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The Holkar Dynasty of Indore is one of the more well known dynasties of the princely states of India. The Holkar Dynasty has its origins in the heyday of the Maratha Peshwas. During the time of the downfall of the Mughals, the Marathas, the people populating the Western ghats who rose to prominence under Shivaji, started coming to power.
During the epic struggle against the political and cultural invasion of India by the Afghans, the Marathas faced the invader Ahmad Shah Abdali in the Third battle of Panipat. One of the chieftains in the Maratha side was a warrior named Malhar Rao Holkar. He was given a secondary task during the battle which created a fallout between him and the Peshwa (ruler).
After the Marathas were soundly defeated in the battlefield, a treaty was signed which heralded the wane of the powers of the Peshwa. It brought about the rise of the petty chieftains among whom the Holkars, the Scindhias and the Gaekwads were the most powerful.
Malhar Rao Holkar was granted control of the Maratha armies in the Malwa plateau in 1724 and by 1733 he had become the Maratha governor of this area. He founded the Holkar dynasty. His subsequent successors, chronologically, were
1. Malharrao Holkar (I)
2. Malerao Khanderao Holkar
3. Punyaslok Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar
4. Tukojirao Holkar (I)
5. Kashirao Tukojirao Holkar
6. Yashwantrao Holkar(I)
7. Malharrao Yashwantrao Holkar(III)
8. Martandrao Malharrao Holkar
9. Harirao Vitthojirao Holkar
10. Khanderao Harirao Holkar (III)
11. Tukojirao Gandharebhau Holkar (II)
12. Shivajirao Tukojirao Holkar
13. Tukojirao Shivajirao Holkar (III)
14. Yashwantrao Holkar (II)
15. Usha Devi Maharani Sahiba Holkar XV Bahadur
1. Malharrao Holkar (I)
He was born at Hol, near Jejuri, Pune District on 16 March 1693, to Shrimant Khanduji Holkar, of Vir.
He along with Balaji Vishwanath (later was honoured by appointing as the Peshwa), Baji Rao I, Santaji Bhosale, Dabhade, Balaji Pant Bhanu assisted a young Shahu to consolidate his grip on an empire that had been racked by civil war and persistent attack by the Mughals under Aurangzeb.
He rose from shepherd origins by his own ability.[1] He was appointed by the Peshwa as one of the three sardars charged with collecting the revenues of Malwa in 1724. In 1726, he was appointed to the command of 5,000 strong cavalry, and in 1728, he was granted a jagir of eleven mahals. He was appointed as the Chief of the Army together with the Sarjami of seventy four parganas on 3rd October 1730. He was granted two regions of Malwa on 2nd November 1731. His grants were made hereditary to his issue by Gautama Bai, who also received Maheshwar, Indore and nine other villages on 20 January 1734.
One of the foremost commanders of the Maratha confedaracy, he participated in the great victory near Delhi in 1736, and the defeat of the Nizam at Tal Bhopal in 1738. He also wrested Bassein from the Portuguese in 1739. He received Rampura, Bhanpura and Tonk in 1743, for the assistance given to Sawai Madho Singh of Jaipur in his contest with Ishwari Singh. Granted an Imperial Sardeshmuckhi for Chandore, for his gallantry in the Rohilla campaign of 1748.
Malharrao Holkar, Jayappa Scindia, Gangadhar Tatya, Tukojirao Holkar, Khanderao Holkar went to help Safdarjung against Shadulla Khan, Ahmed Khan Bangash, Mohamud Khan, Bahadur Khan Rohilla as per the directions of Peshwa. In the Battle of Fatthegad and Farukhabad they defeated the Rohillas and Bangash (March 1751-April 1752). When Moghul Emperor came to know that Ahmedshah Abdali had attacked Punjab in December 1751 he asked Safdarjung to make peace with Rohillas and Bangash. On 12th April 1752 Safdarjung agreed to help Mahrattas but Emperor didn’t ratify it and Emperor signed a treaty with Ahmedshah Abdali on 23rd April 1752. However Peshwa asked Malharrao Holkar to return to Pune as Salabat Khan had attacked Pune.
