Why is the Holkar Dynasty considered the jewel of the Marathas?

In 1720, Peshwa Bajirao was given the responsibility of governing the Maratha Empire, and he implemented several significant changes. He initiated a process of “purification” among the Maratha elite, removing those who obstructed the vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his dream of “Hindavi Swarajya” through the use of “Sam Daam Dand Bhed” methods.

Bajirao prioritized young advisors and soldiers, including Malharrao Holkar, whom he appointed to command Maratha forces in the Malwa region in 1720. In 1733, the Peshwa granted him nine parganas in the area around Indore, and Malharrao established a camp in 1734 that is now called Malharganj. He began constructing his palace, the Rajwada, in 1749. At the time of his death, Malharrao ruled over most of Malwa and was recognized as one of the five virtually independent rulers of the Maratha confederacy.

However, Malharrao was not only famous for his military and political achievements. Despite prevailing beliefs that Indian society was deeply conservative and hostile to women, he defied these perceptions. Although his son was married as a child according to customs at the time, Malharrao treated his daughter-in-law like his own daughter, initiating her into the intricacies of politics and war strategy. This daughter-in-law was none other than Ahilyabai Holkar, the Subedar of Indore and a source of great pride for the Maratha Empire.

Malharrao Holkar has faced a lot of criticism for retreating from the Panipat front, but very few people know the full story of what happened there. Prior to the war, Malharrao was a staunch supporter of expanding the Hindavi Swarajya, and even after his son Khanderao Holkar’s untimely death, he remained committed to this cause.

When Malharrao and other Marathas received news of the Afghan invasion, they immediately prepared for battle. Malharrao, like Raghunath Rao, was in favour of attacking with complete preparation, but Peshwa Balaji Bajirao’s nephew and Peshwa’s Diwan, Sadashiv Rao Bhau, did not heed his advice.

Raghunath Rao was angered by this decision and refused to join the Maratha forces in Panipat. However, Malharrao remained committed to the cause and supported the Maratha army throughout the battle. Although he suffered no significant damage during the battle, he was prepared to fight until his last breath.

When Sadashiv Rao Bhau realized that victory was unlikely, he ordered Malharrao to protect civilians and his family members who were participating in the war. Although Malharrao was not in agreement with this order, he protected many pilgrims and women, including Parvatibai.

However, he was not entirely successful in this campaign, and this failure haunted him until his death in 1766. Therefore, it is important to understand the full story before making judgements about Malharrao’s actions at the battle of Panipat.

However, the Holkar Dynasty Empire’s legacy did not end there. After Malharrao’s death, his daughter-in-law, Ahilyabai, took over the administration of the Indore Diocese. She played a crucial role in supporting the revival of the Maratha Empire by backing leaders like Mahadji Shinde, Nana Fadnavis, and Peshwa Madhavrao.

Furthermore, Ahilyabai undertook several welfare initiatives, including constructing temples, ghats, wells, and stepwells. She also improved road infrastructure, established Annasatra (food distribution centers) for the needy, and appointed scholars in temples for meditation and religious discourse. She was known for her impartiality and commitment to justice, disregarding her own ego. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in its present form was constructed under her guidance, as its original structure was demolished years ago by Aurangzeb.