By Dr. Shanthi Narasimhan

Title:  ‘Malwa Samrajyada Rajayogini Ahilyabai Holkar

Author: Dr. Geetha Seetharam

Year: 2024

Pages: 532

Price: Rs. 550

Publisher:  Geethanjali Publications

We  see today a lot of past Indian history re-lived with great gusto, lest they continue to be hidden under dominating Mughal or British history and forgotten. Thanks to this move for awakening the youngsters through books, TV serials and movies. One such book written in Kannada by Mysuru-based Dr. Geetha Seetharam is a remarkable anecdote of ‘Malwa Samrajyada Rajayogini Ahilyabai Holkar’ (ಮಾಳ್ವ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯದ ರಾಜಯೋಗಿನಿ ಅಹಲ್ಯಾ ಬಾಯಿ ಹೋಳ್ಕರ್). The life never to be forgotten of a lady, who lived 300 years ago, is written as a novel of 532 pages drawing inspiration from a TV serial and also by extensive researching.

This Kannada version is based on Ahilyabai’s life from childhood till the age of 72 years. Renowned academician Dr. Kabbinale Vasantha Bharadwaj has appreciated the author who has put in a lot of effort to make narration from life of a small town girl to a carefree youth in royal Palace and later an extraordinary achiever in administration.

Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji has also recorded the effort the author has taken to abridge a power-packed life history without losing the seriousness. The author has modestly accounted her earlier effort to write true life pictures of historical greats like Panna, Chola kings Kattabomman, Parthiban, Punjab lioness  Maharani Jindan Kaur etc., as encouraged by Kannada writers C.N. Muktha and Kalki Krishnamurthy.

In this novel, revolutionary ideas of Ahilyabai Holkar in matters such as remarriage and adoption rights for widows, legitimising family rights for heirs, anti-dowry and equality in education for women are brought out as individual characters. As an arbitrator covertly in family feuds in normal households or royal families is smoothly brought out in the novel.

The author has given a good space in the story line to Ahilyabai’s personal family life also including as a warrior. A contribution to rejuvenating places of worship in her kingdom and also outside to win the hearts of people is brought out beautifully.

Her effort to reinstate Kashi Vishwanath temple is recognised even today. A statue of Ahilyabai was erected in the premises of the temple in 2021.

On the whole, it is an absorbing book  on the glorious life of a woman of Hindu renaissance Ahilyabai Holkar.