On the 297th anniversary of her birth, Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to the warrior queen of the Maratha kingdom, Ahilyabai Holkar, by restoring various temples from Somnath to Kashi.
The Home Minister said, "There is an incomparable contribution of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar ji in the preservation of Sanatan culture”.
Shah further said, "She did a wonderful service to 'Sanatan Dharma' by renovating many temples from Somnath to Kashi. As a 'Prajavatsal' ruler, she also set many excellent examples of women empowerment and public welfare.”
Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar was born on May 31, 1725, in the Maharashtra town of Chaundi (now Ahmednagar). Today is the 297th birthday of the Queen, who is regarded as one of India's greatest female monarchs.
She was well-known for her sage advice and administrative prowess. Every year on May 31st, her birthday is commemorated. Ahilyabai Holkar, a notable monarch of the Malwa kingdom, propagated the message of 'dharma,' fostered industrialization, and erected several Hindu temples and Dharamshalas throughout India.
Mankoji Sindhia (Shinde), a Dhangar scion, was the Patil of the Village when she was born. Ahilyabai Holkar's father taught her to read and write at a period when women were not allowed to attend school.
Malhar Rao Holkar, a Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao commander in the Malwa realm, observed an eight-year-old Ahilyabai at a temple service feeding the hungry and needy on his route to Pune. He married her son Khanderao in 1733 after being impressed by her.
She defied traditional expectations by marrying her daughter to Yashwantrao, a poor but courageous man, in 1748.
Ahilyabai reigned for nearly three decades, and British historian John Keyas named her "The Philosopher Queen."
At the age of 70, the warrior queen died in Rameswaram on August 13, 1795.
