20-01-2016 Wednesday
Holy Mother By Swami Nikhilananda: 017

Introduction: Women of India - 13

Among the reigning queens during the Moslem period, Ahalyabai (1735-1795) is respected for her piety and political wisdom. The daughter of a petty Marahatta chieftain, she was married to the ruler of Indore in central India. Her family life was rather tragic. Her indolent and irresponsible husband died at an early age and was followed by her son and daughter. Her father-in-law trained Ahalyabai in the collection of revenue, writing of dispatches, and management of the army. She was often present on the battlefield. After her husband’s death she became the ruler of the State. A contemporary English historian has said that her success in the internal administration of her domain was most wonderful and that she certainly appeared, within her limited sphere, to have been one of the finest and most extraordinary rulers that ever existed. Ahalyabai undertook many religious and philanthropic activities and built highways, rest-houses, and temples the most noteworthy being the road from Benares to Calcutta, and the temples at Somnath in Kathiawar, Gaya, and Benares.

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Holy Mother - Being the Life of Sri Sarada Devi Wife of Sri Ramakrishna And Helpmate in his Mission By Swami Nikhilananda p: 8 – 9

Location: Bangalore