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Karmayogini - Life of Ahilyabai Holkar
This is the story of the life and times of an extraordinary lady, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. Born in the village of Chaundi, around 1725, she impressed Bajirao Peshwa and his dear friend Malharrao Holkar, with her brilliance, merely as a little girl of eight or nine. Malharrao Holkar brought her into his family as his daughter-in-law, the wife of his son, Khanderao Holkar.
Ahilyabai undertook training under his mentorship and proved herself worthy of subsequently inheriting the reins of the Subhedari that was bestowed on Malharrao Holkar.
Ahilyabai’s personal life was fraught with tragedies. A husband, who showed no interest in the administration of the state and later, a son, who not only carried his father’s vices a few steps ahead but was also a persistent source of concern for her. But Ahilyabai’s parents-in-law offered her a strong backing. After their death, Ahilyabai was still to face the loss of many relatives, one by one, either to ill health or to the evil tradition of Sati. Despite being battered by the deaths of her near and dear ones, she weathered many a political storms with tremendous fortitude and righteousness, taking a strong stand even against her own people, when required.
Ahilyabai’s charity and philanthropic work during her reign, is celebrated far and wide. She built innumerable temples, embankments on the river Narmada, wells, roads, and rest houses for travellers…but what remains a lesser known fact is that she was not just a benevolent ruler but a visionary, an astute strategist and a keen statesman. She was a lone woman who not just survived but thrived among the shrewd and scheming statesmen of her times. That in itself was no mean an achievement in an era subjugated by male chauvinism. She was a lady ahead of her times in every way.
Ahilyabai’s reign of nearly 30 years, after the death of Malharrao, is marked by the growth of commerce and trade as well as art and literature at Maheshwar. Her compassion for social concerns and passion for religious reforms remains unequalled. Her devotion to the country and her allegiance to the throne of the Peshwas remain exemplary!
This is a humble effort to explore the emotional journey of the life of the lady who etched a special place in history not just with her altruistic work but also with her incomparable developmental work. She should be known not just for her charitable draft but political craft`a true Karmayogini!
Ahilyabai undertook training under his mentorship and proved herself worthy of subsequently inheriting the reins of the Subhedari that was bestowed on Malharrao Holkar.
Ahilyabai’s personal life was fraught with tragedies. A husband, who showed no interest in the administration of the state and later, a son, who not only carried his father’s vices a few steps ahead but was also a persistent source of concern for her. But Ahilyabai’s parents-in-law offered her a strong backing. After their death, Ahilyabai was still to face the loss of many relatives, one by one, either to ill health or to the evil tradition of Sati. Despite being battered by the deaths of her near and dear ones, she weathered many a political storms with tremendous fortitude and righteousness, taking a strong stand even against her own people, when required.
Ahilyabai’s charity and philanthropic work during her reign, is celebrated far and wide. She built innumerable temples, embankments on the river Narmada, wells, roads, and rest houses for travellers…but what remains a lesser known fact is that she was not just a benevolent ruler but a visionary, an astute strategist and a keen statesman. She was a lone woman who not just survived but thrived among the shrewd and scheming statesmen of her times. That in itself was no mean an achievement in an era subjugated by male chauvinism. She was a lady ahead of her times in every way.
Ahilyabai’s reign of nearly 30 years, after the death of Malharrao, is marked by the growth of commerce and trade as well as art and literature at Maheshwar. Her compassion for social concerns and passion for religious reforms remains unequalled. Her devotion to the country and her allegiance to the throne of the Peshwas remain exemplary!
This is a humble effort to explore the emotional journey of the life of the lady who etched a special place in history not just with her altruistic work but also with her incomparable developmental work. She should be known not just for her charitable draft but political craft`a true Karmayogini!
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 25, 2020
We deserve to know history of Indian women who were queen, freedom fighters or reformers. Sadly our history books are dominated by left cabal who distort our history and full of Islamic patriarch and are mostly Delhi centric.
I always wanted to read book on this great personality. Unfortunately i couldn't find non fiction book on her. This one is history fiction, i enjoyed reading it though. We deserve to know more about her.
Ahilyabai was a widow who became Malwa's queen. After her husband's death, Ahilya's father in law dissuaded her from performing Sati and crowned her the ruler of the kingdom.
