Context:
Nation pays tribute to Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar on her 300th birth anniversary
Ahilyabai Holkar:
- Born: 31 May 1725, in Maharashtra.
- Dynasty: Holkar dynasty of the Maratha Confederacy.
- After her husband Khande Rao Holkar died in the Battle of Kumbher (1754), she was prevented from committing Sati by her father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar.
- Following the deaths of Malhar Rao and her son, she petitioned the Peshwa to become ruler, backed by her army.
- She ruled Malwa from 1767 to 1795, ensuring peace, prosperity, and stability.
- Abolished the law that allowed the state to confiscate property of childless widows.
- Did not observe purdah (seclusion of women), breaking gender norms.
- Appointed Tukoji Rao Holkar as military commander.
- Engaged Frenchman Chevalier Dudrenec to modernize her army.
- Renovated the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1780).
- Restored Somnath, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Pushkar, Vrindavan, and other sacred sites.
- Patronized Marathi poet Moropant, Shahir Ananta Gandhi, and Sanskrit scholar Khushali Ram.
- Made Maheshwar a center for literary, musical, artistic, and industrial growth.
- Titles and Recognition –
- “Punyashlok” – One as pure as sacred chants.
- “The Philosopher Queen” – Title given by British historian John Keay.
- Died: 13 August 1795.
Holkar dynasty:
- A Maratha clan of nomadic tribes.
- Seat – Maheshwar
- Founded by – Malhar Rao
- He joined the service of the Peshwa Baji Rao of the Maratha Empire in 1721, and quickly rose to the rank of Subedar.
- They later became Maharajas of Indore in Central India as an independent member of the Maratha Empire until 1818.
- It became a princely state under the protectorate of British India.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?
1. The Guptas of Magadha
2. The Paramaras of Malwa
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
4. The Maukharis of Kanauj
5. The Yadavas of Devagiri
6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 5 and 6 only
Answer: (b)