The Marathas had attacked Kumher Fort on 20 January 1754 AD. They besieged the Kumher Fort till 18 May 1754. The war continued for about four months. During the war Khanderao Holkar, son of Malharrao Holkar, was one day inspecting his army in an open palanquin, when he was fired upon from the fort and a cannonball hit him and he was killed on 17 March 1754. Malhar Rao got very angry on the death of his only son and wanted to take revenge and vowed that he would cut off the head of Maharaja Suraj Mal and throw the soil of fort into Yamuna after destroying it. Marathas increased the pressure and Suraj Mal defended pacifly. Suraj Mal was isolated and no other ruler was ready to help him. At this moment Maharaja Suraj Mal was counseled by Maharani Kishori, who assured him not to worry and started the diplomatic efforts.
She contacted Diwan Roop Ram Katara. She knew that there is a strong enmity between Malharrao Holkar and Jayappa Sindhia and that Jayappa Sindhia was very firm in determinations. She advised Maharaja Suraj Mal to take advantage of mutual differences within Marathas. Diwan Roop Ram Katara was a friend of Jayappa Sindhia. She requested Diwan Roop Ram Katara to take letter of Maharaja Suraj Mal with a proposal of a treaty. Jayappa Sindhia assured to assist and contacted Raghunathrao. Raghunathrao in turn advised Holkar for treaty with Suraj Mal. Malhar Rao Holkar assessed the situation and consented for treaty due to fear of isolation and severe war. This led to a treaty between both rulers on 18 May 1754. This treaty proved very beneficial for Maharaja Suraj Mal. [2]
Malharrao Holkar, Raghunathrao, Shamsher Bahadur, Gangadhar Tatya, Sakharambapu, Naroshankar, Maujiram Bania, attacked Delhi on 11 August 1757 and defeated Najib Khan and Ahmed Khan became the Mir Bakshi in his place. In March 1758 they conquered Sarhind, On 20 April 1758 Malharrao Holkar and Raghunathrao Conquered Lahore. Tukojirao Holkar Conquered Attock. Sabaji Scindia , Vitthal Shivdev meet them at Peshawar. Raghunathrao and Malharrao Holkar returned from Punjab.
He was raised to the rank of Subedar in 1757. It is alleged that he fled the battle-field in the Third Battle of Panipat (14/01/1761). It is written by many historians that he fought courageously in the battle-field. It is also written that Sadashivrao Bhau had entrusted him the job of saving Parvatibai as soon as told to do so. When Vishwasrao was killed and Sadashivrao Bhau felt they were about to be defeated he sent a message to Malharrao to immediately act as per directions and leave the battlefield. Malharrao acted as per the directions of Sadashivrao and saved Parvatibai. If it was so, as alleged, then Peshwa would have never returned the Subedari to Malharrao. Malharrao was considered to be the right hand of Peshwa.
He set aside personal enimity with Surajmal Jat, who killed his son Khanderao, for the sake of Maratha Confederation. Moreover Malharrao Holkar and Surajmal Jat had advised Sadashivraobhau to use the Guerrilla warfare against Ahmedshah Abdali instead of direct war which was ridiculed by Bhau. Nana Phadnawis has stated that at that time Bhau didn’t show his usual cleverness and rejected the advise of Malharrao Holkar and Surajmal Jat.
He married Gautama Bai Sahib Holkar (d. 29 September 1761) in 1717. She was the daughter of his uncle, Shrimant Sardar Bhojirajrao Bargal, of Talode. He also married Bana Bai Sahib Holkar, Dwarka Bai Sahib Holkar, Harku Bai Sahib Holkar, a Khanda Rani. He died at Alampur, 20 May 1766, and was succeeded by his grandson,Malerao Holkar II having had issue one son and two daughters. He is considered as one of the architects of Maratha control over India.
Malharao Hokar’s tomb is located in Alampur ( Tahasil - Laar, District- Bhind M.P.) in neglected state. He was born at Hol, near Jejuri, Pune District on 16 March 1693, to Shrimant Khanduji Holkar, of Vir. He along with Balaji Vishwanath (later was honoured by appointing as the Peshwa), Baji Rao I, Santaji Bhosale, Dabhade, Balaji Pant Bhanu assisted a young Shahu to consolidate his grip on an empire that had been racked by civil war and persistent attack by the Mughals under Aurangzeb.
