It is the story of early Holkars. The later day Bheemabai, was a born Holkar princess. Ahilyabai was a girl from the ordinary family married to Holkar family royalty. She was not only married in Holkar family but one of the founding members of the Holkar ruling dynasty. Upto the period of Aurangzeb, Malva was under Moghul rule. After that during the dominance of Peshwas of Pune Maratha chieftains began to plunder Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat regions. Peshwas took a cut in the plundered treasures. One of those Maratha chieftains named Malhar Rao Holkar established Maratha rule in Malva, by the name of Indore. This state remained an independent entity till the independence of India on August 15, 1947. On June 16, 1948 it was merged into Indian union like other princely states.
The original founder of Indore state was valiant battler and Maratha Commander Malhar Rao Holkar. Malhar Rao sent the loot to the Peshwas and remained in Malva to win 74 districts to create a state to rule. In 1734 Peshwa recognised him as the ruler of Indore state and thus, Indore city and Holkar’s state came into existence.
Malhar Rao married thrice but begot only one son. The son, Khande Rao held no promise. He was devoid of courage and valour. In intelligence too, he was dull and appeared mentally retarded. Khande Rao showed no interest in the affairs of the state. For that reason Malhar Rao wanted an intelligent daughter-in-law who could run the state.
Malhar Rao was a warrior and at the same time he was a deeply religious person. Once, he was going to Pune visiting religious centres on the way. While his party was passing by a village called Chaundi it heard prayers being sung in a nearby temple. The party went into the temple to take part in the prayers.
At about the same time a 8-9 year old girl came to the temple with a pooja tray. She performed aarti of Lord with great devotional spirit. Then, she walked around the deity idol three times, bowed to Lord and then to all the faithfuls there.
Very impressed was Malhar Rao. His heart told him that it was the girl he was looking for. Ahilyabai was the name of the girl. Malhar Rao talked to the parents of that girl and got her married to Khande Rao. The daughter of an ordinary family of a village had become the royal of the ruling dynasty of the state of Indore. Gradually the girl learnt the ropes of the affairs of the state and its administration. Malhar Rao had no hopes from Khande Rao, his son. By and by he transferred the responsibilities of running the state to Ahilyabai. Several times Malhar Rao took her to the battles to give her warfare experience.
In 1745 Ahilyabai gave birth to a son who was named Malerao. A daughter also arrived called Muktabai. Malhar Rao was alive. Suddenly Khande Rao had started taking interest in the affairs of the state to the delight of his wife and the father. The family was happy and the state was functioning satisfactorily.
In 1754 Surajmal Jat attacked Indore, the state of the Holkars. Inspired by Ahilyabai her husband Khande Rao went to the battle to meet the challenge of the enemy. He became a martyr. Ahilyabai wished to become sati on the funeral pyre of her husband. But Malhar Rao and chieftains begged her not to do so as the state now depended on her services. She had to yield.
In palace she continued to live and ran the state but wore only white sarees. No ornaments she embellished herself with or indulged in beautification. As a living widow she lived like a saint.
Seven years after the death of Khande Rao, her father-in-law Malhar Rao too passed away in 1761. Her son descended on the throne but he carried the genes of his father. He was a good for nothing fellow. So, Ahilyabai continued to run the state. Later her son, Malerao also died. Ahilyabai was now all alone in the world. She fully occupied herself in looking after the affairs of the state.
A Maratha chieftain named Raghoba thought he could easily seize Indore from the lonely widow Ahilyabai by force. Ahilyabai got wind of his evil plan and sent messages seeking help from ruling dynastic of Bhonsle, Gaekwad and Damade. They held Ahilyabai in high esteem. The help arrived promptly in the form of their army units.
Raghoba arrogantly marched with a large force to Ujjain underestimating the clout of the widow. Now on one bank stood his force and on the other bank of river Shipra camped Holkar forces and allies.
Ahilyabai wrote a letter to Raghoba—”You thought being a woman I was no match for your might but I will prove to be your death. Even my women wings would deal you a defeat. You will earn the contempt of everyone. Better turn back and save your honour.”
Raghoba read the letter and looked at massive formations of armies of Indore. He retreated. Thus, Ahilyabai saved her state without shedding even a drop of blood. She laid firm foundation for her kingdom and it lasted long.
