Context

Marking the 298th birth anniversary of Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar on 31^st May 2023, Maharashtra government has announced to rename Ahmednagar after her.

About Ahilyabai Holkar:

• Ahilyabai was born in Chondi village of Ahmednagar to the village head Mankoji Shinde, who ensured that his daughter received an education.
• It is believed that Malhar Rao Holkar, the army commander to Peshwa Bajirao, spotted eight-year-old Ahilyabai at a temple service in Chondi.
• Impressed by her devotion and character, he decided to get his son, Khande Rao, married to her.
• After her husband’s death in the Battle of Kumbher against the king of Bharatpur in 1754, Ahilyabai took control of Malwa.

The Holkar Dynasty:

• The Holkar dynasty belongs to the Hindu Maratha family.
• The history of the Holkar dynasty is traced back to the village of Holegaon on the banks of the Nira River.
• They got their name from the Holegaon village.
• Malhar Rao Holkar has considered the Holkar dynasty founder in 1732.
• Initially, Holkars ruled as kings under the Maratha Empire.
• Later in 1818, the Indore state became a princely state under the protectorate of the British Empire.