Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar: A Visionary Reformer And Her Legacy In Widow Social Justice, With Reference To Madhya Pradesh Widow Pension Scheme
- IJLLR Journal
- 7 days ago
- 1 min read
Prateek Singh, LL.M., Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, Lucknow
ABSTRACT
Ahilyabai Holkar or popularly known as the “Rajmata” is one of the most celebrated queens of the Malwa region. She is regarded as one of the most progressive ruler and social reformer in the Indian history. During her reign, lasting 28 years (1767–1795), she not only focused on the construction of temples to promote the religious devotion but her major contributions also include her contribution for the upliftment of the women in her reign specially the widows, Rajmata under-took significant steps for the upliftment of the women and the under-privileged. She was said to be the pioneer who stood out courageously against the oppressive customs of her time, she actively promoted widow re-marriage and challenged the “Sati Pratha”. This research paper will explore the contributions of Rajmata Ahilya for the welfare of the widows, her opposition to the “Sati” and steps for the empowerment of the women during her reign. This paper will also explore how Rajmata’s ideologies remained relevant across different periods of Indian history like during the colonial era, reflection of her thoughts in the Indian Constitution, and even in the recent contemporary time. Although there is no direct linkage between her ideologies with the Constitution of India and even with the current times, but her vision and ideas were way ahead of her times and their essence can be clearly interpreted through various constitutional principles and contemporary social initiatives.
Keywords: Ahilyabai Holkar, Widow, Sati, Pension scheme, upliftment of women
