This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (December 2010)

Holkar Maharaja of Indore
Former Monarchy
Flag of Indore State
The Rajwada, royal palace of the Holkar dynasty, Indore.
First monarch	Malhar Rao Holkar I
Last monarch	Yeshwantrao Holkar II
Official residence	Rajwada, Indaur
Monarchy started	1731
Monarchy ended	1948

The Holkar dynasty started with Malhar Rao, who joined the service of the Peshwa in 1721, and quickly rose to the ranks of Subedar. He and his descendants ruled as Rajas and later Maharajas of Indaur (better known as Indore) in Central India as an independent member of the Maratha Confederacy until 1818, and afterwards as a princely state -under protectorate- of British India with a 19-guns salute (21 guns locally; a rare high rank) until India's independence, when the state acceded to the Indian government.

They are one of the prestigious dynasties whose name became associated with the very title of the ruler, which was generally known as Maharaja Holkar or Holkar Maharaja, while the official full title was Maharajadhiraj Raj Rajeshwar Sawai Shri (personal name) Holkar Bahadur, Maharaja of Indore, with the colonial style of His Highness.

Establishment of the Holkar rule[link]

Fort Ahilya in Maheshwar

A Statue of Ahilyabai Holkar at Datta Temple

Malharrao Holkar (born 1694, died 1766) established the family's rule over Indore. He commanded Maratha armies in Malwa region in the 1720s, and in 1733 was granted 9 parghanas in the vicinity of Indore by the Peshwa. The township of Indore had already existed as an independent principality established by Nandlal Mandloi of Kampel, sanctioned by the Mughal Imperial order, dated March 3, 1716. It was Nandlal Mandloi who granted the Marathas access through the region and allowed them to camp across the Khan(Kanh:Original Name) River. Malhar Rao established a camp, later called Malharganj, only in 1734. In 1747, he started the construction of his royal palace, the Rajwada. By the time of his death, he ruled much of Malwa, and was acknowledged as one of the five virtually independent rulers of the Maratha Confederacy.

He was succeeded by Ahilyabai Holkar (reigned 1767–1795), his daughter-in-law. She was born in the village 'Chaundi' in Maharashtra. She moved the capital to Maheshwar, south of Indore on the Narmada River. Rani Ahilyabai was a great builder and patron of many Hindu temples, who embellished Maheshwar and Indore. She also built temples at sacred sites outside her kingdom, from Dwarka in Gujarat east to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Varanasi on the Ganges.

The adopted son of Malhar Rao Haolkar, Tukojirao Holkar (ruled 1795-1797) briefly succeeded Rani Ahilyabai upon her death. Although Tukoji Rao, as Ahilyabai's commander started operating from Indore in March 1767 - half-a-century after its establishment by the senior Mandloi. And, Holkars did not settle in Indore until 1818 - a century after the Indore settlement was formally established by the Mandlois.

Yashwantrao Holkar- extending the Holkar dominion[link]

Tookajee Rao Holkar, Indore, from a drawing by Mr. W. Carpenter, Jun.," from the Illustrated London News, 1857

His son Yashwantrao Holkar (reigned 1797–1811) (also called as Jaswant Rao) succeeded him upon his death. He decided to free the Delhi Mughal Emperor Shah Alam from the British but was unsuccessful. Admiring his bravery, Shah Alam gave him the title of "Maharajadiraj Rajrajeshwar Alija Bahadur".

Yashwantrao Holkar defeated the combined armies of Scindia and Peshwa Bajirao II at Hadapsar, near Pune in 1802. The Peshwa fled from Pune, scared of being killed by Yashwantrao Holkar - owing to his (Bajirao's) killing Vitthojirao Holkar a few years earlier. Bajirao quit Pune and fled to Bassein where the English offered him allurements to sign the Subsidiary Treaty in return for the throne. Meanwhile, Yashwantrao made Amrutrao as the next Peshwa in Pune. After deliberating for over a month and after threats that his brother would otherwise be recognised as Peshwa, Bajirao II signed the treaty surrendering his residual sovereignty and allowing the English to put him on the throne at Poona.

Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar saw that rest of the Kings were not ready to unite and were interested in personal benefits, he was the last to sign a treaty with the British on 24 December 1805 at a place called Rajghat (Treaty of Rajghat). He was the only King in India to whom the British approached to sign a peace treaty. He didn’t accept any condition which would affect his self respect. The British recognised him as a sovereign King and returned all his territories. They accepted his dominion over Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota, Bundi, and some Rajput Kings. They also accepted that they would not interfere in the matters of Holkars. Yashwantrao Holkar was a gifted military leader, and battled the British in the Second Anglo-Maratha War. After some early victories, he made peace with the British.

Battle of Mahidpur[link]

Tukojirao III Maharaja Holkar of Indore

In 1811, Maharaja Malharrao Holkar III succeeded Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar at an age of 4 years. Maharani Tulsabai Holkar looked after the administration. However, Dharama Kunwar and Balaram Seth with the help of Pathans and Pindaris, who had secretly joined hands with the British, plotted to imprison Tulsabai and Malharrao^{[citation needed]}. When Tulsabai learnt about this, she beheaded both of them in 1815 and appointed Tantia Jog. Due to this, Gaffur Khan Pindari secretly signed a treaty with the British on 9 November 1817 and accordingly killed Tulsabai on 19 December 1817.

