Khanderao Holkar
Khanderao Holkar (1723 - 1754 CE) was the only son of Malhar Rao Holkar, the founder of the Holkar dynasty of Indore, and Gautama Bai. He was the husband of Ahilyabai Holkar.
| Khanderao Holkar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | c. 1723 |
| Died | 1754 (aged 30–31) Kumher, Bharatpur State (in-present Bharatpur District, Rajasthan, India) |
| Spouse | Ahilyabai Holkar |
| Issue | Male Rao Holkar, Muktabai Holkar |
| Father | Malhar Rao Holkar |
| Mother | Gautama Bai Holkar |
Honors bestowed on Khanderao Holkar:
Khanderao Holkar used to go on expeditions with Malharrao from his childhood. Therefore, he learned martial arts on the actual battlefield. Khanderavas received the award from the Peshwas in 1735, at the age of twelve. Malharrao came to Pune in 1735 after completing his expedition to the north. He was accompanied by his son Khanderao Holkar Hade. Pleased with Malharrao's prowess, Peshwa Bajirao gave the following rewards to Malharrao's son. 'Letters to Khanderao Holkar, son of Malharji Holkar, for giving Jahagir to Khanderao Holkar.
Sanad Mauje Borgaon Taluka Pabal Province Junnar Sanad Mauje Udvadi Taluka Sandas Province Pune At the age of 12, in 1735, Khanderao became Sardeshmukh. In 1736, Bajirao demanded that the emperor should liberate Prayag, Gaya, Kashi and Mathura and hand them over to the Marathas. Along with this there were other demands of Bajirao but as the emperor did not approve them, Bajirao undertook the expedition to the north and he marched north with 50,000 troops. The Marathas succeeded in this invasion.
Apart from Subhedar Malharrao Holkar Wagh and Bule, Malharrao's uncle Bhojraj Bargal and son Khanderao Holkar were also present in Bajirao's northern expedition. Regarding the performance of Holkar in this invasion, Peshwas' Malharji Holkar, Vithoji Bule, Santaji Wagh, Bhojraj Bargal, Khanderao Holkar gave each gold prize. (July 31, 1736) Malharji had received two gold chains of 45 ounces and Khanderaoas 18 ounces of one ounce as a gift from the Peshwas.
Early life
Holkar was heir to his father from 20 January 1734.his wife was Lokmata Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, who ruled Indore from 1767 to 1795 after his death. He had one son, Malerao, and a daughter, Muktabai. Ahilyabai influenced his thinking and mended his wayward nature by repeating her statecraft and training lessons to him along with stories from the epics.
Khanderao was very brave from his childhood, due to his interest in Raj Kaj, he along with his father, fought independent fight from a young age. His nature was full of ego. But he was a brave and very courageous person. Khanderao Holkar had learned the art of warfare from his father. After that he contributed in many wars. The war of Nizam and Maratha took place in the year 1737, In the battle of Nizam and Marathas, Khanderao showed tremendous performance and won the war victory over the Nizam.
Later in Malwa, the Mughals looted the Kamavisdar of Shajapur and burnt the settlement. In return, Khanderao Holkar killed Mirmani Khan. The fear of Khanderao Holkar had increased as much. That Khanderao had gone to Delhi. When he arrived there was a ruckus in Delhi and some people had left the house and fled. Not only that, but the Mughal emperors were also afraid of him. Khanderao Holkar had gone to Delhi to settle only a few things. The emperor had made all efforts to please Khanderao. The emperor had given many gifts to Khanderao but Khanderao refused to accept all the gifts.
In 1739, Marathas had a war with the Portuguese. In the war with the Portuguese, Khanderao, along with Santaji Wagh, blew up the fort of Tarapur by laying landmines and the Marathas won the fort by fighting. Khanderao Holkar also took part in the Deoli and Bagru war in 1747. In the beginning of 1754, Khanderao, along with an army of four thousand Maratha, attacked the Jats. Maratha soldiers had attacked the Jats hiding in the mountains and forests. And expanded his empire. The Jat fort named Gangula was attacked by the Marathas. He was successful in that, in due course of time and playing the war in the battlefields, Khanderao became a brave and courageous warrior. As soon as he took part in any war, he used to keep the status of winning the war.
Battle and Death
In 1754, on behest of the Maratha Emperor, Khanderao laid siege to Kumher fort of Jat Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur State. Mal had sided with Ahmad Shah's adversary Safdar Jang. Khanderao was inspecting his troops in an open palanquin in the battle of Kumher when a cannonball fired by the Jat artillery hit him and instantly killed him. In Khanderao's honor, Jat Maharaja Suraj Mal built a chattri, in Hindu style of architecture, on his cremation spot at Kumher near Deeg.
After his death in 1754, his father Malhar Rao prevented Khanderao's wife Ahilya Bai from committing sati.[1] Malhar Rao died in 1766, 12 years after the death of his son Khanderao. Malhar Rao's grandson and Khanderao's young son Male Rao Holkar became the ruler of Indore in 1766, under the regency of Ahilyabai, but he too died within a few months in 1767. Ahilyabai became the ruler of Indore after the death of their son.[2][3] while Tukoji Rao Holkar served as the commander in chief of the Holkar army.
In Popular Culture
Khanderao is currently being depicted on the Sony TV show, Punyashlok Ahilyabai.[5]
References
- Anne Feldhaus, ed. (21 March 1996). Images of Women in Maharashtrian Literature and Religion. State University of New York. p. 185-186. ISBN 9780791428382.
- Swati Mitra; Eicher Goodearth Limited; Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (2011). Omkareshwar and Maheshwar: Travel Guide. Eicher Goodearth Private Limited. p. 60. ISBN 9789380262246.
- R. V. Solomon; J. W. Bond; Somerset Playne (2006) [First published in London, 1922]. Arnold Wright; J. W. Bond (eds.). Indian States: A Biographical, Historical, and Administrative Survey. Gautem Jetley, Asian Educational Services (AES) Publications. p. 72. ISBN 9788120619654.
- "Khanderao Holkar - Biography, Death, and Wife Ahilyabai Holkar". 5 February 2021.
- Punyashlok Ahilyabai (Drama, History), Dashami Creations, 4 January 2021, retrieved 2 April 2022
