Dharma And Governance: A Study Of Ahilyabai’s Leadership And Self-Restraint In Maratha Confederacy

Abstract

The political scenario of the eighteenth century in India saw an episodic rebellion in various parts of India breaking out due to continuous political disturbance and war; the Maratha confederacy was also experiencing a similar situation. In this milieu, an ancient indigenous philosophy of dharma and governance brought out by a female ruler, Ahilyabai, marked a significant change to glorify the ages, which transformed the power structure and ushered in social and economic changes in the Maratha confederacy. A female Godly personality popularly known as Rajmata or Devi Ahilyabai Holkar (1725-1795) emerged as a new hope for the Malwa region mainly due to her policies of Dharma (law) and governance, which had changed the notion of medieval state and gave new hope for prosperity and equality, and identity for the Indians. This paper will examine one of the important texts called Ahilyakamdhenu (Ahilyabai’s philosophy of Dharma), compiled by Khusaliram in 1771 in 1500 pages encompassing the duties of the ruler. Each chapter, called Vastra or calf, represents an aspect of Governance or ritual. Ahilyabai’s concept of Dharma (Law) was based on the philosophy of social welfare and prosperity for all.   

 It also answers the important questions about how her vision of Dharma not only shuns absolutism and arbitrariness, but also rejects the subordination of societal interests to any other interest, and focuses on the happiness of people as a whole. What challenges did she face while she sent a strict message to the Maratha sardar for the protection of minors, women, and the helpless? How does her vision of Dharma provide a new era of duties, obligations and liabilities for Saranjamdar or the king?  Why did Ahilyabai sacrifice her interest and material desire not only for her family, village and for her kin but also for the country through her idea of revival of Hindu culture, the construction and repairing of Hindu temples and pilgrimage sites in different parts of India?  How did she give the new goal to the Maratha confederacy, which had maximum efforts for ensuring of prosperity of individuals to fulfil their desires and happiness and conformity with Dharma to secure the happiness in the Malwa region throughout her reign, 1768-1795 A.D?