The Holkars were a powerful Maratha dynasty that ruled Indore and Malwa from 1731 to 1818. They were originally military commanders under the Peshwas but later established their own kingdom. The Holkars played a crucial role in Maratha expansion, Anglo-Maratha Wars, and the resistance against the British.
Basic Information on the Holkars
- Dynasty: Holkar Dynasty (Maratha Empire)
- Founder: Malhar Rao Holkar (1731)
- Capital: Indore (later Maheshwar and again Indore)
- Major Wars: Third Battle of Panipat (1761), Anglo-Maratha Wars
- Major Rulers: Malhar Rao Holkar, Ahilyabai Holkar, Yashwantrao Holkar
- End of Holkar Rule: 1818 (British defeat in the Third Anglo-Maratha War)
Founding of the Holkar Dynasty (1731)
- Malhar Rao Holkar (a Maratha general) was granted Malwa by Peshwa Baji Rao I in 1731.
- He established Indore as the Holkar capital and expanded Maratha rule in Central India.
List of Major Holkar Rulers and Their Contributions
| Ruler | Years of Rule | Major Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Malhar Rao Holkar | 1731–1766 | Founder of the Holkar dynasty, fought in North India for the Marathas. |
| Ahilyabai Holkar | 1767–1795 | Known for administration, built temples, promoted trade and welfare. |
| Tukoji Rao Holkar | 1795–1797 | Brief rule, maintained stability. |
| Yashwantrao Holkar | 1797–1811 | Fought against the British, led resistance in the Second Anglo-Maratha War. |
| Malhar Rao Holkar II | 1811–1833 | Defeated in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1818), became a British ally. |
1. Malhar Rao Holkar (1731–1766) – The Founder
- Started as a cavalry officer under Peshwa Baji Rao I.
- Defeated the Mughals in Malwa and established the Holkar rule in Indore (1731).
- Fought in North India alongside Baji Rao I in battles like Palkhed (1728) and Delhi (1737).
- Participated in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761), but the Marathas were defeated by Ahmad Shah Abdali.
- Died in 1766, succeeded by his daughter-in-law Ahilyabai Holkar.
2. Ahilyabai Holkar (1767–1795) – The Great Queen of Malwa
- Ruled after the death of her husband, Khanderao Holkar.
- Shifted the capital from Indore to Maheshwar.
- Promoted trade, agriculture, and public welfare.
- Built temples, ghats, and wells across India (Kashi, Somnath, Gaya, Ujjain, and Rameswaram).
- Ensured justice and good administration in Malwa.
- One of the most respected female rulers in Indian history.
3. Yashwantrao Holkar (1797–1811) – The Last Independent Holkar Ruler
- Fought against the British in the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805).
- Defeated the British in the Battle of Bharatpur (1804).
- Tried to unite all Maratha rulers (Scindias, Bhonsles, and Peshwas) against the British.
- Died in 1811, marking the decline of Holkar independence.
4. Malhar Rao Holkar II (1811–1833) – British Defeat and End of Holkar Rule
- Lost to the British in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1818).
- Forced to sign the Treaty of Mandsaur (1818), making Holkar rule a British protectorate.
- Indore remained under British control until Indian Independence (1947).
Holkar Administration and Policies
1. Strong Military Tradition
- Maintained a cavalry-based army, loyal to the Marathas.
- Fought against Mughals, Rajputs, and British.
2. Economic and Social Reforms (Under Ahilyabai Holkar)
- Encouraged trade and agriculture in Malwa.
- Built roads, wells, and dharamshalas across India.
- Supported artists, poets, and scholars.
3. Diplomacy and Foreign Relations
- Allied with the Marathas against the British.
- Tried to unite Indian rulers against British expansion.
Anglo-Maratha Wars and Decline of Holkar Rule
| War | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Second Anglo-Maratha War | 1803–1805 | Holkars resisted, but British gained control over many regions. |
| Third Anglo-Maratha War | 1817–1818 | British Victory, End of Holkar rule as an independent power. |
- The Treaty of Mandsaur (1818) made Indore a British-controlled princely state.
- The Holkars ruled under British supervision until 1947.
Comparison: Holkars vs. Scindias
| Feature | Holkars (Indore) | Scindias (Gwalior) |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Malhar Rao Holkar | Ranoji Scindia |
| Capital | Indore | Gwalior |
| Major Ruler | Ahilyabai Holkar | Mahadji Scindia |
| Role in Anglo-Maratha Wars | Fought British, resisted control | Initially fought but later allied with the British |
| End of Independence | 1818 (Third Anglo-Maratha War) | 1803 (Became British allies) |
Key Facts for Quick Revision
- Holkars ruled Malwa and Indore from 1731 to 1818.
- Founder = Malhar Rao Holkar (1731), appointed by Peshwa Baji Rao I.
- Ahilyabai Holkar (1767–1795) known for administration and temple building.
- Yashwantrao Holkar fought against the British in the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805).
- Lost to the British in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1818), Indore became a British princely state.
MCQs on Holkars
1. Who was the founder of the Holkar dynasty?
A) Ahilyabai Holkar
B) Malhar Rao Holkar
C) Yashwantrao Holkar
D) Ranoji Scindia
✅ Answer: B) Malhar Rao Holkar
2. Which Holkar ruler is known for building temples and social reforms?
A) Malhar Rao Holkar
B) Ahilyabai Holkar
C) Yashwantrao Holkar
D) Baji Rao I
✅ Answer: B) Ahilyabai Holkar
3. Which treaty ended the Holkar’s independence in 1818?
A) Treaty of Bassein
B) Treaty of Salbai
C) Treaty of Mandsaur
D) Treaty of Purandar
✅ Answer: C) Treaty of Mandsaur
4. Who among the Holkars fought against the British in the Second Anglo-Maratha War?
A) Ahilyabai Holkar
B) Yashwantrao Holkar
C) Malhar Rao Holkar II
D) Nana Phadnavis
✅ Answer: B) Yashwantrao Holkar
5. What was the capital of the Holkar dynasty?
A) Gwalior
B) Pune
C) Indore
D) Nagpur
✅ Answer: C) Indore
Subjective Questions for Further Revision
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Malhar Rao Holkar, and why is he important?
- What were the achievements of Ahilyabai Holkar?
- How did Yashwantrao Holkar resist the British?
- What was the Treaty of Mandsaur (1818)?
- Describe the role of Holkars in the Maratha Empire.
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the contributions of the Holkars in Maratha history.
- Explain the social and administrative reforms of Ahilyabai Holkar.
- How did the Holkars fight against the British in the Anglo-Maratha Wars?
- What led to the decline of Holkar rule in 1818?
- Compare the Holkars and the Scindias in terms of governance and military achievements.