an absolutely ideal ruler." (Arvind Javlekar)
A commemorative stamp was issued in her honour on 25 August 1996 by the Republic of India.
As a tribute to the great ruler, Indore domestic airport has been named Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport. Similarly, Indore university has been renamed as "Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya".
Painting of Ahilyabai Holkar
Works throughout IndiaEdit
Fort Ahilya in Maheshwar
Ahilya Ghat, Varanasi
The current structure of Vishnupad Temple is built by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1787
Ahilya Bai's Fort
Ahilya Bai's Temple Shikhara
It was the speciality of Holkar family that they did not use public funds to meet their personal and family expenses. They had their personal fund from their private property. Ahilyabai inherited personal funds which at that time was estimated to be sixteen crores rupees. Ahilyabai used personal fund in charitable works.
Ahilya Bai's Temple
Symbol of holkars
Alampur (MP) – Harihareshwar, Batuk, Malharimarthand, Surya, Renuka, Ram Hanuman Temples, Shriram Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Maruti Temple, Narsinh Temple, Khanderao Martand Temple, Memorial of Malharrao (I)
Amarkantak- Shri Vishweshwar Temple, Kotithirth Temple, Gomukhi Temple, Dharamshala, Vansh Kund
Ambegaon – Lamps for temple
Anand Kanan – Vishweshwar Temple
Ayodhya (U.P)– Built Shri Ram Temple, Shri Treta Ram Temple, Shri Bhairav Temple, Nageshwar/Siddhnath Temple, Sharayu Ghat, well, Swargadwari Mohatajkhana, Dharamshalas
Badrinath (Uttarakhand) – Badrinath Temple, Shri Kedareshwar and Hari Temples, Dharamshalas (Rangdachati, Bidarchati, Vyasganga, Tanganath, Pawali), Manu kunds (Gaurkund, Kundachatri), Garden and Warm Water Kund at Dev Prayag, Pastoral land for cows
Beed – Jirnnodhar of a Ghat.
Belur (Karnataka) – Ganpati, Pandurang, Jaleshwar, Khandoba, Tirthraj and Fire temples, Kund
Bhanpura – Nine Temples and Dharmashala
Bharatpur – Temple, Dharmashala, Kund
Bhimashankar – Garibkhana
Bhusawal – Changadev Temple
Bitthur – Bhramaghat
Burhanpur (MP) – Raj Ghat, Ram Ghat, Kund
Chandwad – Vishnu Temple and Renuka Temple
Chaundi – Chaudeshwaridevi Temple, Sineshwar Mahadev temple,
Ahilyeshwar Temple, Dharamshala, Ghat,
Chitrakoot – Pranpratishta of Shri Ramchandra
Cikhalda – Annakshetra
Dwarka (Gujarat) – Mohatajkhana, Pooja House and gave some villages to priest
Gangotri – Vishwanath, Kedarnath, Annapurna and Bhairav Temples, many Dharmashalas
Gaya (Bihar) – Vishnupad Temple
((Gokarna)) – Rewaleshwar Mahadev temple, Holkar wada, Garden and Garibkhana
Grishneshwar – Shiva temple and Shivalaya Tirth
Handiya – Siddhanath Temple, ghat and dharmashala
Haridwar – Kushawarth Ghat
Indore – Many Temples and ghats
Jalgaon – Ram Mandir
Jamghat – Bhumi dwar
Jamvgaon – Donated for Ramdas swami Math
Jejuri – Malhargautameshwar, Vitthal, Martand Temple, Janai Mahadev and Malhar lakes
Karmanasini River – Bridge
Kedarnath – Dharmashala and Kund
Kolhapur – Facilities for temple pooja
Kumher – Well and Memorial of Prince Khandera
Khargone – fort and many temples and ghats
Kurukshetra (Haryana) – Shiv Shantanu Mahadev Temple, Panchkund Ghat, Laxmikund Ghat
Maheshwar – Hundreds of temples, ghats, dharmashalas and houses
Mamaleshwar Mahadev Himachal Pradesh – Lamps
Manasa Devi – Seven temples
Mandaleshwar – Shiv Temple Ghat
Mangaon – Datta Mandir, Near Sawantwadi, Konkan, Maharashtra, India
Meerut Chandi Devi Temple
Miri (Ahmednagar) – Bhairav Temple in 1780
Naimabar(MP) – Temple
Nandurbar – Temple, Well
Nathdwara – Ahilya Kund, Temple, Well
Nandurkhi BK - Well
Neelkantha Mahadev – Shivalaya and Gomukh
Nemisharanya(UP) – Mahadev Madi, Nimsar Dharmashala, Go-ghat, Cakrithirth kund
Nimgaon (Nashik) – Well
Omkareshwar (MP) – Mamaleshwar Mahadev, Amaleshwar, Trambakeshwar Temples (Jirnnodhar), Gauri Somnath Temple, Dharmashalas, Wells
Ozar (Ahmednagar) – 2 wells and kund
Panchavati, Nasik – Shri Ram Temple, Gora Mahadev temple, Dharmashala, Vishweshwar Temple, Ramghat, Dharmashala
Parli Vaijnath – Shri Vaidyanath Mandir
Pandharpur (Maharashtra) – Shri Ram Temple, Tulsibag, Holkar wada, Sabha Mandap, Dharmashala and gave silver utensil for the Vitthal Temple, Pandharpur, Well-Which known by Bagirao well.
Pimplas (Nashik) – well
Prayag (Allahabad UP) – Vishnu Temple, Dharmashala, Garden, Ghat, Palace
Pune – Ghat
Puntambe (Maharashtra) – Ghat on Godavari river
Puri (Odisha) – Shri Ramchandra Temple, Dharmashala and Garden
Pushkar – Ganpati Temple, Dharmashala, Garden
Rameswaram (TN) – Hanuman Temple, Shri Radha Krishna Temple, Dharmashala, Well, Garden etc.
