Author: Shiv Prakash
Publication: Dailypioneer.com
Date: May 30, 2025
URL:   https://www.dailypioneer.com/2025/columnists/lokmata-ahilyabai-holkar--the-embodiment-of-dharma-and-good-governance.html

The development of any country depends on the welfare policies of the Government and its good governance system. The history of India is full of stories of such rulers who did a lot for the development and upliftment of the country. One such name is Punyashlok Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar.

Her welfare policies inspire Governments even today. This year is her 300th birth anniversary and the entire country is celebrating her legacy. She was born on May 31, 1725, in Chaundi village of Ahmednagar (Ahilya Nagar) district. The Bharatiya Janata Party, under the leadership of its national president Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda ji, has dedicated a 10-day campaign from 21 May to 31 May in the memory of Lokmata Ahilyabai.

Inspired by the multi-faceted personality of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar and her life’s deeds, BJP workers are working to spread the poor welfare schemes of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his resolution of “Vishwaas se Virasat” to the people. This work is being accomplished through intellectual dialogues, exhibitions, competitions among students, cleanliness of temples and ghats, aartis and processions. State Governments and local administrations have also named many schemes and institutions after Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar.

Western scholars spread propaganda about India and said that “Hindu governance was chaotic.” James Mill wrote that “India was a morally hollow and selfish society which was not governable” whereas in Western countries, terrible atrocities were being committed in the name of religion.

In India, Ahilyabai Holkar established a welfare Dharmarajya. In India, Dharma is a broad concept which paves the way for economic and moral progress. Dharma teaches the path from earning money and development of human qualities in personal life to salvation.

For the rulers, it teaches policies and plans to increase economic prosperity and in personal life, it teaches one’s relationship with mutual cordial behaviour, society, nature etc.

This has been conveyed by sage Kanada in Vaisheshik Sutra: “Yato abhyudaya ni:shreyas siddhi: sa dharma” which translates to “That which leads to both Abhyudaya (material well-being) and Ni:shreyas (spiritual well-being), is Dharma.”

In India, the rule based on religion is considered to be the ideal rule, in which everyone is happy and healthy. That is, economic prosperity from the material point of view, policies that provide a healthy life to all, mutual love, fear-free environment, an environment in which everyone can follow their religious duties, such an environment became an example of an ideal state. Such a capable rule was given by Lord Shri Ram, so Ramrajya became an ideal and exemplary state for all. Many kings like Emperor Vikramaditya, Raja Bhoj, Emperor Harshvardhan tried to follow this ideal of Ramrajya. Rulers like Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj sacrificed their lives to protect these values during foreign invasions. Ahilyabai was also a queen who followed these eternal values.

Ahilyabai took over the rule of Malwa state in 1767 after the death of her father-in-law. Due to her devotion towards Narmada, commercial and strategic skills, she made Maheshwar on the banks of Narmada her capital. She ruled this state for 28 years till her death. Schemes for the development of farmers, providing land to landless farmers, tribal development, making her rule crime-free, employment-oriented economy, women empowerment, production of Maheshwari sarees for her and soldier welfare were the specialties of her rule. She also created a women army by forming a military contingent of 500 women. Maheshwar sarees even today reflect her women-centric industrial policy. Due to her affection towards the people, the public gave her the title of Lokmata.

Along with the economic development of her state, she also played an important role in the cultural upliftment of India. Even after being the queen of Malwa state, she did the work of cultural upliftment through Aasetu Himachal, which reveals her pan-India vision. Construction of innumerable temples including all the Dhams, all the Jyotirlingas, all the Shakti Peethas, construction of river ghats, arrangement of Dharamshalas for the stay of the travelers, this is a series of incomparable works done by her.

She also had a role in the reconstruction of Badrinath, Kedarnath located in the Himalayas, Lord Shri Vishwanath located in Kashi, Somnath, Dwarika, Puri Jagannath, Rameswaram. The number of these works done by her across the country is over 12,500. Its specialty is that she got this work done from her own wealth, not from the treasury. Starting a Sanskrit school and honoring scholars reveals her deep interest in education.

Shivakamini Ahilyabai considered her rule as the rule of Shiva. For this reason, his name was not inscribed on his Government seal but “Shri Shankar: Aagye Varunah” was inscribed. She used to run her rule with full sacrifice considering service to the people as service to God. While describing a good king, Vidur Niti says: “Chakshusha Manasa Vacha Karmana Cha Chaturvidham.

Prasadhayati yo lokam tam loko nu prasidati” ll

It means “the king who pleases his subjects with his eyes, mind, speech and deeds, his subjects are pleased with him. Due to these qualities, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar was honoured with the title of Punyashlok”.

On the 300th birth anniversary of Maharani Ahilyabai, let us commit ourselves to the welfare of the world by becoming the centre of good governance and cultural renaissance. This will be a true tribute to Lokmata Ahilyabai.

- (The author is the National Joint General Secretary of BJP. Views expressed are personal)