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Devi Ahilyabai Holkar
True Feminist and Epitome of Womanly Strength.
31-May-1725 to 13-August-1795
31-May-2026
This day marks the 301st anniversary of the birth of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar.
Introduction
Ahilyabai Holkar was a true servant of her motherland, known for her simplicity and service. Even after becoming queen of Indore, she was never proud or egoistic. She worked for the upliftment of women and dedicated her life to relieving human suffering. She was compassionate, a loving mother, and a progressive voice for educating and empowering women.
Ahilyabai was born in 1725 in the village of Chondi Ahmednagar (recently renamed as Ahilyanagar) in Maharashtra. Her father, Mankoji Shinde, was the Patil (headman) of the village and lived as a farmer. Ahilyabai was the only child of Mankoji who lived a simple and pious life.
Early Childhood
Ahilyabai’s life was Dharmic and simple in tender age. The Maharaja of Indore, Malharrao Holkar, had come to Pune and stayed near the Shiva temple in the village of Ramay Pathari. Ahilya used to come there regularly for Shiva worship. Seeing the goddess-like radiance and simplicity on her face, Malharrao requested her father to make Ahilyabai his daughter-in-law.
