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.
Years later, in 1745, Ahilyabai gave birth to Male Rao, a newborn boy who died at the age of 19. Later, when she married Yashwantrao, a poor but brave man, in 1748, she took a significant step forward by breaking traditional restrictions.
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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.
For many years, Ahilyabai, who was known for fighting on the back of an elephant, held her area safe from Bhils and Gonds (who staged many attacks on her land).
Ahilyabai, who ruled for nearly 30 years, died on August 13, 1795, at the age of 70.