Rampura – Four Temples, Dharmashala and houses
Raver – Keshav Kund
Rishikesh – Many temples including Shrinathji and Govardhan ram temples
Sakargaon – well
Sambhal – Laxmi Narayan Temple and two wells
Sangamner – Ram Temple
Saptashrungi – Dharmashala
Sardhana Meerut – Chandi Devi Temple
Saurashtra (Guj) – Somnath Temple in 1785. (Jirnnodhdhar and Pran Prathistha)
Siddhivinayak temple's inner sanctum at Siddhatek in Ahmednagar District
Shri Nagnath (Darukhvan) – Started pooja in 1784
Srisailam (AP) – Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
Shri Shambhu Mahadev Mountain Shingnapur (Maharashtra) – Well
Shri Vighneshwar – Lamps
Sinhpur – Shiv Temple and ghat
Sulpeshwar – Mahadev Temple, annakshetra
Sultanpur (Khandesh) – Temple
Tarana – Tilabhandeshwar Shiv temple, Khedapati, Shriram Temple, Mahakali Temple
Tehari (Bundelkhand) – Dharmashala
Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) – Bridge on Kushawarth Ghat
Ujjain (MP) – Chintaman Ganapati, Janardhan, Shrilila urushottam, Balaji Tilakeshwar, Ramjanaki Ras Mandal, Gopal, Chitnis, Balaji, Ankpal, Shiv and many other temples, 13 ghats, well and many Dharmashalas etc.
Varanasi – Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1780[14]), Shri Tarakeshwar, Shri Gangaji, Ahilya Dwarkeshwar, Gautameshwar, Many Shiva Temples; Ghats including Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Janana Ghat, Ahilya Ghat, Shitala Ghat; UttarKashi Dharmashala, Rameshwar Panchkoshi Dharmashala, Kapila Dhara Dharmashala,
Vrindavan (Mathura) – Chain Bihari Temple, Kaliyadeha Ghat, Chirghat and many other ghats, Dharmashala, Annakstra
Wafgaon (Rajgurunagar, Pune) – Holkar wada and one well
Ambad (maharashtra) -Matsodari Devi Mandir
Vikharan (Shirpur Dist:Dhule maharashtra) Well
Weapons used by Holkars
Book:
In Marathi
Punyashlok Ahilya by R.W.Tikore-Kumthewale
Ahilyabai by Hiralal Sharma
Ahilyabai Charitra by Purshottam
Ahilyabai Charitra by Mukund Vaman Barve
Karmayogini by Vijaya Jahagirdar
Dnyat Adnyat Ahilyabai Holakar by Vinaya Khadapekar
Pal Samaaj on Samaaj
In popular culture:
Current Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has written a book "Matoshree" based on life of legendary Ahilyadevi Holkar.
A film titled Devi Ahilya Bai was produced in 2002 featuring Mallika Prasad as Devi Ahilya Bai, Shabana Azmi as Harkubai (Khaanda Rani, one of Malhar Rao Holkar's wives) and also including Sadashiv Amrapurkar as Malhar Rao Holkar, Ahilyabai's father in law.[15]
A documentary for UGC-CEC channel VYAS was made by Educational Multimedia Research Centre, Indore about her life and times.
In Thane City in Maharashtra, a children's play park has been named as 'Ahilyadevi Holkar Udyan' after her. Also a road has been named after her in the same city.
The airport at Indore is named Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in her honour.
_____________________________________________
Ahilyabai Holkar Biography
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 the daughter of Mankoji Shinde who belonged to the Dhangar community, serving as patil of the village.
Her father educated her himself and she grew up living a humble pious life, when one day, her destiny changed forever to eventually see her become the ruler of Malwa in the 18th century.
Young Ahilyadevi’s character and simplicity impressed Malhar Rao Holkar, who then served under Peshwa Bajirao’s army as a commander. So great was his liking for the girl, that she was married to his son, Khande Rao, thus becoming a bride in the esteemed Maratha community of the Holkars. 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.
After Malhar Rao’s death, she requested the Peshwa to grant her the power to lead the administration of the region. His approval saw Rani Ahilyadevi take hold of the reins of the state in 1766, to become ruler of Malwa, with Tukoji Holkar appointed as her new military head. Receiving the full support of her loyal army, Ahilyadevi led them into several wars, whilst, she being a brave warrior and skilled archer herself, fought with valor atop elephant-back, even protecting her kingdom from the plundering Bhils and Gonds.
Rani Ahilyabai moved her capital to Maheshwar, constructing the splendid 18th century Maratha-architecture based, Ahilya Fort, on the banks of the sacred Narmada River. Besides her capital being an industrial enterprise for textile, it was also a thriving destination for literary, sculpture, music and arts, which saw Moropant, the famous Marathi poet, the Shahir Anantaphandi and Sanskrit scholar, Khushali Ram, being patronized during her era.
A wise, just and enlightened ruler who cared for her people, she was available to the aid of everyone holding a daily public audience in her court. During her glorious reign (1767-1795), Rani Ahilyadevi’s innumerable contributions made her a beloved and respected queen amongst her people in a prospering kingdom. She wisely spent the governmental money building several forts, rest houses, wells and roads, celebrating festivals and donations to Hindu temples.
Her feminine side saw her aid widows in retaining their husband’s wealth and in adoption of a son. Besides her transformation of Indore from an erstwhile village into a prosperous and enchanting city, she is also accredited with renovating temples. Her most memorable activities include the construction of numerous temples and pilgrimage centers across an area extending from the Himalayas to South India, at sacred sites like Kashi, Gaya, Somnath, Ayodhya, Mathura, Hardwar, Dwarka, Badrinarayan, Rameshwar and Jaganathpuri.
