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Personality in News

Posted 02 Jun 2025

1 min read

Nation pays tribute to Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar on her 300th birth anniversary.

About Ahilya Bai Holkar (1725 - 1795)

  • She was the Holkar Queen of the Malwa kingdom & famously known as Philosopher Queen.
  • Early Life:
    • Born in village of ChondiAhmednagar (Maharashtra).
    • Married to Malhar Rao Holkar, the Lord of the Malwa territory.
  • Royal Succession: Peshwa granted Ahilyabai to take over Malwa. Later she ascended the throne and became the ruler of Indore in 1767.

Key Contributions

  • Established a textile industry in Maheshwar, famous for Maheshwari Sarees.
  • Temple construction & restoration:
    • Built two of the Twelve Jyotirlingas.
    • Repair of Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
    • Construction of Old (Juna) Somnath temple in Gujarat, popularly known as Ahilyabai temple. 
    • Restored temples at pilgrimage sites like Haridwar, Kashi, Somnath, and Rameshwaram
  • Architectural Legacy: Build Maheshwar Fort (Ahilya Fort) on the banks of Narmada River. 
  • Formed a women’s army which symbolize state defense, law and order, and women’s empowerment.
  • Tags :
  • Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar
  • Ahilya Fort
  • Maheshwari Sarees
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