He rose from shepherd origins by his own ability.[1] He was appointed by the Peshwa as one of the three sardars charged with collecting the revenues of Malwa in 1724. In 1726, he was appointed to the command of 5,000 strong cavalry, and in 1728, he was granted a jagir of eleven mahals. He was appointed as the Chief of the Army together with the Sarjami of seventy four parganas on 3rd October 1730. He was granted two regions of Malwa on 2nd November 1731. His grants were made hereditary to his issue by Gautama Bai, who also received Maheshwar, Indore and nine other villages on 20 January 1734.
One of the foremost commanders of the Maratha confedaracy, he participated in the great victory near Delhi in 1736, and the defeat of the Nizam at Tal Bhopal in 1738. He also wrested Bassein from the Portuguese in 1739. He received Rampura, Bhanpura and Tonk in 1743, for the assistance given to Sawai Madho Singh of Jaipur in his contest with Ishwari Singh. Granted an Imperial Sardeshmuckhi for Chandore, for his gallantry in the Rohilla campaign of 1748.
Malharrao Holkar, Jayappa Scindia, Gangadhar Tatya, Tukojirao Holkar, Khanderao Holkar went to help Safdarjung against Shadulla Khan, Ahmed Khan Bangash, Mohamud Khan, Bahadur Khan Rohilla as per the directions of Peshwa. In the Battle of Fatthegad and Farukhabad they defeated the Rohillas and Bangash (March 1751-April 1752). When Moghul Emperor came to know that Ahmedshah Abdali had attacked Punjab in December 1751 he asked Safdarjung to make peace with Rohillas and Bangash. On 12th April 1752 Safdarjung agreed to help Mahrattas but Emperor didn’t ratify it and Emperor signed a treaty with Ahmedshah Abdali on 23rd April 1752. However Peshwa asked Malharrao Holkar to return to Pune as Salabat Khan had attacked Pune.
The Marathas had attacked Kumher Fort on 20 January 1754 AD. They besieged the Kumher Fort till 18 May 1754. The war continued for about four months. During the war Khanderao Holkar, son of Malharrao Holkar, was one day inspecting his army in an open palanquin, when he was fired upon from the fort and a cannonball hit him and he was killed on 17 March 1754. Malhar Rao got very angry on the death of his only son and wanted to take revenge and vowed that he would cut off the head of Maharaja Suraj Mal and throw the soil of fort into Yamuna after destroying it. Marathas increased the pressure and Suraj Mal defended pacifly. Suraj Mal was isolated and no other ruler was ready to help him. At this moment Maharaja Suraj Mal was counseled by Maharani Kishori, who assured him not to worry and started the diplomatic efforts.
She contacted Diwan Roop Ram Katara. She knew that there is a strong enmity between Malharrao Holkar and Jayappa Sindhia and that Jayappa Sindhia was very firm in determinations. She advised Maharaja Suraj Mal to take advantage of mutual differences within Marathas. Diwan Roop Ram Katara was a friend of Jayappa Sindhia. She requested Diwan Roop Ram Katara to take letter of Maharaja Suraj Mal with a proposal of a treaty. Jayappa Sindhia assured to assist and contacted Raghunathrao. Raghunathrao in turn advised Holkar for treaty with Suraj Mal. Malhar Rao Holkar assessed the situation and consented for treaty due to fear of isolation and severe war. This led to a treaty between both rulers on 18 May 1754. This treaty proved very beneficial for Maharaja Suraj Mal. [2]
Malharrao Holkar, Raghunathrao, Shamsher Bahadur, Gangadhar Tatya, Sakharambapu, Naroshankar, Maujiram Bania, attacked Delhi on 11 August 1757 and defeated Najib Khan and Ahmed Khan became the Mir Bakshi in his place. In March 1758 they conquered Sarhind, On 20 April 1758 Malharrao Holkar and Raghunathrao Conquered Lahore. Tukojirao Holkar Conquered Attock. Sabaji Scindia , Vitthal Shivdev meet them at Peshawar. Raghunathrao and Malharrao Holkar returned from Punjab.