Ahilyabai Holkar’s magnificent and glorious rule ended when she passed away in 1795. In memory and honour of her greatness, the Republic of India issued a commemorative stamp on 25 August 1996. The citizens of Indore also instituted an award in her name in 1996, to be bestowed annually on an outstanding public figure, the first recipient of it being Nanaji Deshmukh.
Facts and Information about Ahilya Bai Holkar
Full Name Ahilya Bai Sahiba Holkar
Born May 31, 1725 at Grram Chaundi, Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India
Religion Hindu
About Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar ruled the Malwa kingdom in India.
Husband Khanderao Holkar
Father Mankoji Shinde
House House of Holkar
Coronation December 11, 1767
Reign December 1, 1767 to August 13, 1795
Predecessor Malerao Holkar
Successor Tukojirao Holkar I
Father In Law Malhar Rao Holkar
Death of Husband Her husband was killed in 1754 during the siege of Kumbher.
Accomplishments Ahilya Bai transformed Indore from a village to a beautiful city. Many forts and roads were constructed in Malwa under her rule. She made ghats, temples, tanks, wells and rest-houses in South India and across the Himalayas. Somnath, Kashi, Gaya, Ayodhya, Dwarka, Hardwar, Kanchi, Avanti, Badrinarayan, Rameshwar, Mathura and Jaganathpuri are some of the places developed by her.
Books in Marathi Punyashlok Ahilya, M. S. Dixit
Ahilyabai, Hiralal Sharma
Ahilyabai Charitra, Purshottam
Ahilyabai Charitra, Mukund Vaman Barve
Karmayogini, Vijaya Jahagirdar
Dnyat Adnyat Ahilyabai Holakar, Vinaya Khadapekar
In Popular Culture Devi Ahilya Bai is a movie featuring Mallika Prasad as Ahilya Bai.
A children’s park in Thane, Maharashtra is named as ‘Ahilyadevi Holkar Udyan’ in honour of Ahilya Bai.
Documentary The life of Ahilya Bai has been depicted in a documentary of 20 minutes made by Educational Multimedia Research Centre,Indore
महारानी अहिल्याबाई (३१ मई १७२५ - १३ अगस्त १७९५) इतिहास-प्रसिद्ध सूबेदार मल्हारराव होलकर के पुत्र खंडेराव की पत्नी थीं। जन्म इनका सन् 1725 में हुआ था और देहांत 13 अगस्त 1795 को; तिथि उस दिन भाद्रपद कृष्णा चतुर्दशी थी। अहिल्याबाई किसी बड़े भारी राज्य की रानी नहीं थीं। उनका कार्यक्षेत्र अपेक्षाकृत सीमित था। फिर भी उन्होंने जो कुछ किया, उससे आश्चर्य होता है।
महारानी अहिल्याबाई होल्कर
मालवा साम्राज्य, इंदौर की महाराणी अहिल्याबाई होल्कर की दिल्ली के महाराष्ट्र सदन स्थित मुख प्रतिमा
मालवा राज्य की महारानी
शासनकाल
१ दिसंबर १७६७ - १३ अगस्त १७९५)
राज्याभिषेक
११ दिसंबर, १७६७
पूर्वाधिकारी
माळेराव होल्कर
उत्तराधिकारी
तुकोजी राव होल्कर - १
जीवनसाथी
खाण्डेराव होलकर
पूरा नाम
अहिल्या बाई साहिबा होल्कर
राजघराना
होल्कर
पिता
मान्कोजी शिन्दे
जन्म
31 मई 1725
ग्राम चौन्दी, जमखेड, अहमदनगर, महाराष्ट्र, भारत
मृत्यु
13 अगस्त 1795
धर्म
हिन्दू
जीवन परिचय:
दस-बारह वर्ष की आयु में उनका विवाह हुआ। उनतीस वर्ष की अवस्था में विधवा हो गईं। पति का स्वभाव चंचल और उग्र था। वह सब उन्होंने सहा। फिर जब बयालीस-तैंतालीस वर्ष की थीं, पुत्र मालेराव का देहांत हो गया। जब अहिल्याबाई की आयु बासठ वर्ष के लगभग थी, दौहित्र नत्थू चल बसा। चार वर्ष पीछे दामाद यशवंतराव फणसे न रहा और इनकी पुत्री मुक्ताबाई सती हो गई। दूर के संबंधी तुकोजीराव के पुत्र मल्हारराव पर उनका स्नेह था; सोचती थीं कि आगे चलकर यही शासन, व्यवस्था, न्याय औऱ प्रजारंजन की डोर सँभालेगा; पर वह अंत-अंत तक उन्हें दुःख देता रहा।
योगदान:
अहिल्याबाई ने अपने राज्य की सीमाओं के बाहर भारत-भर के प्रसिद्ध तीर्थों और स्थानों में मंदिर बनवाए, घाट बँधवाए, कुओं और बावड़ियों का निर्माण किया, मार्ग बनवाए-सुधरवाए, भूखों के लिए अन्नसत्र (अन्यक्षेत्र) खोले, प्यासों के लिए प्याऊ बिठलाईं, मंदिरों में विद्वानों की नियुक्ति शास्त्रों के मनन-चिंतन और प्रवचन हेतु की। और, आत्म-प्रतिष्ठा के झूठे मोह का त्याग करके सदा न्याय करने का प्रयत्न करती रहीं-मरते दम तक। ये उसी परंपरा में थीं जिसमें उनके समकालीन पूना के न्यायाधीश रामशास्त्री थे और उनके पीछे झाँसी की रानी लक्ष्मीबाई हुई। अपने जीवनकाल में ही इन्हें जनता ‘देवी’ समझने और कहने लगी थी। इतना बड़ा व्यक्तित्व जनता ने अपनी आँखों देखा ही कहाँ था। जब चारों ओर गड़बड़ मची हुई थी। शासन और व्यवस्था के नाम पर घोर अत्याचार हो रहे थे। प्रजाजन-साधारण गृहस्थ, किसान मजदूर-अत्यंत हीन अवस्था में सिसक रहे थे। उनका एकमात्र सहारा-धर्म-अंधविश्वासों, भय त्रासों और रूढि़यों की जकड़ में कसा जा रहा था। न्याय में न शक्ति रही थी, न विश्वास। ऐसे काल की उन विकट परिस्थितियों में अहिल्याबाई ने जो कुछ किया-और बहुत किया।-वह चिरस्मरणीय है।
