As a mark of respect for women’s empowerment, the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Women Empowerment Grand Convention is being held today in Bhopal, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to attend the gathering.
Ahilyabai Holkar, the esteemed 18th-century sovereign of the Holkar dynasty, is remembered for her efforts in restoring more than 130 temples throughout India and for elevating Maheshwar into a lively center of culture and trade.
Her forward-looking reforms paved the way for women’s rights, granting women ownership of property, giving widows the right to adopt sons and remarry, and taking active steps to diminish the dowry custom.
As part of the “Destination Cabinet” initiative, two exclusive cabinet meetings took place in Maheshwar and Indore, focusing on the enforcement of prohibition in 19 spiritually important sites across the state. In addition, the state is preparing to launch the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Training Programme.
Commemorating 300 Years of a Remarkable Legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar
In keeping with Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy, the Madhya Pradesh government has introduced the Devi Ahilyabai Women Empowerment Mission. This program aims to strengthen women’s access to education, healthcare, safety, and financial independence. Its primary objectives include improving the ratio of girls to boys at birth, lowering maternal mortality, and increasing women’s involvement in the workforce.
Ahilyabai Holkar became a widow at a young age after the passing of her husband, Khanderao Holkar. After losing both her father-in-law and her son, Male Rao Holkar, she assumed leadership of the Holkar dynasty. She is celebrated for her capable leadership in turbulent times and for protecting Indore from invasions, with her brother-in-law, Tukoji Rao Holkar, serving as her chief military advisor.
Her court was renowned for its fairness and accessibility to the people. She held daily public hearings, where anyone could bring forth their concerns. At a time when women’s voices were often ignored, she boldly refused to perform sati after her husband’s death.
Ahilyabai Holkar is highly regarded for her contributions to social welfare, education, religion, and public infrastructure. She sponsored the construction of temples, riverfront steps (ghats), and rest houses (dharamshalas) throughout India, benefiting both pilgrims and the less fortunate.
With her 300th birth anniversary approaching, the 2025 celebration of Ahilyabai Holkar Jayanti is expected to hold special significance. To honor her memory, the Maharashtra government has announced a ₹681 crore project to build the ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Smarak Sthal’.