He was raised to the rank of Subedar in 1757. It is alleged that he fled the battle-field in the Third Battle of Panipat (14/01/1761). It is written by many historians that he fought courageously in the battle-field. It is also written that Sadashivrao Bhau had entrusted him the job of saving Parvatibai as soon as told to do so. When Vishwasrao was killed and Sadashivrao Bhau felt they were about to be defeated he sent a message to Malharrao to immediately act as per directions and leave the battlefield. Malharrao acted as per the directions of Sadashivrao and saved Parvatibai. If it was so, as alleged, then Peshwa would have never returned the Subedari to Malharrao. Malharrao was considered to be the right hand of Peshwa.
He set aside personal enimity with Surajmal Jat, who killed his son Khanderao, for the sake of Maratha Confederation. Moreover Malharrao Holkar and Surajmal Jat had advised Sadashivraobhau to use the Guerrilla warfare against Ahmedshah Abdali instead of direct war which was ridiculed by Bhau. Nana Phadnawis has stated that at that time Bhau didn’t show his usual cleverness and rejected the advise of Malharrao Holkar and Surajmal Jat.
He married Gautama Bai Sahib Holkar (d. 29 September 1761) in 1717. She was the daughter of his uncle, Shrimant Sardar Bhojirajrao Bargal, of Talode. He also married Bana Bai Sahib Holkar, Dwarka Bai Sahib Holkar, Harku Bai Sahib Holkar, a Khanda Rani. He died at Alampur, 20 May 1766, and was succeeded by his grandson,Malerao Holkar II having had issue one son and two daughters. He is considered as one of the architects of Maratha control over India.
Malharao Hokar’s tomb is located in Alampur ( Tahasil - Laar, District- Bhind M.P.) in neglected state.
2. Khanderao Holkar
Shrimant Sardar Khanderao Holkar Bahadur. b. 1723 (s/o Gautama Bai), educ. privately. Heir Apparent to his father from 20th January 1734. m. ten wives, including (first) 1733, as her first husband, Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Devi Shri Ahilyabai Sahib Holkar (b. 1725; m. second ca. 1755, Shrimant Sardar Tukojirao I Holkar IV Subadar Bahadur, Subadar of the Holkar Domains - see below), daughter of Shrimant Sardar Mankojirao Scindia, patil of Chonde, in the Auzangabad dist. She acted as Regent from 1767 until her death, 13th August 1795. He d. from a cannon shot at the siege of Khumbher, near Deeg, 15th March 1754 (when nine of his wives committed sati), having had issue, one son and one daughter:
Ahilyadevi was born on August 31, 1725 in the village of Chondi, in Beed district, Maharashtra. Her father, Mankoji Shinde, was the patil of the village, a member of the proud Dhangar community. Women then did not go to school, but Ahilyabai’s father taught her to read and write.
Her entrance on to the stage of history was something of an accident: Malhar Rao Holkar, a commander in the service of the Peshwa Bajirao and lord of the Malwa territory, stopped in Chondi on his way to Pune and, according to legend, saw the eight-year-old Ahilyadevi at the temple service in the village. Recognising her piety and her character, he brought the girl to the Holkar territory as a bride for his son, Khande Rao.
Ahilya devi’s husband was killed in battle in 1754. Twelve years later, her father-in-law, Malhar Rao died. From 1766 until her death in 1795, she ruled Malwa, trained in both administrative and military matters by Malhar Rao. A letter to her from Malhar Rao in 1765 illustrates the trust he had in her ability during the tempestuous battle for power in the 18th century:
“Proceed to Gwalior after crossing the Chambal. You may halt there for four or five days. You should keep your big artillery and arrangeforits ammunition as much as possible….On the march you should arrange for military posts being located for protection of the road.”
Already trained to be a ruler, Ahilyadevi petitioned the Peshwa after Malhar’s death, and the death of her son, to take over the administration herself. Some in Malwa objected to her assumption of rule, but the army of Holkar was enthusiastic about her leadership. She had led them in person, with four bows and quivers of arrows fitted to the corners of the howdah of her favourite elephant. The Peshwa granted permission, and, with Tukoji Holkar (Malhar Rao’s adopted son) as the head of military matters, she proceeded to rule Malwa in a most enlightened manner, even reinstating a Brahmin who had opposed her. Ahilyadevi never observed purdah but held daily public audience and was always accessible to anyone who needed her ear.