इंदौर में प्रति वर्ष भाद्रपद कृष्णा चतुर्दशी के दिन अहिल्योत्सव होता चला आता है।
अहिल्याबाई जब 6 महीने के लिये पूरे भारत की यात्रा पर गई तो ग्राम उबदी के पास स्थित कस्बे अकावल्या के पाटीदार को राजकाज सौंप गई, जो हमेशा वहाँ जाया करते थे। उनके राज्य संचालन से प्रसन्न होकर अहिल्याबाई ने आधा राज्य देेने को कहा परन्तु उन्होंने सिर्फ यह मांगा कि महेश्वर में मेरे समाज लोग यदि मुर्दो को जलाने आये तो कपड़ो समेत जलायॆं।
मतभेद:
उनके मंदिर-निर्माण और अन्य धर्म-कार्यों के महत्त्व के विषय में मतभेद है।[1] इन कार्यों में अहिल्याबाई ने अंधाधुंध खर्च किया और सेना नए ढंग पर संगठित नहीं की। तुकोजी होलकर की सेना को उत्तरी अभियानों में अर्थसंकट सहना पड़ा, कहीं-कहीं यह आरोप भी है[2] इन मंदिरों को हिंदू धर्म की बाहरी चौंकियाँ बतलाया है।[3] तुकोजीराव होलकर के पास बारह लाख रुपए थे जब वह अहिल्याबाई से रुपए की माँग पर माँग कर रहा था और संसार को दिखलाता था कि रुपए-पैसे से तंग हूँ। फिर इसमें अहिल्याबाई का दोष क्या था ?[4] हिंदुओं के लिए धर्म की भावना सबसे बड़ी प्रेरक शक्ति रही है; अहिल्याबाई ने उसी का उपयोग किया। तत्कालीन अंधविश्वासों और रुढ़ियों का वर्णन उपन्यास में आया है। इनमें से एक विश्वास था मांधता के निकट नर्मदा तीर स्थित खडी पहाड़ी से कूदकर मोक्ष-प्राप्ति के लिए प्राणत्याग-आत्महत्या कर डालना।
विचारधाराएं:
अहिल्याबाई के संबंध में दो प्रकार की विचारधाराएँ रही हैं। एक में उनको देवी के अवतार की पदवी दी गई है, दूसरी में उनके अति उत्कृष्ट गुणों के साथ अंधविश्वासों और रूढ़ियों के प्रति श्रद्धा को भी प्रकट किया है। वह अँधेरे में प्रकाश-किरण के समान थीं, जिसे अँधेरा बार-बार ग्रसने की चेष्टा करता रहा। अपने उत्कृष्ट विचारों एवं नैतिक आचरण के चलते ही समाज में उन्हें देवी का दर्जा मिला।
सेनापति के रूप में:
मल्हारराव के भाई-बंदों में तुकोजीराव होल्कर एक विश्वासपात्र युवक थे। मल्हारराव ने उन्हें भी सदा अपने साथ में रखा था और राजकाज के लिए तैयार कर लिया था। अहिल्याबाई ने इन्हें अपना सेनापति बनाया और चौथ वसूल करने का काम उन्हें सौंप दिया। वैसे तो उम्र में तुकोजीराव होल्कर अहिल्याबाई से बड़े थे, परंतु तुकोजी उन्हें अपनी माता के समान ही मानते थे और राज्य का काम पूरी लगन ओर सच्चाई के साथ करते थे। अहिल्याबाई का उन पर इतना प्रेम और विश्वास था कि वह भी उन्हें पुत्र जैसा मानती थीं। राज्य के काग़ज़ों में जहाँ कहीं उनका उल्लेख आता है वहाँ तथा मुहरों में भी 'खंडोजी सुत तुकोजी होल्कर' इस प्रकार कहा गया है।
मृत्यु:
राज्य की चिंता का भार और उस पर प्राणों से भी प्यारे लोगों का वियोग। इस सारे शोक-भार को अहिल्याबाई का शरीर अधिक नहीं संभाल सका। और 13 अगस्त सन् 1795 को उनकी जीवन-लीला समाप्त हो गई। अहिल्याबाई के निधन के बाद तुकोजी इन्दौर की गद्दी पर बैठा।
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Ahilyabai Holkar
Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar (31 May 1725 – 13 August 1795) was the Holkar Queen of the Maratha Malwa kingdom, India. Rajmata Ahilyabai was born in the village of Chondi in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. She moved the capital to Maheshwar south of Indore on the Narmada River.
Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar
महाराणी अहिल्या बाई होळकर
Her Highness Maharani Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Ahilya Bai Sahiba
Ahilya Mata Statue at Datta Temple, Sahastra Dhara, Jalkoti.jpg
Maratha Holkar Queen of Indore
Queen of the Malwa Kingdom
Reign
1 December 1767 – 13 August 1795
Coronation
11 December 1767
Predecessor
Malerao Holkar
Successor
Tukojirao Holkar I
Born
31 May 1725
Grram Chaundi, Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India
Died
13 August 1795
Spouse
Khanderao Holkar
Full name
Ahilya Bai Sahiba Holkar
House
House of Holkar
Dynasty
Maratha Confederacy
Father
Mankoji Shinde
Religion
Hindu
Ahilyabai's husband Khanderao Holkar was killed in the battle of Kumbher in 1754. Twelve years later, her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar, died. A year after that she was crowned as the queen of the Malwa kingdom. She tried to protect her kingdom from plundering invaders. She personally led armies into battle. She appointed Tukojirao Holkar as the Chief of Army.
