Why in the News?

The 299th birth anniversary of legendary ruler Ahilyabai Holkar was celebrated on 30th May.

About Ahilyabai Holkar

	Details
Birth	May 31, 1725; Chaundi village, Ahmednagar district, *Maharashtra*, India
Family	Daughter of Mankoji Shinde, a respected Dhangar family member
Education	Despite societal norms, her father taught her to read and write
Marriage	Married Khande Rao Holkar, son of Malhar Rao Holkar, in 1733
Rise to Prominence	Impressed by her piety and character, Khande Rao married Ahilyabai on the Peshwa’s advice
Leadership	Took control of Malwa after her husband’s death in 1754
Reign	Ruled Malwa from 1767 to 1795
Capital	Maheshwar became the capital of Malwa under her rule
Administrative Prowess	Known for her administrative acumen
Military Strategies	Personally led armies into battle and defended Malwa against intruders
Cultural Contributions	Established Maheshwar as the seat of the Holkar Dynasty
Temple Restorations	Led the reconstruction of Kashi Vishwanath Temple and built Somnath Temple
Economic Development	Promoted the production of Maheshwari Sarees and fostered trade and commerce
Social Inclusion	Advocated for marginalised communities and mainstreamed their inclusion
Legacy	Revered as “The Philosopher Queen” by historians like John Keay