Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Maheshwar

By Anusuya

The Queen of Malwa

MAHARANI AHILYABAI HOLKAR

MAHARANI AHILYABAI HOLKAR 31 May,1725 - 13 August,1795

Ahilyabai lost her husband at the young age of 29, who was killed in the battle of Kumbher in 1754 against the Jat Maharaja, Suraj Mal of Bharatpur State.

Malhar Rao Holkar did not allow Ahilyabai to commit Sati and decided to support and stand by her side as he was aware of her extraordinariness.

In the years ahead, Malhar Rao groomed her, so that she could understand estate matters of Indore and Malwa region.
In 1766, Malhar Rao passed away and in 1767, Ahilyabai lost her son Male Rao Holkar, few months after he had ascended the throne.
Amidst her grief, she realised her overwhelming responsibility towards her people.
With permission of the Peshwas, Ahilyabai became the ruler of Indore on 11th December,1767 with Maheshwar as her capital on the banks of holy Narmada river .

MAHESHWAR, THE ABODE OF DEVI AHILYABAI

A nice, breezy drizzle welcomed us as we arrived at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore (city in the State of Madhya Pradesh).
The journey from airport to MAHESHWAR of about 95 kms did seem longer than the 2 hours of drive.
This trip was like a latent call that was getting fulfilled.

During the ancient times, MAHESHWAR was known as Mahishmati or Mahissatti. It was the twin capital of Avanti (6th Century BC), other one being Ujjain.
In 1707, after the death of Emperor Aurangzeb, the Marathas under the Peshwas took control of Malwa region.

MALHAR RAO HOLKAR was awarded with Indore and the ancient towns of Maheshwar and Omkareshwar in 1773 for his significant contribution to the Marathas' conquest of Malwa.

DEVI AHILYABAI’S MAJESTIC STATUE AT MAHESHWAR RAJWADA

MAHESHWAR RAJWADA

As we walked through the Ahilya Dwar (arched gate), Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's majestic statue holding the Shiva Lingam reflects her Eternal Simplicity and Divine Grace.

A little ahead, through another small gateway, is the Royal palace and residence, Maheshwar Rajwada which was the centre of all her activities.
The two storeyed simple structure appeared to be made of wood built over a stone platform.

At the entrance, the two wooden statues of the elephant and the horse are symbolic of the Holkars' dynasty reflecting Grandeur and the Military might.

Inside, the two storeyed Rajwada has pillared verandahs on all sides with a central Courtyard. The upper floors served as the residence of the Maharani and other members of the royal family. The verandahs were meant for meetings held by Maharani Ahilyabai.

Meeting place of Maharani Ahilyabai

As an administrator, people's welfare, especially for the poor and homeless was of foremost importance to her.
She had envisaged transforming Indore from a small town to a major centre of trading activity.
Infrastructure gained tremendous momentum, under her regime, with forts, wide roads, bridges, wells and resting places for travellers which were built across the region.