The British, led by Sir Thomas Hislop, attacked on 20 December 1817 and defeated the army led by 11 year old Maharaja Malharrao Holhar III, 20 year old Harirao Holkar and 20 year old Bhimabai Holkar in the Battle of Mahidpur. Holkars had nearly won the war but at the deciding moment Nawab Abdul Gaffur Khan betrayed and left the battlefield along with his army. The British gave the Jahagir of Jawara to Gaffur Khan for this betrayal. The treaty was signed on 6 January 1818 at Mandsaur. Bhimabai Holkar didn't accept the treaty, and kept attacking the British by guerilla methods. Rani Lakshmibai of Jhanshi took inspiration from Bhimabai Holkar and fought against the British. At the conclusion of this Third Anglo-Maratha War, the Holkars lost much of their territory to the British and were incorporated into the British Raj as a princely state of the Central India Agency. The capital was shifted from Bhanpura to Indore.

Princely State[link]

A silver rupee of Shivajirao Holkar 1886-1903, minted at Indore in Vikram Samvat 1948 (1891)

Malharrao Holkar III entered Indore on 2 Novemember 1818. Tantia Jog was appointed his Diwan as he was a minor. As the old palace was destroyed by the army of Daulat Rao Scindia, a new palace was constructed in its place. Malharrao III was succeeded by Martandrao, who formally ascended to the throne on 17 January 1834. But he was replaced by Harirao Holkar, nephew of Yashwantrao, who ascended to the throne on 17 April 1834. He adopted Khanderao Holkar on 2 July 1841 and died on 24 October 1843. Khanderao was formally installed as the ruler on 13 November 1843, but he suddenly died on 17 February 1844. Tukojirao Holkar II (1835–1886) was installed on the throne on 27 June 1844. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, he was loyal to the British East India Company. In October 1872, he appointed T. Madhava Rao as the Diwan of Indore. He died on 17 June 1886 and succeeded by his eldest son, Shivajirao.

Yashwantrao II (reigned 1926–1948) ruled Indore state until shortly after India's independence in 1947, when he acceded to the Indian Government. Indore became a district of Madhya Bharat state, which was merged into Madhya Pradesh state in 1956.

Descendants[link]

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (November 2011)

• Richard Holkar.^{[citation needed]}
  • Sabrina Holkar married to Jewish-Indian real estate developer Ari Ellis. They live in Union Square in Manhattan.^{[citation needed]}
  • Yeshwant Rao Holkar^{[citation needed]}

• Usha Devi Maharaj Sahiba Holkar XV Bahadur.^{[citation needed]}
  • Ranjit Malhotra^{[citation needed]}
  • Dilip Malhotra^{[citation needed]}

• Vijayendra Ghatge, grandson of Maharaja Tukoji Rao Holkar ^[1] through his daughter Sita Raje Ghatge is a Bollywood Actor. (Kagal Junior vassal state)
  • Sagarika Ghatge, daughter of Vijayendra Ghatge is a Bollywood actress.

Holkar Maharajas of Indore[link]

Yeshwantrao Holkar II,the last ruling Maharaja Holkar

1. Malhar Rao Holkar I (reigned 2 November 1731 - 19 May 1766)
2. Malerao Holkar (reigned 23 August 1766 - 5 April 1767)
3. Ahilyabai Holkar (first as a regent on May 26, 1766) (reigned 27 March 1767 - 13 August 1795)
4. Tukojirao Holkar I (reigned 13 August 1795 - 29 January 1797)
5. Kashirao Holkar (reigned 29 January 1797 - 1798)
6. Yeshwantrao Holkar I (reigned 1798 - 27 October 1811)
7. Malharrao Holkar III (reigned 27 October 1811 - 27 October 1833)
8. Martandrao Holkar (reigned 17 January 1834 - 2 February 1834)
9. Harirao Holkar (reigned 17 April 1834 - 24 October 1843)
10. Khanderao Holkar III (reigned 13 November 1843 - 17 February 1844)
11. Tukojirao Holkar II (reigned 27 June 1844 - 17 June 1886)
12. Shivajirao Holkar (reigned 17 June 1886 - 31 January 1903)
13. Tukojirao Holkar III (reigned 31 January 1903 - 26 February 1926)
14. Yeshwantrao Holkar II (reigned 26 February 1926 - 1948)

(On 22 April 1948 the Maharaja of Indore signed a covenant with the rulers of the adjoining princely states to form a new state known as Madhya Bharat. Madhya Bharat was created on 28 May 1948. The Princely State of Indore was merged with the Union of India on 16 June 1948)

Notes[link]

References[link]

• Sethi, P.K., S.K. Bhatt and R. Holkar (1976). A Study of Holkar State Coinage, Indore: The Academy of Indian Numismatics and Sigillography.
• Somerset Playne (compiler), R. V. Solomon, J. W. Bond, Arnold Wright (1922). Indian States: A Biographical, Historical, and Administrative Survey, London: Foreign and Colonial Compiling and Publishing Co., 1922 (also Asian Educational Services, 2006, ISBN 81-206-1965-X, 9788120619654, 835 pages

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Holkar

• WorldStatesmen- India

Ahilya Bai
Maharani Holkar of Indore
Statue of Ahilyabai Holkar at Datta Temple,SahastraDhara,Jalkoti
Reign	11 December 1767 – 13 August 1795
Coronation	11 December 1767
Born	(1725-05-31)May 31, 1725
Birthplace	village of Chaundi in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India
Died	August 13, 1795(1795-08-13)
Predecessor	Malerao Holkar
Successor	Tukojirao Holkar I
Consort to	Khanderao Holkar
Father	Mankoji Shinde
Religious beliefs	Hinduism

Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Devi Shri Ahilya Bai Sahib Holkar (31 May 1725 – 13 August 1795) (ruled 11 December 1767 – 13 August 1795), was the Holkar Maharani of the Malwa kingdom, India. She is often compared with Catherine II of Russia, Elizabeth I of England, Margaret I of Denmark.^[1] Ahilyabai was born in the village of Chondi(चोंडी) in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. She moved the capital to Maheshwar south of Indore on the Narmada River.