Among Ahilyadevi’s accomplishments was the development of Indore from a small village to a prosperous and beautiful city; her own capital, however, was in nearby Maheshwar, a town on the banks of the Narmada river. She also built forts and roads in Malwa, sponsored festivals and gave donations for regular worship in many Hindu temples. Outside Malwa, she built dozens of temples, ghats, wells, tanks and rest-houses across an area stretching from the Himalayas to pilgrimage centres in South India. The Bharatiya Sanskritikosh lists as sites she embellished, Kashi, Gaya, Somnath, Ayodhya, Mathura, Hardwar, Kanchi, Avanti, Dwarka, Badrinarayan, Rameshwar and Jaganathpuri. Ahilyadevi also rejoiced when she saw bankers, merchants, farmers and cultivators rise to levels of affluence, but did not consider that she had any legitimate claim to any of that wealth, be it through taxes or feudal right. She must, in fact, have financed all her activities with the lawful gains obtained from a happy and prosperous land.
There are many stories of her care for her people. She helped widows retain their husbands’ wealth. She made sure that a widow was allowed to adopt a son; in fact, in one instance, when her minister refused to allow the adoption unless he was suitably bribed, she is said to have sponsored the child herself, and given him clothes and jewels as part of the ritual. To honour the memory of Ahilyadevi Holkar, in 1996 leading citizens of Indore instituted an award in her name to be bestowed annually on an outstanding public figure. The then prime minister of India gave away the first award to Nanaji Deshmukh. The only time Ahilyadevi seems not to have been able to settle a conflict peacefully and easily was in the case of the Bhils and Gonds, “plunderers” on her borders; but she granted them waste hilly lands and the right to a small duty on goods passing through their territories. Even in this case, according to Malcolm, she did give “considerate attention to their habits”.
Ahilyadevi’s capital at Maheshwar was the scene of literary, musical, artistic and industrial enterprise. She entertained the famous Marathi poet, Moropant and the shahir, Anantaphandi from Maharashtra, and also patronised the Sanskrit scholar, Khushali Ram. Craftsmen, sculptors and artists received salaries and honours at her capital, and she even established a textile industry in the city of Maheshwar.
Historians of the 19th and 20th centuries—Indian, English and American—agree that the reputation of Ahilyadevi Holkar in Malwa and Maharashtra was then, and is, even now, that of a saint. Nothing has ever been discovered by any researcher to discredit that. She was truly a magnificent woman, an able ruler and a great queen.
Tukojirao Holkar (ruled 1795-1797) briefly succeeded Rani Ahilyadevi upon her death.
5. Kashirao Tukojirao Holkar
6. Yashwantrao Holkar
Maharajadhiraj Raj Rajeshwar Sawai Shri Yashwantrao Holkar Bahadur, Maharaja of Indore was born in 1776.
He has been described by a historian as the “Napoleon of India”.
He was the son of Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar who had conquered Attock in 1758 and had hoisted the saffron flag beyond the Sindhu river. Even today, there is a saying in Marathi “Attake par zhenda phadkawane”. Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar had defeated Tippu Sultan in March 1787 and hoisted Saffron flag beyond Tungabhadra River. After the demise of Malharrao Holkar’s (d. 20 May 1766 at Alampur ) daughter-in-law Punyaslok Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar on 13 August 1795 at Maheshwar, Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar succeeded to the throne. He died on 15 August 1797 at Khadki near Pune. After his death, the eldest son Kashirao was chosen as the heir. Tukojirao had four sons Kashirao, Malharrao (II), Vitthojirao and Yashwantrao (also called as Jaswant Rao).