She constructed many temples ruined by Islamic invaders. Excepting territories controlled by Afghans, Nawabs & British, she built temples everywhere. Without her, all Tirthas would have been in ruins and there wouldn't be any standing temple. She built numerous tanks for people's welfare.
She defended her kingdom. She never plundered anyone. She developed Malwa into a prosperous kingdom. She rebuilt temples destroyed by Aurangzeb. She built Dharamshala at many Tirthas. She was social reformer too. She banned Sati and dowry. Maheshwar is the home of one of India's finest handloom fabric traditions. It is noted as a centre for weaving colourful Maheshwari sarees. All credit goes to Ahilya Bai only.
She used to live in this small residence in Maheshwar. She inaugurated the golden era of Malwa which although short lived was effective.
I always wanted to read book on this great personality. Unfortunately i couldn't find non fiction book on her. This one is history fiction, i enjoyed reading it though. We deserve to know more about her.
Ahilyabai was a widow who became Malwa's queen. After her husband's death, Ahilya's father in law dissuaded her from performing Sati and crowned her the ruler of the kingdom.
She constructed many temples ruined by Islamic invaders. Excepting territories controlled by Afghans, Nawabs & British, she built temples everywhere. Without her, all Tirthas would have been in ruins and there wouldn't be any standing temple. She built numerous tanks for people's welfare.
She defended her kingdom. She never plundered anyone. She developed Malwa into a prosperous kingdom. She rebuilt temples destroyed by Aurangzeb. She built Dharamshala at many Tirthas. She was social reformer too. She banned Sati and dowry. Maheshwar is the home of one of India's finest handloom fabric traditions. It is noted as a centre for weaving colourful Maheshwari sarees. All credit goes to Ahilya Bai only.
She used to live in this small residence in Maheshwar. She inaugurated the golden era of Malwa which although short lived was effective.
February 24, 2023
This is a historical fiction on the life of Rajamata Ahilyabai Holkar.
Ahilyabai was a great feminist! She challenged the Sati tradition, fought for women’s rights, and abolished the dowry system!
She was a great administrator for the kingdom of Malwa! Under her regime, Maheshwar became a cultural and educational hub. A Peshwa loyalist, she not only defended her kingdom but also aided the Marathas and Shindeys in their conquest against the invaders.(British, Iran, Afghan, Nizam and Hyder)
Despite facing several misfortunes and tragedies in her personal life, she didn’t loose faith and spent all her life in the service of protecting her people and her kingdom!
I wished for more detailed information on the numerous battles fought by the Holkars! Also this book has no mention of Ahilyabai’ s work on rebuilding the temples of Kashi and Somnath.
Look forward for any book recommendations on this front.
Ahilyabai was a great feminist! She challenged the Sati tradition, fought for women’s rights, and abolished the dowry system!
She was a great administrator for the kingdom of Malwa! Under her regime, Maheshwar became a cultural and educational hub. A Peshwa loyalist, she not only defended her kingdom but also aided the Marathas and Shindeys in their conquest against the invaders.(British, Iran, Afghan, Nizam and Hyder)
Despite facing several misfortunes and tragedies in her personal life, she didn’t loose faith and spent all her life in the service of protecting her people and her kingdom!
I wished for more detailed information on the numerous battles fought by the Holkars! Also this book has no mention of Ahilyabai’ s work on rebuilding the temples of Kashi and Somnath.
Look forward for any book recommendations on this front.
June 5, 2021
Ahilyabai Holkar, a name that makes you lower your head in reverence, a name that makes you stand tall with pride. A personality who at the tender age of eight shows the sign of one who is destined to make a place for herself in the pages of history.
The author, in her book Karmayogini, takes us through the life of Ahalyabai from the day her father-in-law was presented the Subedari, by the Peshwa, to her long journey spent in the service of protecting this same honor.
The sheer dichotomy between her personal life marred by misfortunes, tragedies and losses; and her acumen in handling the Subedari which earned her the Peshwa's respect.
She was a great administrator and a great philanthropist. She served the Peshwa's till her last breath and spent huge amounts of money from her personal wealth to promote education and protect Hindu dharma. It breaks my heart to accept the fact that such stalwarts are either forgotten from our national consciousness or relegated to regional history.
The author has used an easy to read language and dug through the historical accounts to stay true to the facts. The simple dialogue kept the narration engaging, however, I would have liked more to read on her contribution in rebuilding the temples like Somnath and Kashi Vishwanath.