Rani Ahilyabai was a great pioneer and builder of Hindu temples. She built hundreds of temples and Dharmashalas throughout India.
Early life:
Ahilyabai was born on 31 May 1725 in the village of Chaundi, in the present-day Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra. Her father, Mankoji Rao Shinde, was the Patil of the village. Women then did not go to school, but Ahilyabai's father taught her to read and write.
Her entrance on to the stage of history was something of an accident: Malhar Rao Holkar, a commander in the service of the Maratha Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao and lord of the Malwa territory, stopped in Chaundi on his way to Pune and, according to legend, saw the eight-year-old Ahilyabai at the temple service in the village. Recognising her piety and her character, he brought the girl to the Holkar territory as a bride for his son, Khanderao (1723–1754). She was married to Khanderao Holkar in 1733. In 1745, she gave birth to their son Malerao and in 1748, a daughter Muktabai. Malerao was mentally unwell and died of his illness in 1767. Ahilyabai broke another tradition when she married her daughter to Yashwantrao a brave but poor man after he succeeded in defeating the dacoits.
ReignEdit
The Royal Palace of Maheshwar
Courtyard of the royal palace (Rajwada), Maheshwar
Statue of Ahilya Bai Holkar in the royal palace, Maheshwar
Her husband was killed during the siege of Kumher in 1754.[1] In 1754, on request of support from Imad-ul-Mulk, the Mughal Emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur's Mir Bakhshi, Ahilya Bai’s husband Khanderao Holkar, in the army of his father Malhar Rao Holkar, laid the siege of Kumher fort of Jat Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur State who had sided with the Mughal Emperor's rebellious wazir Safdar Jang. Khanderao was inspecting his troops on an open palanquin in the battle of Kumher when was hit and killed by a cannonball from the Jat army. After his death in 1754, his father Malhar Rao prevented his wife Ahilya Bai from committing sati.[2] Malhar Rao Holkar died in 1766, 12 years after the death of his son Khanderao. Malhar Rao's grandson and Khanderao's only son Male Rao Holkar became the ruler of Indore in 1766, under the regentship of Ahilyabai, but he too died within few months on 5 April 1767. Ahilyabai became the ruler of Indore after the death of her son with Khanderao.
A letter to her from her father-in-law Malhar Rao in 1765 illustrates the trust he had in her ability during the tempestuous battle for power in the 18th century:
"Proceed to Gwalior after crossing the Chambal. You may halt there for four or five days. You should keep your big artillery and arrange for its ammunition as much as possible….On the march you should arrange for military posts being located for protection of the road."
Already trained to be a ruler, Ahilyabai petitioned the Peshwa after Malhar’s death, and the death of her son, to take over the administration herself. Some in Malwa objected to her assumption of rule, but the army of Holkar supported her leadership. She led them in person, with four bows and quivers of arrows fitted to the corners of the howdah of her favourite elephant. The Peshwa granted her permission on 11 December 1767, and, with Subhedar Tukojirao Holkar (Malharrao's adopted son) as the head of military matters, she proceeded to rule Malwa in a most enlightened manner, even reinstating a Brahmin who had opposed her. Ahilyabai daily public audience and was always accessible to anyone who needed her ear.
Among Ahilyabai's accomplishments was the development of Indore from a small village to a prosperous and beautiful city; her own capital, however, was in nearby Maheshwar, a town on the banks of the Narmada river. She also built forts and roads in Malwa, sponsored festivals and gave donations for regular worship in many Hindu temples. Outside Malwa, she built dozens of temples, ghats, wells, tanks and rest-houses across an area stretching from the Himalayas to pilgrimage centres in South India. The Bharatiya Sanskritikosh lists as sites she embellished, Kashi, Gaya, Somnath, Ayodhya, Mathura, Hardwar, Kanchi, Avanti, Dwarka, Badrinarayan, Rameshwar and Jaganathpuri. Ahilyadevi also supported the rise of merchants, farmers and cultivators to levels of affluence, and did not consider that she had any legitimate claim to their wealth, be it through taxes or feudal right.
There are many stories of her care for her people. In one instance, when her minister refused to allow the adoption unless he was suitably bribed, she is said to have sponsored the child herself, and given him clothes and jewels as part of the ritual. To honour the memory of Ahilyadevi Holkar, in 1996 leading citizens of Indore instituted an award in her name to be bestowed annually on an outstanding public figure. The Prime Minister of India gave away the first award to Nanaji Deshmukh.
Ahilyadevi was not able to settle the conflict peacefully in the case of the Bhils and Gonds, who plundered her borders; but she granted them waste hilly lands and the right to a small duty on goods passing through their territories. Even in this case, according to Malcolm, she did give "considerate attention to their habits".
Ahilyabai’s capital at Maheshwar was the scene of literary, musical, artistic and industrial enterprise. She entertained the famous Marathi poet, Moropant and the shahir, Anantaphandi from Maharashtra, and also patronised the Sanskrit scholar, Khushali Ram. Craftsmen, sculptors and artists received salaries and honours at her capital, and she even established a textile industry in the city of Maheshwar.
After her death, she was succeeded by Tukoji Rao Holkar I, her commander-in-chief, who soon abdicated the throne in favour of his son Kashi Rao Holkar in 1797.
Views about her:
Statue of Ahilybai Holkar, Maheshwar
A quote by Ahilya bai at Maheshwar Palace.
