Why In The News?

• Prime Minister of India addressed the Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan on the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

About Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar:

⇒ Born: 31 May 1725, Chondi village, Ahmednagar (Maharashtra).

⇒ Father: Mankoji Rao Shinde, village head who educated her.

⇒ Married: Khanderao Holkar, son of Malhar Rao Holkar of the Malwa kingdom.

⇒ Became ruler of Malwa in 1767 after approval from the Peshwa.

Kingdom and Reign:

⇒ Ruled over the Malwa region, capital at Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh).

⇒ Known for wise, just, and inclusive governance during politically volatile times.

⇒ Personally led military campaigns and founded the Holkar army in 1792.

Administrative & Governance:

⇒ Held daily public audiences to address people’s grievances.

⇒ Introduced public welfare reforms focusing on: Farmers, Artisans, and Tribal communities.

⇒ Promoted irrigation, crop diversity, and rural entrepreneurship.

Cultural & Religious Contributions:

⇒ Rebuilt and restored hundreds of temples, including: Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1780) and Somnath Temple (Old Juna Mandir).

⇒ Commissioned ghats, tanks, wells, and dharamshalas across India.

⇒ Built two Jyotirlinga temples and extended religious support nationally.

Nation-Building Initiatives:

⇒ Constructed roads and rest houses across pilgrimage routes: Rameshwaram, Haridwar, Kashi, Somnath

⇒ Established gurukuls and schools to promote education.

Legacy:

⇒ Died: 13 August 1795, aged 70.

⇒ Founded the Maheshwari saree textile industry, still famous today.

⇒ Known as the ‘Philosopher Queen’ for her wisdom and spiritual outlook.

⇒ Remembered for combining development with dharma (duty).

⇒ Her work continues to influence India’s cultural preservation and grassroots governance.