I would recommend this book to everyone who are interested in knowing our heroes, our history. Ahalyabai was a true progressive leader, a liberal and a feminist.
The author, in her book Karmayogini, takes us through the life of Ahalyabai from the day her father-in-law was presented the Subedari, by the Peshwa, to her long journey spent in the service of protecting this same honor.
The sheer dichotomy between her personal life marred by misfortunes, tragedies and losses; and her acumen in handling the Subedari which earned her the Peshwa's respect.
She was a great administrator and a great philanthropist. She served the Peshwa's till her last breath and spent huge amounts of money from her personal wealth to promote education and protect Hindu dharma. It breaks my heart to accept the fact that such stalwarts are either forgotten from our national consciousness or relegated to regional history.
The author has used an easy to read language and dug through the historical accounts to stay true to the facts. The simple dialogue kept the narration engaging, however, I would have liked more to read on her contribution in rebuilding the temples like Somnath and Kashi Vishwanath.
I would recommend this book to everyone who are interested in knowing our heroes, our history. Ahalyabai was a true progressive leader, a liberal and a feminist.
February 28, 2021
अहिल्याबाई होळकर यांची पुण्यश्लोक ही ओळख बऱ्याच जणांनी रंगवली आहे. त्याला अनेक कारणे आहेत जसे त्यांचा श्रद्धाळू स्वभाव, त्यांनी केलेला बऱ्याच मंदिरांचा जीर्णोद्धार, त्यांनी केलेला दानधर्म आणि इतर बरेच काही.
पण लेखिकेने या पुस्तकात त्यांच्या पुण्यश्लोक या प्रतिमेबरोबरच त्या कशा कर्मयोगिनी होत्या हे ही उत्तमरीत्या सांगितले आहे. त्यांचा मुत्सद्दी स्वभाव, फडणिशीत केलेले अतुल्य काम, राज्यकारभारी गुण, त्यांची न्यायदानी वृत्ती, राजपूत चंद्रावतांचा केलेला बिमोड, राघोबादादांना युद्ध न करताच घ्यायला लावलेली माघार, आप्त स्वकीय इहलोक सोडून जातानाही दाखवलेला खंबीरपणा अशा अनेक सद् गुणांचे दर्शन यात घडते.
पुस्तकाला दोन भागात विभागले आहे.
पहिल्या भागात त्यांचे बालपण, सासरकडचे सुरुवातीचे दिवस, सासरे मल्हाररावांकडून घेतलेले राजकारणाचे धडे, सासवांबरोबरची जवळीक, पती खंडेरावाकडून झालेला त्रास, स्वतःचे पोटच्या लेकरामुळे आलेली हतबलता लेखिकेने खूप उत्कृष्ठरित्या रंगवली आहे.
दुसऱ्या भागात त्यांचे उत्तर जीवन दाखवले आहे ज्यात सुभेदार तुकोजी बरोबरचे सुरुवातीला असलेले चांगले आणि नंतर बिनसलेले संबंध, दुसरे मल्हारराव , रखमाबाई, नारो गणेश, बापू होळकर आदींशी आलेले संबंध, त्यांनी केलेले राजकारण, महादजी शिंदे सोबत भावांसारखे संबंध असूनही शिंदे आणि होळकर यात भांडणे होत असताना आलेली विवशता ते त्यांचा इहलोकीपर्यंतचा प्रवास छानरीत्या मांडला आहे.
अहिल्याबाईनीं त्यांच्या जीवन काळात बरेच मृत्यू पाहिले. त्यांची सख्खी सासू , सासरे, सती गेलेल्या सावत्र सासवा, नवरा, सती गेलेल्या सवती, मुलगा मालेराव, सती गेलेल्या सुना , नातू नथोबा, सती गेलेल्या नातसूना, जावई यशवंतराव, सती गेलेली स्वतःची मुलगी मुक्ता आणि बरेच आप्तस्वकीय त्यांना सोडून गेले.
अहिल्याबाई सासरे मल्हाररावांच्या विनंतीमुळे सती गेल्या नाहीत पण इतर लोकांकरवी त्यामुळे लागलेले बोल तसेच त्यांचे सती आणि तत्सम रूढी परंपरेवरचे विचार लेखिकेने सुंदररित्या मांडले आहेत.