Ahilyabai's husband Khanderao Holkar was killed in the battle of Kumbher in 1754. Twelve years later, her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar, died. She tried to protect her kingdom from Thugs, the plunderers. She personally led armies into battle. She appointed Tukojirao Holkar as the Chief of Army. She is also famous for her sense of justice. One day, she found her only son, putting poisonous scorpions into the shoes of her subjects resulting in their deaths. She ordered his execution under the elephant feet.^[2]

Rani Ahilyabai was a great builder and patron of many Hindu temples which embellished Maheshwar and Indore. She also built temples and Dharmshala (free lodging) at sacred sites outside her kingdom, at prominent religious places like Dwarka in Gujarat east to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Varanasi on the Ganges, Ujjain, Nasik and Parali Baijnath in Maharashtra. Seeing the destroyed and desecrated temple in Somanath, Rani Ahilyabai built a temple where Lord Shiva is still worshipped by Hindus.

Early life[link]

Ahilyabai was born on May 31, 1725 in the village of Chaundi, in the present-day Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra. Her father, Mankoji Shinde, was the patil of the village. Women then did not go to school, but Ahilyabai's father taught her to read and write.

Her entrance on to the stage of history was something of an accident: Malhar Rao Holkar, a commander in the service of the Peshwa Bajirao and lord of the Malwa territory, stopped in Chaundi on his way to Pune and, according to legend, saw the eight-year-old Ahilyabai at the temple service in the village. Recognising her piety and her character, he brought the girl to the Holkar territory as a bride for his son, Khanderao (1723–1754). She was married to Khanderao in 1733.

Reign[link]

Fort Ahilya in Maheshwar

Ahilya Bai’s husband Khanderao was killed during the siege of Kumbher in 1754. Twelve years later, her father-in-law, Malharrao died. Malharrao was succeeded by Malerao, the only son of Khanderao, but he also died on 5 April 1767. From 1767 until her death in 1795, she ruled Malwa, trained in both administrative and military matters by Malhar Rao. A letter to her from Malhar Rao in 1765 illustrates the trust he had in her ability during the tempestuous battle for power in the 18th century:

"Proceed to Gwalior after crossing the Chambal. You may halt there for four or five days. You should keep your big artillery and arrange for its ammunition as much as possible….On the march you should arrange for military posts being located for protection of the road."

Already trained to be a ruler, Ahilyabai petitioned the Peshwa after Malhar’s death, and the death of her son, to take over the administration herself. Some in Malwa objected to her assumption of rule, but the army of Holkar was enthusiastic about her leadership. She had led them in person, with four bows and quivers of arrows fitted to the corners of the howdah of her favourite elephant. The Peshwa granted her permission on 11 December 1767, and, with Subhedar Tukojirao Holkar (Malharrao's adopted son) as the head of military matters, she proceeded to rule Malwa in a most enlightened manner, even reinstating a Brahmin who had opposed her. Ahilyabai never observed purdah but held daily public audience and was always accessible to anyone who needed her ear.

Among Ahilyabai's accomplishments was the development of Indore from a small village to a prosperous and beautiful city; her own capital, however, was in nearby Maheshwar, a town on the banks of the Narmada river. She also built forts and roads in Malwa, sponsored festivals and gave donations for regular worship in many Hindu temples. Outside Malwa, she built dozens of temples, ghats, wells, tanks and rest-houses across an area stretching from the Himalayas to pilgrimage centres in South India. The Bharatiya Sanskritikosh lists as sites she embellished, Kashi, Gaya, Somnath, Ayodhya, Mathura, Hardwar, Kanchi, Avanti, Dwarka, Badrinarayan, Rameshwar and Jaganathpuri. Ahilyadevi also rejoiced when she saw bankers, merchants, farmers and cultivators rise to levels of affluence, but did not consider that she had any legitimate claim to any of that wealth, be it through taxes or feudal right. She must, in fact, have financed all her activities with the lawful gains obtained from a happy and prosperous land.

There are many stories of her care for her people. She helped widows retain their husbands’ wealth. She made sure that a widow was allowed to adopt a son; in fact, in one instance, when her minister refused to allow the adoption unless he was suitably bribed, she is said to have sponsored the child herself, and given him clothes and jewels as part of the ritual. To honour the memory of Ahilyadevi Holkar, in 1996 leading citizens of Indore instituted an award in her name to be bestowed annually on an outstanding public figure. The prime minister of India gave away the first award to Nanaji Deshmukh. The only time Ahilyadevi seems not to have been able to settle a conflict peacefully and easily was in the case of the Bhils and Gonds, "plunderers" on her borders; but she granted them waste hilly lands and the right to a small duty on goods passing through their territories. Even in this case, according to Malcolm, she did give "considerate attention to their habits".

