Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s contribution to the revival of Bhartiya treasures, temples, and places of Gaurav
- studio adda
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar (1725-1795, Reign 1767–1795), the revered queen of the Holkar dynasty in the 18th century, was an exemplary figure of leadership and cultural revival. Widely respected in Indian history, she is remembered for her dedication to good governance, social welfare, humanitarian work, and significant contributions to religious, educational, and cultural advancements. Her reign over the Malwa kingdom, with Indore as its capital, is often hailed as a golden era, particularly in the restoration and revival of India’s sacred spaces and cultural treasures.
She established Maheshwar (in present-day in Madhya Pradesh) as the seat of the Holkar dynasty and transformed Indore into a progressive city, fostering industries and educational institutions. Her impact extended far beyond her own state—she undertook the repair and expansion of many iconic temples across India, including the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir in Varanasi, the Gouri Somnath Mandir in Chola, and the construction of the renowned Dashashwamedh Ghat at Banaras.
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar did not limit her vision to religious revival alone. She recognized the importance of building supporting infrastructure. She initiated the construction of hundreds of dharmshalas (pilgrim rest houses), wells, water tanks, ghats, and roads to facilitate pilgrimage and travel. These amenities ensured that sacred sites became more accessible and welcoming, allowing people from all social backgrounds to participate in religious journeys. Many of these facilities remain in use to this day, testifying to her enduring legacy. Her influence spanned across present-day Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Perhaps the most well-known of her restoration projects, the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple had suffered repeated destruction, most notably at the hands of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. In 1780, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar reconstructed the temple adjacent to the original site, reinstating its sanctity and reaffirming Varanasi's position as a central hub of Hindu faith. She also restored various ghats in Varanasi and established the Ahilya Ghat.
Somnath Temple – She played a crucial role in reviving the Somnath temple, a powerful symbol of resilience in Indian history. Despite its repeated desecration over centuries, she ensured its restoration and contributed to the temple’s resurgence by funding renovations and building pilgrim resthouses nearby. Her efforts at various sacred sites helped preserve not only the structures but also the associated traditions and local economies.
Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu), Dwarka (Gujarat), Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), and Kedarnath (Uttarakhand) – At these key pilgrimage sites, she commissioned renovations, constructed new temples, ghats, and dharmshalas, significantly enhancing accessibility and dignity for countless pilgrims. Within her own territory, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar undertook the renovation of numerous temples and ghats along the Narmada River, especially in Maheshwar. Under her reign, Maheshwar emerged as a spiritual and cultural nucleus. The temple complexes and forts built during this time reflect the richness of Indian architecture, incorporating elements from various regional styles. Her temple-building projects demonstrated a deep reverence for traditional Indian architectural norms, while maintaining simplicity, accessibility, and grace.
She adapted temple architecture according to regional styles—commissioning temples in the Nagara style (characterized by tall shikharas) in northern cities like Varanasi and Ujjain and embracing the Dravidian style (with layered gopurams and intricate carvings) in southern locales like Rameswaram and Madurai. Maratha architectural sensibilities also found expression in her constructions—marked by functional stone sanctums, pillared mandapas, simple layouts, and minimal ornamentation. The Holkar style emphasized convenience and service for devotees, featuring wide stairways, open courtyards, and attached dharmshalas.
Her patronage supported local artisans, masons, and traditional stone carvers, reviving local economies and preserving regional craftsmanship. She insisted on the use of locally sourced materials like stone and wood, reinforcing sustainable practices and cultural continuity.
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar understood that temples served not just as places of worship but as active centres of learning, art, music, and social cohesion. She extended her support to Vedic scholars, Sanskrit educational institutions, and a broad array of artisans, thereby facilitating a comprehensive cultural renaissance. Importantly, she ensured that temples-maintained autonomy from political interference, preserving their sacred character and spiritual focus.
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar was more than a monarch—she was a guardian of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Her enduring contributions to temple restoration, pilgrimage infrastructure, public welfare, and the preservation of India’s civilizational values continue to inspire generations. In the contemporary movement toward cultural resurgence and pride in heritage (Gaurav), her legacy serves as a beacon and a model for future generations.
Written By: Ananya Narayanan, studio adda Intern.
Very useful