Nation pays tribute to Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar on her 300th birth anniversary.
About Ahilya Bai Holkar (1725 - 1795)
- She was the Holkar Queen of the Malwa kingdom & famously known as Philosopher Queen.
- Early Life:
- Born in village of Chondi, Ahmednagar (Maharashtra).
- Married to Malhar Rao Holkar, the Lord of the Malwa territory.
- Royal Succession: Peshwa granted Ahilyabai to take over Malwa. Later she ascended the throne and became the ruler of Indore in 1767.
Key Contributions
- Established a textile industry in Maheshwar, famous for Maheshwari Sarees.
- Temple construction & restoration:
- Built two of the Twelve Jyotirlingas.
- Repair of Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Construction of Old (Juna) Somnath temple in Gujarat, popularly known as Ahilyabai temple.
- Restored temples at pilgrimage sites like Haridwar, Kashi, Somnath, and Rameshwaram
- Architectural Legacy: Build Maheshwar Fort (Ahilya Fort) on the banks of Narmada River.
- Formed a women’s army which symbolize state defense, law and order, and women’s empowerment.