Ahilyabai’s capital at Maheshwar was the scene of literary, musical, artistic and industrial enterprise. She entertained the famous Marathi poet, Moropant and the shahir, Anantaphandi from Maharashtra, and also patronised the Sanskrit scholar, Khushali Ram. Craftsmen, sculptors and artists received salaries and honours at her capital, and she even established a textile industry in the city of Maheshwar.

Historians of the 19th and 20th centuries—Indian, English and American—agree that the reputation of Ahilyabai Holkar in Malwa and Maharashtra was then, and is, even now, that of a saint. Nothing has ever been discovered by any researcher to discredit that. She was truly a magnificent woman, an able ruler and a great queen.

After her death, she was succeed by Tukojirao Holkar I, her commander-in-chief, who soon abdicated the throne in favour of his son Kashirao Holkar in 1797.

Views about her[link]

"The reign of Ahilyabai, of Indore in central India, lasted for 30 Yrs. This has become almost legendary as a period during which perfect order and good Government prevailed and the people prospered. She was a very able ruler and organizer, highly respected during her lifetime, and considered as a saint by a grateful people after her death." ^[3]

An English poem written by Joanna Baillie in 1849 reads:^[4] <poem> "For thirty years her reign of peace, The land in blessing did increase; And she was blessed by every tongue, By stern and gentle, old and young. Yea, even the children at their mothers feet Are taught such homely rhyming to repeat "In latter days from Brahma came, To rule our land, a noble Dame, Kind was her heart, and bright her fame, And Ahlya was her honoured name." </poem>

"The Great Maratha lady who affords the noblest example of wisdom, goodness and virtue. One english writer quoted that which Akbar is among male sovereigns, is Ahlia Baie among female sovereigns".^[5]

"Ahilyabai's extraordinary ability won her the regard of her subjects and of the other Maratha confederates, including Nana Phadnavis. Collecting oral memories of her in the 1820s, Sir John Malcolm, the British official most directly concerned with the 'settlement' of central India, seems to have become deeply enamourned of her. "With the natives of Malwa ... her name is sainted and she is styled an avatar or Incarnation of the Divinity. In the most sober view that can be taken of her character, she certainly appears, within her limited sphere, to have been one of the purest and most exemplary rulers that ever existed".^[6] Her latest biographers call her 'The Philosopher Queen', a reference perhaps to the 'Philosopher king' Bhoj."^[7]

"Ahilyabai Holkar, the 'philosopher-queen' of Malwa, had evidently been an acute observer of the wider political scene. In a letter to the peshwa in 1772 she had warned against association with the British, and likened their embrace to a bear-hug: "Other beasts, like tigers, can be killed by might or contrivance, but to kill a bear it is very difficult. It will die only if you kill it straight in the face, Or else, once caught in its powerful hold, the bear will kill its prey by tickling. Such is the way of the English. And in view of this, it is difficult to triumph over them."^[8]

"This great ruler in Indore encouraged all within her realm to do their best, Merchants produced their finest cloths, trade flourished, the farmers were at peace and oppression ceased, for each case that came to the queens notice was dealt with severely. She loved to see her people prosper, and to watch the fine cities grow, and to watch that her subjects were not afraid to display their wealth, lest the ruler should snatch it from them. Far and wide the roads were planted with shady trees, and wells were made, and rest-houses for travellers. The poor, the homeless, the orphaned were all helped according to their needs. The Bhils who had long been the torment of all caravans, were routed from their mountain fastnesses and persuaded to settle down as honest farmers. Hindu and Musalman alike revered the famous Queen and prayed for her long life. Her last great sorrow was when her daughter became a Sati upon the death of Yashwantrao Phanse. Ahalya Bai was seventy years old when her long and splendid life closed. Indore long mourned its noble Queen, happy had been her reign, and her memory is cherished with deep reverence unto this day.^[9]

"From the original papers and letters, it becomes clear that she was first-class politician, and that was why she readily extended her support to Mahadji Shinde. I have no hesitation in saying that without the support of Ahilyabai, Mahadji would never have gained so much importance in the politics of northern India." ^[10]

"Definitely no woman and no ruler is like Ahilyabai Holkar." ^[11]

"It reveals beyond doubt that all ideal virtues described by Plato and Bhismacharya were present in her personality like Dilip, Janak, Shri Ram, Shri Krishna and Yudhishthir. After through scrutiny of the long history of the world we find only one personality of Lokmata Devi Ahilya that represents an absolutely ideal ruler." ^[12]

Over the years, in independent India, the city of Indore, when compared to neighboring Bhopal, Jabalpur or Gwalior, has progressed dramatically: economically, through business and financial prowess, politically and in all possible ways cities are supposed to progress. In fact, the local population proudly states that they live in 'mini-Mumbai', a reference to the great metropolis pulsing 600 km away. The good deeds of Devi Ahilyabai, her dedication to religion and her policies are enriching the city even today! The faith and belief in the good vibes of Indore go to such an extent that local inhabitants say that if you have lived in Indore for a thousand days, you are unlikely to leave it! Long live Devi Ahilya!

A commemorative stamp [1] was issued in her honor on 25 August 1996 by the Republic of India.

As a tribute to the great ruler, Indore domestic airport has been named Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport. Similarly, Indore university has been renamed as "Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya".