"The reign of Ahilyabai, of Indore in central India, lasted for thirty years. This has become almost legendary as a period during which perfect order and good government prevailed and the people prospered. She was a very able ruler and organizer, highly respected during her lifetime, and considered as a saint by a grateful people after her death."[5]
Ahilyabai Holkar
An English poem written by Joanna Baillie in 1849 reads:
"For thirty years her reign of peace,
The land in blessing did increase;
And she was blessed by every tongue,
By stern and gentle, old and young.
Yea, even the children at their mothers feet
Are taught such homely rhyming to repeat
"In latter days from Brahma came,
To rule our land, a noble Dame,
Kind was her heart, and bright her fame,
And Ahlya was her honoured name."
"The Great Maratha lady who affords the noblest example of wisdom, goodness and virtue. One english writer quoted that which Akbar is among male sovereigns, is Ahlia Baie among female sovereigns".
"Ahilyabai's extraordinary ability won her the regard of her subjects and of the other Maratha confederates, including Nana Phadnavis. Collecting oral memories of her in the 1820s, Sir John Malcolm, the British official most directly concerned with the 'settlement' of central India, seems to have become deeply enamoured of her. "With the natives of Malwa ... her name is sainted and she is styled an avatar or Incarnation of the Divinity. In the most sober view that can be taken of her character, she certainly appears, within her limited sphere, to have been one of the purest and most exemplary rulers that ever existed". (J. Malcolm) [8] John Keay called her 'The Philosopher Queen', a reference perhaps to the 'Philosopher king' Bhoj:
"Ahilyabai Holkar, the 'philosopher-queen' of Malwa, had evidently been an acute observer of the wider political scene. In a letter to the peshwa in 1772 she had warned against association with the British, and likened their embrace to a bear-hug: "Other beasts, like tigers, can be killed by might or contrivance, but to kill a bear it is very difficult. It will die only if you kill it straight in the face, Or else, once caught in its powerful hold, the bear will kill its prey by tickling. Such is the way of the English. And in view of this, it is difficult to triumph over them."
"This great ruler in Indore encouraged all within her realm to do their best, Merchants produced their finest cloths, trade flourished, the farmers were at peace and oppression ceased, for each case that came to the queens notice was dealt with severely. She loved to see her people prosper, and to watch the fine cities grow, and to watch that her subjects were not afraid to display their wealth, lest the ruler should snatch it from them. Far and wide the roads were planted with shady trees, and wells were made, and rest-houses for travellers. The poor, the homeless, the orphaned were all helped according to their needs. The Bhils who had long been the torment of all caravans, were routed from their mountain fastnesses and persuaded to settle down as honest farmers. Hindu and Musalman alike revered the famous Queen and prayed for her long life. Her last great sorrow was when her daughter became a Sati upon the death of Yashwantrao Phanse. Ahalya Bai was seventy years old when her long and splendid life closed. Indore long mourned its noble Queen, happy had been her reign, and her memory is cherished with deep reverence unto this day." (Annie Besant)
"From the original papers and letters, it becomes clear that she was first-class politician, and that was why she readily extended her support to Mahadji Shinde. I have no hesitation in saying that without the support of Ahilyabai, Mahadji would never have gained so much importance in the politics of northern India." (Historian Judunath Sarkar)
"Definitely no woman and no ruler is like Ahilyabai Holkar." (Nizam of Hyderabad)
"It reveals beyond doubt that all ideal virtues described by Plato and Bhismacharya were present in her personality like Dilip, Janak, Shri Ram, Shri Krishna and Yudhishthir. After through scrutiny of the long history of the world we find only one personality of Lokmata Devi Ahilya that represents an absolutely ideal ruler." (Arvind Javlekar)
A commemorative stamp was issued in her honour on 25 August 1996 by the Republic of India.
As a tribute to the great ruler, Indore domestic airport has been named Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport. Similarly, Indore university has been renamed as "Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya".
Painting of Ahilyabai Holkar
Works throughout IndiaEdit
Fort Ahilya in Maheshwar
Ahilya Ghat, Varanasi
The current structure of Vishnupad Temple is built by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1787
Ahilya Bai's Fort
Ahilya Bai's Temple Shikhara
It was the speciality of Holkar family that they did not use public funds to meet their personal and family expenses. They had their personal fund from their private property. Ahilyabai inherited personal funds which at that time was estimated to be sixteen crores rupees. Ahilyabai used personal fund in charitable works.
Ahilya Bai's Temple
Symbol of holkars
Alampur (MP) – Harihareshwar, Batuk, Malharimarthand, Surya, Renuka, Ram Hanuman Temples, Shriram Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Maruti Temple, Narsinh Temple, Khanderao Martand Temple, Memorial of Malharrao (I)
Amarkantak- Shri Vishweshwar Temple, Kotithirth Temple, Gomukhi Temple, Dharamshala, Vansh Kund
Ambegaon – Lamps for temple
Anand Kanan – Vishweshwar Temple
Ayodhya (U.P)– Built Shri Ram Temple, Shri Treta Ram Temple, Shri Bhairav Temple, Nageshwar/Siddhnath Temple, Sharayu Ghat, well, Swargadwari Mohatajkhana, Dharamshalas
Badrinath (Uttarakhand) – Badrinath Temple, Shri Kedareshwar and Hari Temples, Dharamshalas (Rangdachati, Bidarchati, Vyasganga, Tanganath, Pawali), Manu kunds (Gaurkund, Kundachatri), Garden and Warm Water Kund at Dev Prayag, Pastoral land for cows
Beed – Jirnnodhar of a Ghat.