अहिल्याबाईंच्या जीवनकाळात बरेच पेशवे होऊन गेले. थोरले बाजीराव ज्यांनी छोट्या अहिल्येवर प्रभावित होऊन मल्हररावांना तिला सून करायला सांगितले त्यांपासून ते नानासाहेब, थोरले माधवराव , नारायणराव , रघुनाथराव आणि सवाई माधवरावांपर्यंत त्यांचे सर्वांशी कडूगोड सम्बन्ध राहिले.
पेशवाईतल्या घडामोडी अहिल्येला सुरुवातीला मल्हाररावांकडून, नंतर तुकोजी कडून आणि इतर हेरांकडून खलित्या मार्फत समजताना अहिल्याबाईंचे त्यावरील वैयक्तिक मते आणि विचार मात्र वाचकांना कळत राहतात.
अहिल्याबाईंनी जीवनात स्वकीयांबरोबर खूप झुंज दिली पण त्यांना बदलण्यात वा सुधारण्यात त्या सपशेल अपयशी ठरल्या जसे पती खंडेराव, मुलगा मालेराव, दुसरे सुभेदार तुकोजी, दुसरे मल्हारराव आणि इतर.
त्याकाळच्या मुस्लिम राज्यकर्त्यांनी केलेली मंदिर आणि इतर धार्मिक स्थळांची नासधूस आणि या अवहेलनेने हिंदू सैनिक आणि लोकांमध्ये आलेली हतबलता रोखण्यासाठी सर्व प्रमुख धार्मिक स्थळांचा जीर्णोद्धार करून त्यांना पुनः प्रेरित करणे ही अहिल्याबाईंची दूरदृष्टी दाखवते.
लेखिकेने पुस्तकात जुनी (18 व्या शतकातली मराठी) भाषा वापरली आहे त्यामुळे अहिल्याबाईंचे आणि इतर पात्रांचे संवाद हे खरे खरे वाटतात.
जुन्या मराठी भाषेचा साज चढवून लेखिकेने या पुस्तकाला एका वेगळ्या उंचीवर नेले आहे. त्यामुळे हे चरित्र फक्त ऐतिहासिक कादंबरी न राहता अभ्यासपूर्ण इतिहासलेखन झाले आहे. या पुस्तकावर दोन जणांनी M. Phil. केले हे समजल्यावर आश्चर्य वाटायला नको.
एकंदरीत ऐतिहासिक कादंबरी आवडणाऱ्याबरोबर मराठी इतिहास संशोधक तसेच विद्यार्थी यांनी आवर्जून वाचावे असा हा अमूल्य ठेवा आहे.
पण लेखिकेने या पुस्तकात त्यांच्या पुण्यश्लोक या प्रतिमेबरोबरच त्या कशा कर्मयोगिनी होत्या हे ही उत्तमरीत्या सांगितले आहे. त्यांचा मुत्सद्दी स्वभाव, फडणिशीत केलेले अतुल्य काम, राज्यकारभारी गुण, त्यांची न्यायदानी वृत्ती, राजपूत चंद्रावतांचा केलेला बिमोड, राघोबादादांना युद्ध न करताच घ्यायला लावलेली माघार, आप्त स्वकीय इहलोक सोडून जातानाही दाखवलेला खंबीरपणा अशा अनेक सद् गुणांचे दर्शन यात घडते.
पुस्तकाला दोन भागात विभागले आहे.
पहिल्या भागात त्यांचे बालपण, सासरकडचे सुरुवातीचे दिवस, सासरे मल्हाररावांकडून घेतलेले राजकारणाचे धडे, सासवांबरोबरची जवळीक, पती खंडेरावाकडून झालेला त्रास, स्वतःचे पोटच्या लेकरामुळे आलेली हतबलता लेखिकेने खूप उत्कृष्ठरित्या रंगवली आहे.
दुसऱ्या भागात त्यांचे उत्तर जीवन दाखवले आहे ज्यात सुभेदार तुकोजी बरोबरचे सुरुवातीला असलेले चांगले आणि नंतर बिनसलेले संबंध, दुसरे मल्हारराव , रखमाबाई, नारो गणेश, बापू होळकर आदींशी आलेले संबंध, त्यांनी केलेले राजकारण, महादजी शिंदे सोबत भावांसारखे संबंध असूनही शिंदे आणि होळकर यात भांडणे होत असताना आलेली विवशता ते त्यांचा इहलोकीपर्यंतचा प्रवास छानरीत्या मांडला आहे.
