Ahilyabai Holkar 295th birth anniversary: Why Britishers named Maratha ruler 'Philosopher Queen Of Malwa’? 
Newsdetail

Ahilyabai Holkar 295th birth anniversary: Why Britishers named Maratha ruler 'Philosopher Queen Of Malwa’?

Ahilyabai became ruler in 1767 and was a well-respected administrator during whose reign the city had a historic rise.

On May 31, the 296th birthday of Ahilyabai Holkar, one of India's most celebrated female rulers, is commemorated. She governed for nearly three decades and achieved unprecedented heights of prosperity as ‘Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar.’


By British historian John Keyas, Holkar was named "The Philosopher Queen." “Ahilyabai Holkar, the philosopher queen of Malwa, had been a keen observer of the wider political scene,” Keyas said in her appreciation.


Who is Ahilyabai Holkar?

Ahilyabai was born on May 31, 1725, in the Maharashtra town of Chaundi. Mankoji Sindhia (Shinde), her father, was the village Patil. He made it a priority for his daughter to learn to read and write, especially at a period when women were not permitted to attend school.

Also Read: Viral Video: ‘Alien’ spotted in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh, the video leaves netizens appalled


Her husband was killed in the battle of Kumbher at the age of 29, leaving Ahilyabai a widow in 1754. Her father-in-law stopped when she attempted to commit sati who later became her pillar of support and strength.

SCROLL FOR NEXT