Belur (Karnataka) – Ganpati, Pandurang, Jaleshwar, Khandoba, Tirthraj and Fire temples, Kund
Bhanpura – Nine Temples and Dharmashala
Bharatpur – Temple, Dharmashala, Kund
Bhimashankar – Garibkhana
Bhusawal – Changadev Temple
Bitthur – Bhramaghat
Burhanpur (MP) – Raj Ghat, Ram Ghat, Kund
Chandwad – Vishnu Temple and Renuka Temple
Chaundi – Chaudeshwaridevi Temple, Sineshwar Mahadev temple,
Ahilyeshwar Temple, Dharamshala, Ghat,
Chitrakoot – Pranpratishta of Shri Ramchandra
Cikhalda – Annakshetra
Dwarka (Gujarat) – Mohatajkhana, Pooja House and gave some villages to priest
Gangotri – Vishwanath, Kedarnath, Annapurna and Bhairav Temples, many Dharmashalas
Gaya (Bihar) – Vishnupad Temple
((Gokarna)) – Rewaleshwar Mahadev temple, Holkar wada, Garden and Garibkhana
Grishneshwar – Shiva temple and Shivalaya Tirth
Handiya – Siddhanath Temple, ghat and dharmashala
Haridwar – Kushawarth Ghat
Indore – Many Temples and ghats
Jalgaon – Ram Mandir
Jamghat – Bhumi dwar
Jamvgaon – Donated for Ramdas swami Math
Jejuri – Malhargautameshwar, Vitthal, Martand Temple, Janai Mahadev and Malhar lakes
Karmanasini River – Bridge
Kedarnath – Dharmashala and Kund
Kolhapur – Facilities for temple pooja
Kumher – Well and Memorial of Prince Khandera
Khargone – fort and many temples and ghats
Kurukshetra (Haryana) – Shiv Shantanu Mahadev Temple, Panchkund Ghat, Laxmikund Ghat
Maheshwar – Hundreds of temples, ghats, dharmashalas and houses
Mamaleshwar Mahadev Himachal Pradesh – Lamps
Manasa Devi – Seven temples
Mandaleshwar – Shiv Temple Ghat
Mangaon – Datta Mandir, Near Sawantwadi, Konkan, Maharashtra, India
Meerut Chandi Devi Temple
Miri (Ahmednagar) – Bhairav Temple in 1780
Naimabar(MP) – Temple
Nandurbar – Temple, Well
Nathdwara – Ahilya Kund, Temple, Well
Nandurkhi BK - Well
Neelkantha Mahadev – Shivalaya and Gomukh
Nemisharanya(UP) – Mahadev Madi, Nimsar Dharmashala, Go-ghat, Cakrithirth kund
Nimgaon (Nashik) – Well
Omkareshwar (MP) – Mamaleshwar Mahadev, Amaleshwar, Trambakeshwar Temples (Jirnnodhar), Gauri Somnath Temple, Dharmashalas, Wells
Ozar (Ahmednagar) – 2 wells and kund
Panchavati, Nasik – Shri Ram Temple, Gora Mahadev temple, Dharmashala, Vishweshwar Temple, Ramghat, Dharmashala
Parli Vaijnath – Shri Vaidyanath Mandir
Pandharpur (Maharashtra) – Shri Ram Temple, Tulsibag, Holkar wada, Sabha Mandap, Dharmashala and gave silver utensil for the Vitthal Temple, Pandharpur, Well-Which known by Bagirao well.
Pimplas (Nashik) – well
Prayag (Allahabad UP) – Vishnu Temple, Dharmashala, Garden, Ghat, Palace
Pune – Ghat
Puntambe (Maharashtra) – Ghat on Godavari river
Puri (Odisha) – Shri Ramchandra Temple, Dharmashala and Garden
Pushkar – Ganpati Temple, Dharmashala, Garden
Rameswaram (TN) – Hanuman Temple, Shri Radha Krishna Temple, Dharmashala, Well, Garden etc.
Rampura – Four Temples, Dharmashala and houses
Raver – Keshav Kund
Rishikesh – Many temples including Shrinathji and Govardhan ram temples
Sakargaon – well
Sambhal – Laxmi Narayan Temple and two wells
Sangamner – Ram Temple
Saptashrungi – Dharmashala
Sardhana Meerut – Chandi Devi Temple
Saurashtra (Guj) – Somnath Temple in 1785. (Jirnnodhdhar and Pran Prathistha)
Siddhivinayak temple's inner sanctum at Siddhatek in Ahmednagar District
Shri Nagnath (Darukhvan) – Started pooja in 1784
Srisailam (AP) – Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
Shri Shambhu Mahadev Mountain Shingnapur (Maharashtra) – Well
Shri Vighneshwar – Lamps
Sinhpur – Shiv Temple and ghat
Sulpeshwar – Mahadev Temple, annakshetra
Sultanpur (Khandesh) – Temple
Tarana – Tilabhandeshwar Shiv temple, Khedapati, Shriram Temple, Mahakali Temple
Tehari (Bundelkhand) – Dharmashala
Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) – Bridge on Kushawarth Ghat
Ujjain (MP) – Chintaman Ganapati, Janardhan, Shrilila urushottam, Balaji Tilakeshwar, Ramjanaki Ras Mandal, Gopal, Chitnis, Balaji, Ankpal, Shiv and many other temples, 13 ghats, well and many Dharmashalas etc.