Works throughout India[link]

Ahilya Ghat, Varanasi

The current structure of Vishnupad Temple is built by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1787

Chhatri of Malhar Rao Holkar at Alampur

It was the specialty of Holkar family that they did not use public funds to meet their personal and family expenses. They had their personal fund from their private property. Devi Ahilya inherited personal fund which at that time was estimated to be sixteen crores rupees. Ahilyabai used personal fund in charitable works.^[13]

• Alampur (MP) – Harihareshwar, Batuk, Malharimarthand, Surya, Renuka, Ram Hanuman Temples, Shriram Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Maruti Temple, Narsinh Temple, Khanderao Martand Temple, Memorial of Malharrao (I)
• Amarkanthak- Shri Vishweshwar Temple, Kotithirth Temple, Gomukhi Temple, Dharamshala, Vansh Kund
• Amba Gaon – Lamps for temple
• Anand Kanan – Vishweshwar Temple
• Ayodhya (U.P)– Built Shri Ram Temple, Shri Treta Ram Temple, Shri Bhairav Temple, Nageshwar/Siddhnath Temple, Sharayu Ghat, well, Swargadwari Mohatajkhana, Dharamshalas
• Badrinath Temple (UP) – Shri Kedareshwar and Hari Temples, Dharamshalas (Rangdachati, Bidarchati, Vyasganga, Tanganath, Pawali), Manu kunds (Gaurkund, Kundachatri), Garden and Warm Water Kund at Dev Prayag, Pastoral land for cows
• Beed – Jirnnodhar of a Ghat.
• Belur (Karnataka) – Ganpati, Pandurang, Jaleshwar, Khandoba, Tirthraj and Fire temples, Kund
• Bhanpura – Nine Temples and Dharmashala
• Bharatpur – Temple, Dharmashala, Kund
• Bhimashankar – Garibkhana
• Bhusawal - Changadev Temple
• Bitthur – Bhramaghat
• Burhanpur (MP) - Raj Ghat, Ram Ghat, Kund
• Chandwad Waphegaon – Vishnu Temple and Renuka Temple
• Chaundi – Chaudeshwaridevi Temple, Sineshwar Mahadev temple,
• Ahilyeshwar Temple, Dharamshala, Ghat,
• Chitrakoot - Pranpratishta of Shri Ramchandra
• Cikhalda – Annakshetra
• Dwarka(Gujrath) – Mohatajkhana, Pooja House and gave some villages to priest
• Ellora –Grishneshwar Temple of Red Stone
• Gangotri – Vishwanath, Kedarnath, Annapurna, Bhairav Temples, many Dharmashalas
• Gaya (Bihar) – Vishnupad Temple
• Gokarn – Rewaleshwar Mahadev temple, Holkar wada, Garden and Garibkhana
• Gruneshwar (Verul) – Shivalaya Tirth
• Handiya – Siddhanath Temple, ghat and dharmashala
• Haridwar (Uttarakhand) – Kushawarth Ghat and a Huge Dharmashala
• Hrishikesh – Many temples, Shrinathji and Govardhan ram temples
• Indore – Many Temples and ghats
• Jagannath Puri (Orrisa) – Shri Ramchandra Temple, Dharmashala and Garden
• Jalgaon - Ram Mandir
• Jamghat – Bhumi dwar
• Jamvgaon – Donated for Ramdas swami Math
• Jejuri – Malhargautameshwar, Vitthal, Martand Temple, Janai Mahadev and Malhar lakes
• Karmanasini River – Bridge
• Kashi (Benaras) – Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Shri Tarakeshwar, Shri Gangaji, Ahilya Dwarkeshwar, Gautameshwar, Many Mahadev Temples, Temple Ghats, Manikarnika Ghat, Dashaaswamegh Ghat, Janana Ghat, Ahilya Ghat, UttarKashi Dharmashala, Rameshwar Panchkoshi Dharmashala, Kapila Dhara Dharmashala, Shitala Ghat
• Kedarnath – Dharmashala and Kund
• Kolhapur – Facilities for temple pooja
• Kumher – Well and Memorial of Prince Khanderao
• Kurukshetra (Haryana) - Shiv Shantanu Mahadev Temple, Panchkund Ghat, Laxmikund Ghat
• Maheshwar - Hundreds of temples, ghats, dharmashalas and houses
• Mamaleshwar Mahadev Himachal Pradesh – Lamps
• Manasa Devi – Seven temples
• Mandaleshwar – Shiv Temple Ghat
• Miri (Ahmednagar) – Bhairav Temple in 1780
• Naimabar(MP) – Temple
• Nandurbar[2] - Temple, Well
• Nathdwara – Ahilya Kund, Temple, Well
• Neelkantha Mahadev – Shivalaya and Gomukh
• Nemisharanya(UP) – Mahadev Madi, Nimsar Dharmashala, Go-ghat, Cakrithirth kund
• Nimgaon (Nashik) – Well
• Omkareshwar (MP) – Mamaleshwar Mahadev, Amaleshwar, Trambakeshwar Temples (Jirnnodhar), Gauri Somnath Temple, Dharmashalas, Wells
• Ozar (Ahmednagar) – 2 wells and kund
• Panchawati, Nasik – Shri Ram Temple, Gora Mahadev temple, Dharmashala, Vishweshwar Temple, Ramghat, Dharmashala
• Pandharpur (Maharashtra) – Shri Ram Temple, Tulsibag, Holkar wada, Sabha Mandap, Dharmashala and gave silver utensil for the temple,Well-Which known by Bagirao well.
• Pimplas(Nashik) – well
• Prayag (Allahabad UP) - Vishnu Temple, Dharmashala, Garden, Ghat, Palace
• Pune – Ghat
• Puntambe (Maharashtra) – Ghat on Godavari river
• Pushkar – Ganpati Temple, Dharmashala, Garden
• Rameshwar (TN) – Hanuman Temple, Shri Radha Krishna Temple, Dharmashala, Well, Garden etc.
• Rampura – Four Temples, Dharmashala and houses
• Raver – Keshav Kund
• Sakargaon – well
• Sambhal – Laxmi Narayan Temple and two wells
• Sangamner – Ram Temple
• Saptashrungi – Dharmashala
• Sardhana Meerut – Chandi Devi Temple
• Saurashtra (Guj) – Somnath Temple in 1785. (Jirnnodhdhar and Pran Prathistha)
• Siddhivinayak temple's inner sanctum at Siddhatek in Ahmednagar District
• Shri Nagnath (Darukhvan) – Started pooja in 1784
• Srisailam Mallikarjun (Kurnool, AP) – Temple of Lord Shiva
• Shri Shambhu Mahadev Mountain Shingnapur (Maharashtra) – Well
• Shri Vaijenath (Parali, Maha) – Jirnnodhar of Baijenath Temple in 1784
• Shri Vhigneshwar – Lamps
• Sinhpur – Shiv Temple and ghat
• Sulpeshwar – Mahadev Temple, annakshetra
• Sultanpur (Khandesh) – Temple
• Tarana – Tilabhandeshwar Shiv temple, Khedapati, Shriram Temple, Mahakali Temple
• Tehari (Bundelkhand) – Dharmashala
• Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) – Bridge on Kushawarth Ghat
• Ujjain (MP) – Chintaman Ganapati, Janardhan, Shrilila urushottam, Balaji Tilakeshwar, Ramjanaki Ras Mandal, Gopal, Chitnis, Balaji, Ankpal, Shiv and many other temples, 13 ghats, well and many Dharmashalas etc.
• Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple 1780.^[14]
• Vrindavan (Mathura) – Chain Bihari Temple, Kaliyadeha Ghat, Chirghat and many other ghats, Dharmashala, Annakstra
• Waphegaon (Nashik) – Holkar wada and one well

