Ahilyabai
By Illa Vij

AHILYABAI, the woman who symbolises courage, sacrifice, devotion and duty, was born to Manakoji Shinde in 1725. He was the Patel of a village called Chowndni in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Ahilyabai had five brothers. Despite the fact that girls were not given much education those days, her father educated her at home. She learnt to read and write. Her mother Sushila imbibed in her a keen interest for religion. Together the parents brought up their daughter with love, care and moulded her into a strong character.

In 1733, Ahilyabai was married to Khande Rao, the son of Malhar Rao. Malhar Rao, a subedar, was given the state of Malwa to govern, by Peshwa Baji Rao. Malhar Rao was a very able statesman and a strong administrator. Unfortunately, his son Khande Rao was careless and quite indifferent towards his responsibilities. Seeing his attitude, Malhar Rao decided to train Ahilyabai to become an able administrator. In a few years time, she began running his government for him in a very efficient manner. A number of times, she even accompanied her father-in-law to the battlefields where she displayed her courage and skill in fighting.

Ahilyabai’s love, understanding and patience had a tremendous impact on her husband. Gradually, he began changing for the better. In 1745, Ahilyabai had a son whom they named Male Rao. Three years later, they had a daughter whom they named Mukta. Unfortunately in 1754, Khande Rao died in a battle. In those days when a woman lost her husband, she was expected to perform sati. Ahilyabai was all set to commit sati, but Malhar Rao pleaded her not to do so. Ahilyabai decided to continue with her duties as expected by her father-in-law. On May 26, 1766, Malhar Rao died leaving behind Ahilyabai in control of the state. Male Rao was not a responsible son. He was reckless and ill-tempered. Despite Ahilyabai’s training and dedication, Male Rao continued to remain in bad company and became very irresponsible. He could not carry out the duties assigned to him. In 1776 his investiture took place, but the real task of governing the state was looked after by his mother. Some time later, Male Rao fell ill and died. He did not have any children, and both his wives performed sati. Male Rao had held the throne for only about eight months.

Tukoji Rao Holkar assisted Ahilyabai, and became her chief counsellor and chief commander of the army. Now that there was no heir to the throne, many selfish people tried to usurp it, but Ahilyabai defended her state in all possible ways. After losing her son, Ahilyabai did not want to live in Indore. She mover her capital from Indore to Maheshwar. For the next 30 years of her life, she lived there. Mahesh-war prospered in all fields — art, culture and industry (especially textile). Ahilyabai was heartbroken when she lost her grandson (Mukta’s son) and then her son-in-law, Yashwant Rao. On his death, Muktabai performed sati, and that was the end of Ahilya-bai’s entire family. Totally shattered Ahilyabai again returned to her duties, but her advancing age and grief left her very feeble. On August 13, 1795, she passed away peacefully.

Ahilyabai was deeply admired by all for her wisdom, love, efficiency and courage. Her idols have been placed in the Vishnu Temple in Gaya and Maheshwar.