On women's day, remember our queen Ahilyabai Holkar.
A widow who became Malwa's queen. Defended our country & personally led armies into battle.Never plundered anyone. Developed Malwa into a prosperous kingdom. Rebuilt temples destroyed by Mughals. Built Dharmashalas at Tirthas
This map shows temples built by Ahilyabai Holkar.
Excepting territories ruled by Afghans, Nawabs & British, she built temples everywhere. Without her, almost ALL Tirthas would have been in ruins & there wouldn't be any standing temple. Built numerous tanks for people's welfare
Ahilyabai who built temples, orphanages, residences and irrigation tanks all over India led a modest personal life. She used to live in this small residence in Maheshwar. Never built anything for herself. The Saint Queen used to sleep on floor. Her lips always uttered "Shiva"
Ahilyabai never issued capital punishment. Took personal oath from prisoners & released them. Many adopted honest life. She Introduced 7/12 scheme. Farmers prospered. No trader tax beyond custom. Her subjects weren't afraid to display wealth. She rebuilt Kashi Vishvanath!
Ahilyabai built temples from inherited property and not state fund. She used State funds to provide capital to traders & artisans. She believed she had no right over wealth earned by her subjects. Thanks to her, Indore became one of world's most prosperous cities in 18th century