Varanasi – Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1780[14]), Shri Tarakeshwar, Shri Gangaji, Ahilya Dwarkeshwar, Gautameshwar, Many Shiva Temples; Ghats including Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Janana Ghat, Ahilya Ghat, Shitala Ghat; UttarKashi Dharmashala, Rameshwar Panchkoshi Dharmashala, Kapila Dhara Dharmashala,
Vrindavan (Mathura) – Chain Bihari Temple, Kaliyadeha Ghat, Chirghat and many other ghats, Dharmashala, Annakstra
Wafgaon (Rajgurunagar, Pune) – Holkar wada and one well
Ambad (maharashtra) -Matsodari Devi Mandir
Vikharan (Shirpur Dist:Dhule maharashtra) Well
Weapons used by Holkars
Book:
In Marathi
Punyashlok Ahilya by R.W.Tikore-Kumthewale
Ahilyabai by Hiralal Sharma
Ahilyabai Charitra by Purshottam
Ahilyabai Charitra by Mukund Vaman Barve
Karmayogini by Vijaya Jahagirdar
Dnyat Adnyat Ahilyabai Holakar by Vinaya Khadapekar
Pal Samaaj on Samaaj
In popular culture:
Current Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has written a book "Matoshree" based on life of legendary Ahilyadevi Holkar.
A film titled Devi Ahilya Bai was produced in 2002 featuring Mallika Prasad as Devi Ahilya Bai, Shabana Azmi as Harkubai (Khaanda Rani, one of Malhar Rao Holkar's wives) and also including Sadashiv Amrapurkar as Malhar Rao Holkar, Ahilyabai's father in law.[15]
A documentary for UGC-CEC channel VYAS was made by Educational Multimedia Research Centre, Indore about her life and times.
In Thane City in Maharashtra, a children's play park has been named as 'Ahilyadevi Holkar Udyan' after her. Also a road has been named after her in the same city.
The airport at Indore is named Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in her honour.
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Ahilyabai Holkar Biography
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 the daughter of Mankoji Shinde who belonged to the Dhangar community, serving as patil of the village.
Her father educated her himself and she grew up living a humble pious life, when one day, her destiny changed forever to eventually see her become the ruler of Malwa in the 18th century.
Young Ahilyadevi’s character and simplicity impressed Malhar Rao Holkar, who then served under Peshwa Bajirao’s army as a commander. So great was his liking for the girl, that she was married to his son, Khande Rao, thus becoming a bride in the esteemed Maratha community of the Holkars. 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.
After Malhar Rao’s death, she requested the Peshwa to grant her the power to lead the administration of the region. His approval saw Rani Ahilyadevi take hold of the reins of the state in 1766, to become ruler of Malwa, with Tukoji Holkar appointed as her new military head. Receiving the full support of her loyal army, Ahilyadevi led them into several wars, whilst, she being a brave warrior and skilled archer herself, fought with valor atop elephant-back, even protecting her kingdom from the plundering Bhils and Gonds.
Rani Ahilyabai moved her capital to Maheshwar, constructing the splendid 18th century Maratha-architecture based, Ahilya Fort, on the banks of the sacred Narmada River. Besides her capital being an industrial enterprise for textile, it was also a thriving destination for literary, sculpture, music and arts, which saw Moropant, the famous Marathi poet, the Shahir Anantaphandi and Sanskrit scholar, Khushali Ram, being patronized during her era.
A wise, just and enlightened ruler who cared for her people, she was available to the aid of everyone holding a daily public audience in her court. During her glorious reign (1767-1795), Rani Ahilyadevi’s innumerable contributions made her a beloved and respected queen amongst her people in a prospering kingdom. She wisely spent the governmental money building several forts, rest houses, wells and roads, celebrating festivals and donations to Hindu temples.
Her feminine side saw her aid widows in retaining their husband’s wealth and in adoption of a son. Besides her transformation of Indore from an erstwhile village into a prosperous and enchanting city, she is also accredited with renovating temples. Her most memorable activities include the construction of numerous temples and pilgrimage centers across an area extending from the Himalayas to South India, at sacred sites like Kashi, Gaya, Somnath, Ayodhya, Mathura, Hardwar, Dwarka, Badrinarayan, Rameshwar and Jaganathpuri.
Ahilyabai Holkar’s magnificent and glorious rule ended when she passed away in 1795. In memory and honour of her greatness, the Republic of India issued a commemorative stamp on 25 August 1996. The citizens of Indore also instituted an award in her name in 1996, to be bestowed annually on an outstanding public figure, the first recipient of it being Nanaji Deshmukh.
Facts and Information about Ahilya Bai Holkar
Full Name Ahilya Bai Sahiba Holkar
Born May 31, 1725 at Grram Chaundi, Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India
Religion Hindu
About Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar ruled the Malwa kingdom in India.
Husband Khanderao Holkar
Father Mankoji Shinde
House House of Holkar
Coronation December 11, 1767
Reign December 1, 1767 to August 13, 1795
Predecessor Malerao Holkar
Successor Tukojirao Holkar I
Father In Law Malhar Rao Holkar
Death of Husband Her husband was killed in 1754 during the siege of Kumbher.
Accomplishments Ahilya Bai transformed Indore from a village to a beautiful city. Many forts and roads were constructed in Malwa under her rule. She made ghats, temples, tanks, wells and rest-houses in South India and across the Himalayas. Somnath, Kashi, Gaya, Ayodhya, Dwarka, Hardwar, Kanchi, Avanti, Badrinarayan, Rameshwar, Mathura and Jaganathpuri are some of the places developed by her.
Books in Marathi Punyashlok Ahilya, M. S. Dixit
Ahilyabai, Hiralal Sharma
Ahilyabai Charitra, Purshottam
Ahilyabai Charitra, Mukund Vaman Barve
Karmayogini, Vijaya Jahagirdar
Dnyat Adnyat Ahilyabai Holakar, Vinaya Khadapekar
In Popular Culture Devi Ahilya Bai is a movie featuring Mallika Prasad as Ahilya Bai.
A children’s park in Thane, Maharashtra is named as ‘Ahilyadevi Holkar Udyan’ in honour of Ahilya Bai.
Documentary The life of Ahilya Bai has been depicted in a documentary of 20 minutes made by Educational Multimedia Research Centre,Indore
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- ईमेल
- अन्य अॅप्स
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