Ahilyabai, the daughter-in-law of Malharrao Holkar –
Jagirdar of the Malwa region in Madhya Bharat, was known for her bravery, governance and philanthropy. She shifted her capital town to a place called Maheshwar, South of Indore, on the banks of the river Narmada. After the demise of Malharrao, she ruled Malwa between 1766 to 1795.
Ahilyabai’s father, Mankoji Shinde was the Patil (Chief) of the Choundi Village, in Jamkhed taluka of Ahmednagar district. In those times, when females were deprived of education, Mankoji taught her to read and write. Once Malharrao Holkar, a sardar of
Bajirao Peshwa, was passing by Choundi village. He saw this eight-year old girl and was impressed by her smartness. He got her married to his son Khanderao.
Unfortunately, Khanderao was killed in a battle in the year 1754. In those days’
sati system was in vogue – i.e. a widow sacrifices her life into the funeral pyre of her husband. Malharrao stopped her from going ‘sati’. After Malharrao’s death in the year 1766, she took up the charge of the Malwa region. During wars, she used to be in the forefront. Later, she appointed Tukojirao Holkar as her General. He was the adopted son of Malharrao. English author Lawrence has described her as Katherin the Great (Russia) Queen Elizabeth (Briton) and Queen Margaret (Denmark) of India.
Ahilyabai was known for her sense of justice and fairness. She established many temples, constructed the
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