Book[link]

• 'Punyashlok Ahilya' By Mr. M. S. Dixit
• 'Ahilyabai' By Mr. Hiralal Sharma
• 'Ahilyabai Charitra' By Mr. Purshottam
• 'Ahilyabai Charitra' By Mr. Mukund Vaman Barve
• 'Karmayogini' By Mrs. Vijaya Jahagirdar
• 'Dnyat Adnyat Ahilyabai Holakar' By Mrs. Vinaya Khadapekar

In popular culture[link]

• A film titled Devi Ahilya Bai was produced in 2002 featuring Mallika Prasad as Devi Ahilya Bai, Shabana Azmi as Harkubai (Khaanda Rani, one of Malhar Rao Holkar's wives) and also including Sadashiv Amrapurkar as Malhar Rao Holkar, Ahilyabai's father in law.[3]

• A 20 mins documentary was made by EMRC Indore, about life and time of Devi Ahilya bai holkar,

External links[link]

• Ahilyadevi Holkar: A Magnificent Ruler, Saintly Administrator

References[link]

Malhar Rao Holkar (16 March 1693 – 20 May 1766) was a noble of the Maratha Empire, in present day India. Malhar Rao is particularly known for being the first Maratha Subhedar of Malwa in Central India. he was the first prince from the Holkar family which ruled the state of Indore .^[1] He was one of the early officers to help spread the Maratha rule to northern states and was the given state of Indore to rule by the Peshwa's.^[2]

Biography[link]

Malhar Rao was born on 16 March 1693 in the village of Hol, near Jejuri, Pune District to Khanduji Holkar of Vir. Malhar Rao grew up in Taloda at house of his maternal uncle, Sardar Bhojirajrao Bargal. He later on got married to Gautama bai (d. 29 September 1761), his uncle's daughter in 1717.^[3] He also married Bana Bai Sahib Holkar, Dwarka Bai Sahib Holkar, Harku Bai Sahib Holkar, a Khanda Rani. This "Khanda Rani" status stems from the fact that she was a Rajput princess, he had sent his sword (khaaNdaa in Marathi) to represent him at the wedding, to maintain appearances.^[4]

He along with Balaji Vishwanath (who was later honoured by being appointed as the Peshwa), Baji Rao I, Santaji Bhosale, Khanderao Dabhade (who was later honoured by being appointed as the Senapati), Balaji Pant Bhanu assisted a young Shahu to consolidate his grip on an empire that had been racked by civil war and persistent attack by the Mughals under Aurangzeb. He rose from shepherd origins by his own ability.^[5] He was appointed by the Peshwa as one of the three sardars charged with collecting the revenues of Malwa in 1724. In 1726, he was appointed to the command of 5,000 strong cavalry, and in 1728, he was granted a jagir of eleven mahals. He was appointed as the Chief of the Army together with the Sarjami of seventy four parganas on 3 October 1730. He was granted two regions of Malwa on 2 November 1731. His grants were made hereditary to his issue by Gautama Bai, who also received Maheshwar, Indore and nine other villages on 20 January 1734.

