Who was Rani Ahilyabai Holker | Ahmednagar renamed Ahilyanagar

In this content we shall try to know about the great empress of Malwa, and her immense contribution in rejuvenation of temples. Her efficient administrative system, vows to reform society and catering public services enchants many. 

This time India is celebrating its Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav by commemorating our freedom fighters, social reformers, philanthropists, philosophers, and women civil societies whose immense contributions made India an independent nation and making us proud. Ahilyabai Holker was one of them whose ideas and contributions towards the nation making all Indians very proud and force us to rethink how to handle the situation in odd times. Today we are celebrating the 298th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holker. In view of her contributions, Maharashtra government has taken a landmark decision to rename Ahmednagar to Ahilyanagar.

History of Ahmednagar.

Ahmednagar lies in West of Maharashtra state and it was developed in 240 BC. It shares a long history with many dynasties. The evidence of Ahmednagar can be traced back from ancient Mauryan empire to  Rashkutas, Western Chaulukya and Delhi Sultanate in medieval age.

Delhi Sultanate had not been a stable control over Ahmednagar. Allaudin Hasan Gangu defeated Delhi Sultanate and established Bahmani dynasty, later it was dived into five parts namely Nizamshahi, Golkunda, Bijapur, Bidar and Barar. The Nizamshahi later becomes Ahmednagar. Let's know about the history of Ahmednagar.

In 1486, the Bahmani ruler appointed Malik Ahmed Nizam Shah as the Prime Minister. Later on the ruler knew the Malik Ahmed making conspiracy against the king, so he declared a war. The battle broke out in 1490, Malik Ahmed won the battle and he established a new city on Sina river, a place where Ahmed defeated the king. The Ahmednagar city was named after Malik Ahmed Nizam Shah.

One another important source to know about the Ahmednagar in the book " A Discovery of India" written by Pd. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Republic India.

Who was Rani Ahilyabai Holker?

She was born in Chondi, Ahmednagar, her father was a village chief. So her family was very progressive and well educated. Ahilyabai in her 8 years old married to Khande Rao, son of Malhar Rao the chief commader of Peshwa BajiRao. 

Unfortunately the king Khande Rao was killed on his Rajasthan expedition in 1754, then her son took command but he failed to run the administration. Finally after the death of her Father in law and her son, Ahilyabai declared herself as the ruler of Malwa and started ruling. Her style of administration was very efficient and applauded by many citizens of the state. Now citizens paying respect to her.

Contribution in rejuvenation of temples and patronising temples. 

We can know about her contribution in rejuvenation and revamping of temples from the source of the book "A Discovery of India" written by Pd. Jawaharlal Nehru. A number of temples like Somnath temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple etc. were rejuvenated by Rani Ahilyabai Holker.