अहिल्याबाईनीं त्यांच्या जीवन काळात बरेच मृत्यू पाहिले. त्यांची सख्खी सासू , सासरे, सती गेलेल्या सावत्र सासवा, नवरा, सती गेलेल्या सवती, मुलगा मालेराव, सती गेलेल्या सुना , नातू नथोबा, सती गेलेल्या नातसूना, जावई यशवंतराव, सती गेलेली स्वतःची मुलगी मुक्ता आणि बरेच आप्तस्वकीय त्यांना सोडून गेले.
अहिल्याबाई सासरे मल्हाररावांच्या विनंतीमुळे सती गेल्या नाहीत पण इतर लोकांकरवी त्यामुळे लागलेले बोल तसेच त्यांचे सती आणि तत्सम रूढी परंपरेवरचे विचार लेखिकेने सुंदररित्या मांडले आहेत.
अहिल्याबाईंच्या जीवनकाळात बरेच पेशवे होऊन गेले. थोरले बाजीराव ज्यांनी छोट्या अहिल्येवर प्रभावित होऊन मल्हररावांना तिला सून करायला सांगितले त्यांपासून ते नानासाहेब, थोरले माधवराव , नारायणराव , रघुनाथराव आणि सवाई माधवरावांपर्यंत त्यांचे सर्वांशी कडूगोड सम्बन्ध राहिले.
पेशवाईतल्या घडामोडी अहिल्येला सुरुवातीला मल्हाररावांकडून, नंतर तुकोजी कडून आणि इतर हेरांकडून खलित्या मार्फत समजताना अहिल्याबाईंचे त्यावरील वैयक्तिक मते आणि विचार मात्र वाचकांना कळत राहतात.
अहिल्याबाईंनी जीवनात स्वकीयांबरोबर खूप झुंज दिली पण त्यांना बदलण्यात वा सुधारण्यात त्या सपशेल अपयशी ठरल्या जसे पती खंडेराव, मुलगा मालेराव, दुसरे सुभेदार तुकोजी, दुसरे मल्हारराव आणि इतर.
त्याकाळच्या मुस्लिम राज्यकर्त्यांनी केलेली मंदिर आणि इतर धार्मिक स्थळांची नासधूस आणि या अवहेलनेने हिंदू सैनिक आणि लोकांमध्ये आलेली हतबलता रोखण्यासाठी सर्व प्रमुख धार्मिक स्थळांचा जीर्णोद्धार करून त्यांना पुनः प्रेरित करणे ही अहिल्याबाईंची दूरदृष्टी दाखवते.
लेखिकेने पुस्तकात जुनी (18 व्या शतकातली मराठी) भाषा वापरली आहे त्यामुळे अहिल्याबाईंचे आणि इतर पात्रांचे संवाद हे खरे खरे वाटतात.
जुन्या मराठी भाषेचा साज चढवून लेखिकेने या पुस्तकाला एका वेगळ्या उंचीवर नेले आहे. त्यामुळे हे चरित्र फक्त ऐतिहासिक कादंबरी न राहता अभ्यासपूर्ण इतिहासलेखन झाले आहे. या पुस्तकावर दोन जणांनी M. Phil. केले हे समजल्यावर आश्चर्य वाटायला नको.
एकंदरीत ऐतिहासिक कादंबरी आवडणाऱ्याबरोबर मराठी इतिहास संशोधक तसेच विद्यार्थी यांनी आवर्जून वाचावे असा हा अमूल्य ठेवा आहे.
May 28, 2017
Detailed review - https://www.anuradhagoyal.com/karmayo...
March 13, 2026
हे पुस्तक Ahilyabai Holkar यांच्या प्रेरणादायी जीवनावर आधारित असून वाचकांना धैर्य, कर्तव्यनिष्ठा आणि लोकसेवेचे महत्त्व शिकवते. पुस्तकात त्यांच्या साध्या स्वभावाचा, न्यायप्रिय राज्यकारभाराचा आणि समाजासाठी केलेल्या महान कार्याचा प्रभावीपणे उल्लेख केला आहे. भाषा सोपी आणि ओघवती असल्यामुळे वाचताना रस टिकून राहतो. इतिहासप्रेमी आणि विद्यार्थ्यांसाठी हे पुस्तक प्रेरणा देणारे आणि ज्ञानवर्धक आहे.
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