Military achievements[link]

One of the foremost commanders of the Maratha confederacy, he participated in the great victory near Delhi in 1736, and the defeat of the Nizam at Tal Bhopal in 1738. He also wrested Bassein from the Portuguese in 1739. He received Rampura, Bhanpura and Tonk in 1743, for the assistance given to Madhosingh I of Jaipur in his contest with Ishwari Singh. Granted an Imperial Sardeshmuckhi for Chandore, for his gallantry in the Rohilla campaign of 1748. From 1748 onwards, Malhar Rao Holkar’s position in Malwa became firm and secure. He became ‘Kingmaker’ in Northern and Central India and master of an extensive territory lying on both the sides of the Narmada as well as Sahyadri.^[6]

Malharrao Holkar, Jayappa Scindia, Gangadhar Tatya, Tukojirao Holkar, Khanderao Holkar went to help Safdarjung against Shadulla Khan, Ahmed Khan Bangash, Mohamud Khan, Bahadur Khan Rohilla as per the directions of Peshwa Balaji Bajirao. In the Battle of Fatthegad and Farukhabad, they defeated the Rohillas and Bangash (March, 1751-April, 1752). When Mughal Emperor came to know that Ahmed Shah Abdali had attacked Punjab in December, 1751, he asked Safdarjung to make peace with Rohillas and Bangash. On 12 April 1752 Safdarjung agreed to help Marathas but the Emperor didn’t ratify the agreement and instead signed a treaty with Ahmed Shah Abdali on 23 April 1752. At the same time, the Peshwa asked Malharrao Holkar to return to Pune as Salabat Khan had attacked the city.

The Marathas attacked Kumher Fort on 20 January 1754 AD. They besieged the Kumher Fort till 18 May 1754. The war continued for about four months. During the war Khanderao Holkar, son of Malharrao Holkar, was one day inspecting his army in an open palanquin, when he was fired upon from the fort. The cannonball hit and killed him on 17 March 1754. Malhar Rao was infuriated by the death of his only son and wanted to take revenge. He vowed that he would cut off the head of Maharaja Suraj Mal and throw the soil of fort into Yamuna after destroying it. The Marathas increased pressure and Suraj Mal defended pacifly, but Suraj Mal was isolated as no other ruler was ready to help him. At this moment, Maharaja Suraj Mal was counseled by Maharani Kishori, who assured him not to worry and started diplomatic efforts.

She contacted Diwan Roop Ram Katara. She knew that there were differences between Malharrao Holkar and Jayappa Sindhia and that Jayappa Sindhia was very firm in his determinations. She advised Maharaja Suraj Mal to take advantage of mutual differences within Marathas. Diwan Roop Ram Katara was a friend of Jayappa Sindhia. She requested Diwan Roop Ram Katara to take a letter from Maharaja Suraj Mal proposing a treaty. Jayappa Sindhia assured Suraj Mal of assistance and contacted Raghunathrao. Raghunathrao in turn advised Holkar to sign a treaty with Suraj Mal. Malhar Rao Holkar assessed the situation and consented for the treaty due to possibility of isolation. This led to a treaty between both rulers on 18 May 1754. This treaty proved very beneficial for Maharaja Suraj Mal.^[7]

Malharrao Holkar, Raghunathrao, Shamsher Bahadur, Gangadhar Tatya, Sakharambapu, Naroshankar and Maujiram Bania attacked Delhi on 11 August 1757 and defeated Najib Khan and Ahmed Khan became the Mir Bakshi in his place. In March, 1758, they conquered Sarhind. On 20 April 1758, Malharrao Holkar and Raghunathrao attacked and conquered Lahore. Tukojirao Holkar conquered Attock. Sabaji Scindia, Vitthal Shivdev met them at Peshawar. Raghunathrao and Malharrao Holkar returned from Punjab.

He was raised to the rank of Subedar in 1757. He was

Battle of Panipat[link]

It is alleged that he fled the battle-field in the Third Battle of Panipat (14/01/1761). It is written by many historians that he fought courageously in the battle-field. It is also written that Sadashivrao Bhau had entrusted him the job of saving Parvatibai as soon as told to do so. When Vishwasrao was killed and Sadashivrao Bhau felt they were about to be defeated he sent a message to Malharrao to immediately act as per directions and leave the battlefield. Malharrao acted as per the directions of Sadashivrao and saved Parvatibai. Malharrao was considered to be the right hand man of Peshwa. Others who retreated from this battle were Mahadji Shinde and Nana Phadnawis.

It is clear from the last letters sent by Bhau and from the narration of Nana Phadnawis that Bhau had anticipated the outcome of the battle but he didn’t let it affect the morale of the soldiers. This is also clear from the fact that Bhau had placed Malharrao Holkar on the corner of the backside of the western side of the Battlefield. This was the safest and easiest place in the battlefield to escape if and when needed. There is no proof to show that Malharrao had no role in saving Parvatibai. Just because Janu Bhintada, Baravkar and Piraji Raut were awarded that does not mean Malharrao Holkar was not connected with saving Parvatibai. The fact is that five hundred shepherds were specially assigned the task of protecting Parvatibai and it cannot be believed that Parvatibai would choose to escape on her own by leaving these guards. Even Raghunatrao, who was annoyed with those who fled the battlefield, didn’t accuse Malharrao.^[8]

If he had fled the battle-field, as alleged, then Peshwa would have never returned the Subedari to Malharrao. By the letter dated 13 March 1761 Nanasaheb Peshwa asked Malharrao Holkar to look after the entire affairs of North India.

