Forgotten people of Indian history :
Indian history is full of tales of bravery and heroism of various queens like Razia Sultana and Rani laxmibai. However , one remarkable queen whose story got lost in the pages of history and remained unknown is Mahrani Ahilyabai Holkar .She was a warrior who played a major role in women's education and empowerment back in the 18th century.
Early life of Ahilya Bai:
Mahrani Ahilya Bai holkar journey from a simple village girl to a royal bride is truly inspiring.
Ahilya Bai was born in a village named chaundi in jhamkhed( Maharastra )in 1725 . Her father used to be a patil or head of the villages.
Education of women was not very common at that time but despite of the societal norms her father Mankoji rap shinde ensured that her daughter receives education and taught Ahilya to read and write at home .
During 18th century after the death of Aurangzeb, the Mughals become weak and the rise of maratha empire started. At that time the whole power was on the hands of Peshwa bajiro who used to rule from Pune . And their territory was expanded in Rajasthan and Malwa. Peshwa bajiro had given many states to his chieftains in the form of jagirs. And one of them was Malhar Rao Holkar , who got their jagir of Malwa in 1730. However his only son lacked the quality of leadership and do not have much interest in ruling and adminstration. So Malhar Holkar wanted a capable daughter in law who can handle the responsibility of the territory as well as his son after his demise.
Malhar Rao once stopped in chondi village while returning back from his campaign. There he saw a 7-8 yrs old girl singing arti so melodiously and instantly got impressed by her voice and the radiance on her face and decides to make her his daughter in law . And the girl was none other than Ahilya Bai , who overnight becomes a queen from a simple girl .
After marriage she started contributing in state's affairs and administration work, showcasing her talent of governance and leadership. But soon her husband get killed in the battle of kumher and she become widow at the age of 29 .
Ahilyabai was so grief stricken that she decided to commit sati . But her father in law stopped her from taking this step and after that Ahilyabai has to fully take over the reign of the state in her own hands .
But destiny has a different plan , her father in law passed away in 1766 and after a year her son also passed away . But for the sake of her kingdom and her people she did not let her grief overwhelm her and petitioned the Peshwa to take over the reign of Malwa . However many nobles rejected her as a queen but she had full support of her kingdom men and the military. She was granted permission and she ascended the throne and become the ruler of Indore .
Ahilya Bai was military trained and took up affairs like capturing the Gohad fort near Gwalior. On many occasions she has led the army from front hand had fought like a true warrior . And she ruled the Malwa kingdom for the next 28 years in a wise and knowledgeable manner.
Malwa enjoyed peace , prosperity and stability during her rule and she won everyone's heart with her devlopment work and philanthropy. She offered several donations to Hindu temple and contributed in buliding many forts and roads in Malwa as well as ghats , temples, tanks, wells and rest houses in all over India.
The great achievements :
Ahilyabai also established a textile industry in Maheswar , which is still famous today as Maheswari saares . Her most important and notable contribution was in renovation and reparing of the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple in 1780. She also made some rebellious decisions during her rule which includes the removal of traditional law seizing the property of childless widows .
She was popularly known as "philospher queen".
The great warrior queen died at the age of 70 but her legacy still lives on and the various temple, dharmashalas and public works still gives us a proof of her great deeds .