1. Ahilyabai Holkar established Maheshwar as the seat of the Holkar Dynasty.
18 Facts About Ahilyabai Holkar
1. 2.
Ahilyabai Holkar contributed to the growth of Indian architecture through the commission of various temples, Ghats, and Dharmshalas.
3.
Ahilyabai Holkar defended Indore against invasions and personally led armies into battle, with her brother-in-law Tukoji Rao Holkar serving as her military commander.
4.
Ahilyabai Holkar's father was a descendant of a respected Dhangar family.
5.
Ahilyabai Holkar had five brothers and was first educated at home.
6.
Ahilyabai Holkar's land lay north of the Narmadha on both sides of Sahyadri.
7.
Ahilyabai Holkar trained her in administration, accounts, and politics and, in 1759, gave Ahilyabai her khasgi, or land grant.
8.
Malhar Rao's adopted son Tukoji Rao Holkar was then made Subahdar on the payment of a large tribute of Indian rupees and Ahilyabai became the de facto ruler.
9.
Ahilyabai Holkar led Maratha armies against these rebellions and, despite a lack of resources and aid, won every battle.
10.
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar was outspoken, proclaiming her power by declaring, "I am the daughter-in-law of Malhar Rao".
11.
Ahilyabai Holkar transformed Indore into a progressive city, and build industries and universities.
12.
Ahilyabai Holkar is credited with promoting activities including the repair and addition of several famous temples, notably the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, the Gauri Somnath Temple in Chola and the construction of the famous Dashashwamedha Ghat in Banaras.
13.
The Ahilyabai Holkar family was known for avoiding using public cash to meet their personal and family expenses.
14.
Ahilyabai Holkar inherited personal funds estimated at sixteen crores rupees at that time.
15.
The aspects of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar charity reveal and resuscitation of Thirthas and Kshetras.
16.
Ahilyabai Holkar was succeeded by her commander-in-chief and brother-in-law, Tukoji Rao Holkar, who abdicated the throne in 1797 in favour of his son Kashi Rao Holkar.
17.
Ahilyabai Holkar was a very able ruler and organizer, highly respected during her lifetime, and considered as a saint by a grateful people after her death.
18.
Ahilyabai Holkar loved to see her people prosper, and to watch the fine cities grow, and to watch that her subjects were not afraid to display their wealth, lest the ruler should snatch it from them.