NEW DELHI: On the 299th birth anniversary of
Ahilyabai Holkar
, the warrior queen of the Maratha empire, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief
Mohan Bhagwat
paid tribute to her exemplary character and leadership.
Despite becoming a widow at a young age, Ahilyabai Holkar not only managed her vast kingdom effectively but also expanded its boundaries while ensuring good governance.
“Even in today’s situation, her character is ideal for us. Unfortunately, she became a widow. Despite being a single woman, she not only managed her large kingdom, but also made it bigger, and not only made the kingdom bigger, but also ran it as a good governance. She is the ideal of what kind of ruler should be like,” the
RSS
chief said.
Bhagwat commended Ahilyabai Holkar’s efforts in establishing industries to provide employment opportunities for her subjects. He highlighted the longevity and success of the textile industry in
Maheshwar
, which continues to employ many people to this day. The RSS chief also praised her for caring for all sections of society and organizing a well-structured tax system that benefited farmers and the kingdom as a whole.
“The word Punyashlok is behind her name. Punyashlok is the ruler who frees the people from all kinds of deprivations. She built industries so that the people could get employment and built them so strong that the textile industry of Maheshwar is still running and employs many people. She also cared for all the sections,” he said.
Born on May 31, 1725, in Chaundi village, Maharashtra, Ahilyabai Holkar is celebrated as one of the most remarkable female rulers in Indian history. Her father, Mankoji Sindhia, taught her to read and write at a time when women were denied access to education. Malhar Rao Holkar, a commander of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, was impressed by the young Ahilyabai’s compassion and married her to his son Khanderao in 1733.
Ahilyabai Holkar challenged societal norms by arranging her daughter’s marriage to Yashwantrao, a brave but poor man, in 1748. During her nearly three-decade reign, she earned the title of ‘The Philosopher Queen’ from British historian John Keyas. The warrior queen’s legacy continues to inspire people across India, and her birth anniversary is celebrated annually on May 31st. Ahilyabai Holkar passed away on August 13, 1795, at the age of 70 in Rameswaram.
