May 31 is the birth anniversary of a unique woman, Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar. She is unique in multiple ways. In fact, in very many ways, she literally re-writes history. Hence the title.
To begin with, from Chaundi near Ahmednagar to Indore, her journey is not merely geographical. On a subtler note, her identity changes, and in to regality. She manages it so well that to her father-in-law, she is more like a son.
In those days, she does not go sati, a remarkable feat indeed, as it was THE norm then. Instead she chooses to guard a kingdom like a king. She leads her army in to wars to win them, and to make the patriarchal mindset accept her supremacy, both as a warrior queen and as an able administrator.
For her, as a queen, her citizens are like her children. She takes care of their professional development so that they can lead a comfortable life. It has been said that she initiated the industrial revolution in India.
Undoubtedly, she propagated the Hindu Dharma, then on the wane. Literally across India, she built temples, 'dharmashalas' as teaching centers which would also provide a protective space to the dispossessed. The river side 'ghats' she built channelise both, water and religious practices.
In my opinion, she is an example of a woman enabling her own self, womanhood, and a way of life. Fabulous is her contribution. Often i think of her as an excellent example of the Gramscian concept of an organic leader. What a shame indeed hence that in the so-called progressive Maharashtra, she is getting limited/restricted to the casteist rhetoric!
Pratima@ "I have to be seen to be believed," said Queen Elizabeth II. Ahilyabai Holkar was so unusual and great that we need not even see her. Her legend lingers on!
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