He set aside personal enmity with Surajmal Jat, who killed his son Khanderao, for the sake of Maratha Confederation. He had also agreed to forgive Madhosingh. Moreover Malharrao Holkar and Surajmal Jat had advised Sadashivrao Bhau to use Guerilla warfare against Ahmed Shah Abdali instead of a direct war which was declined by Bhau. He had also advised Bhau that instead of going forward to Panipat, they should wait for the enemy to come in their stronghold where it would become easy for them and difficult for Abdali. Even this advise was rejected by Bhau. Nana Phadnawis has stated that, at that time, Bhau didn't show his usual cleverness and rejected the advise of Malharrao Holkar and Surajmal Jat.

He was pragmatic and always took decisions carefully and intelligently. After the Battle of Panipat, it was because of Malharrao Holkar that the Maratha Empire could be maintained and protected in North India. He believed that no one is a permanent friend or enemy and that if your head is intact, you can have fifty headgears. He believed that at times it is necessary to retreat and then at a fit time regain what is lost.

Renowned historian T. S. Shejwalkar says that Malharrao Holkar did no mistake and he behaved like Shrikrishna. If Malharrao Holkar had died in Panipat it would have only reaffirmed that he was loyal and brave, which he even otherwise was, but his death would have ended the Maratha Empire in North India. The Maratha Empire was only weakened but not annihilated by the Battle of Panipat. Urged by his troops Amhadshah Abdali returned to his mountains never to return to India. Ahmedshah praised the unbelievable bravery of Maratha soldiers who fought till the last breath and gave supreme sacrifice. The victory did not fetch any benefit to Abdali.

Death[link]

Chhatri of Malhar Rao Holkar at Alampur

He died at Alampur, 2 May 1766,^[9] and was succeeded by his daughter-in-law Ahilya Bai Holkar. He is considered as one of the architects of Maratha control over India.

Malharao Holkar's tomb is located in Alampur ( Tahasil - Lahar, District- Bhind M.P.).

He was a great man who trained his only daughter-in-law Ahilya devi in accounts and in battle like a son. After his death, Ahilyabai looked after his empire.

.

References[link]

Books[link]

Prof. Madhukar Salgare - Hindustanch Yugpurush Malharrao Holkar - 2009.(Marathi)

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (February 2008)

Sajid Khan
Kahn in The Big Valley, circa 1969.
Born	(1951-12-28) 28 December 1951 (age 60) Mumbai, India

Sajid Khan (born 28 December 1951 in Mumbai, India) is a former Indian actor. He is the adopted son of Indian film producer Mehboob Khan, founder of Mehboob Studios, in India.

Career[link]

Sajid started acting as a child appearing as the younger version of Sunil Dutt's character in his father Mehboob's 1957 film Mother India. He played a more central role in his father's next and last film Son of India in 1962. He went on to achieve fame in the United States with a co-starring role alongide Jay North in the 1966 film Maya. The film's success led to a television series of the of the same name airing on NBC from September 1967 to February 1968. He also had a short-lived singing career in 1969 releasing an album titled Sajid. He guest starred in the television series The Big Valley and after appearing in a handful of films in the 1970s and early 1980s he made his last film appearance in the Merchant-Ivory film Heat and Dust in 1983.

Current activities[link]

It is reported that Sajid had a factory in India which made costume jewellery. 'Artistic' was the name of the retail store.^{[citation needed]} He is divorced and has a son, Sameer.^{[citation needed]}

Filmography[link]

Kahn as "Raji" in Maya, circa 1968.

Films[link]

• Heat and Dust (1983) .... Dacoit Chief
• Dahshat (1981)
• Zindagi Aur Toofan (1975)
• Mahatma and the Mad Boy (1974) .... The Mad Boy
• Savera (1972)
• The Singing Filipina (1971)
• Maya (1966) ... Raji
• Son of India (1962)
• Mother India (1957) .... Young Birju (child artist)

TV appearances[link]

• The Big Valley - The Royal Road (1969, 1 episode) .... Ranjit Singh
• Its Happening - (1968, 2 episodes) .... Himself
• Maya (1967–1968, 18 episodes) .... Raji

Discography[link]

Singles[link]

(Numbers in parentheses indicate Billboard Singles Chart peak positions)

• "Getting To Know You" (#108) / "Ha Ram" -- Colgems 1026 (1968)
• "Dream" (#119) / "Someday" -- Colgems 1034 (1969)

Albums[link]

• Sajid—Colgems COS-114 (1969)

External links[link]

• Sajid Khan at the Internet Movie Database

Vijay Pal Singh

Personal information
Full name	Vijay Pal Singh
Nationality	Indian
Born	(1967-01-01) January 1, 1967 (age 45) Haryana, India
Sport
Country	India
Sport	Track and field athletics
Event(s)	Pole vault
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)	outdoor: 5.10 m (1987, Indian record)
Updated on September 19, 2009.

Vijay Pal Singh (born 1 January 1967) is a former Indian pole vaulter from Haryana who became the first Indian pole vaulter to clear 5.00 meters.^[1] Vijay Pal holds the current national record of 5.10 metres set in Thiruvanathapuram in 1987.^[2] It is one of the longest surviving National records in Indian athletics.^[3][4]

Vijay Pal was born in Haryana.

References[link]

External links[link]

• IAAF profile for Vijay Pal Singh

This biographical article relating to Indian athletics is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e