Kashirao was not an able ruler but Malharrao Holkar (II) had all the qualities of an able ruler and was also a Military leader. Naturally, the people and the soldiers preferred Malharrao (II). Malharrao (II), Vitthojirao and Yashwantrao opposed Kashirao and demanded that Malharrao(II) should be the heir after Maharaja Tukojirao. Another reason was the immense courage, leadership and bravery shown by Malharrao (II) in the Battle of Lakhairi (1793) where the Holkars were defeated by the well-trained modern army of Scindia under the command of Benoît de Boigne. He stood till the last soldier fell in the battlefield, he was wounded and fell unconscious in the battlefield. There was a growing support for Malharrao(II) and Kashirao felt his authority was in danger so he sought help of Scindia, who were considered jealous of Holkars due to the growing prominence and rising power of Holkars in North India. This move angered the people as they hated the Scindias who had betrayed Holkars when Holkars had besieged the Kumher Fort in 1754. On 14/09/1797 Daulatrao Scindia suddenly attacked Malharrao (II) and killed him. He imprisoned Malharrao’s pregnant wife Jijabai, who gave birth to Khanderao Holkar (II), and Bhimabai Holkar, daughter of Yashwantrao Holkar. Nana Phadnawis condemned this and so the Peshwa, Scindia and Sarjarao Ghatke imprisoned him.
Yashwantrao Holkar took shelter at Nagpur’s Raghuji Bhosale. When Scindia learnt this, he asked Raghuji Bhosale to arrest Yashwantrao Holkar. Accordingly, Yashwantrao Holkar was arrested on 20/02/1798. Bhawani Shankar Khatri who was with Yashwantrao helped him to escape and both of them escaped from Nagpur on 06/04/1798. After that Yashwantrao Holkar never trusted anybody. Meanwhile the support for Yashwantrao Holkar was growing. Vitthojirao Holkar, Fatthesinh Mane, Aamir Khan, Bhawani Shankar Bakshi, Zunzhar Naik, Govardhan Naik, Rana Bhau Sinha, Balaji Kamlakar, Abhay Sinha, Bharmal Dada, Parashar Dada, Govind Pant Ganu, Harmat Sinha, Shamrao Mahadik, Jiwaji Yashwant, Harnath Chela, Vazir Hussain, Shahmat Khan, Gaffur Khan, Fatteh Khan had joined the army of Yashwantrao Holkar. The King of Dhar, Anandrao Pawar requested Yashwantrao Holkar to help him curb the rebellion of one of his minister Rangnath. Yashwantrao Holkar succesffully helped Anandrao Pawar.
In December 1798, Yashwantrao Holkar defeated the army of Shevelier Duddres and captured Maheshwar. In January 1799 he was crowned King as per Hindu Vedic rites. In May 1799, he captured Ujjain.
Vitthojirao Holkar declared that he was working for Amrutrao Raghunathrao who is more capable to be the Peshwa than Bajirao (II). To grow their empire, Yashwantrao Holkar started a campaign towards north whereas Vitthojirao started a campaign towards south.
Bajirao (II) sent Balaji Kunjir and Bapurao Ghokale to arrest Vitthojirao Holkar. In April 1801, Vitthojirao was arrested and taken to Pune. On the advice of Balaji Kunjar he was sentenced to death under the feet of an elephant. His wife and son Harirao too were imprisoned. The well wishers of Maratha Confederation warned the Peshwa not to take such a drastic step as it would lead to the collapse of Maratha Confederation but Bajirao(II) Peshwa ignored it. When Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar learnt this, he vowed to take revenge.
In May 1802, Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar marched towards Pune. He marched conquering Sendhwa, Chalisgaon, Dhulia, Malegaon, Parol, Ner, Ahmednagar, Rahuri, Nashik, Sinnar, Dungargaon, Jamgaon, Pharabagh, Gardond, Pandharpur, Kurkumb, Narayangaon, Baramati, Purandhar, Saswad, Moreshwar, Thalner and Jejuri. On Sunday, the 25 October 1802 on the festival of Diwali Yashwantrao Holkar defeated the combined armies of Scindia and Peshwa at Hadapsar near Pune. The battle took place at Ghorpadi, Banwadi and Hadapsar. Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar had ordered his army not to attack first and wait until 25 cannonballs are fired from other side. When 25 cannonballs were fired, Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar ordered his army to attack. As soon as he won the war he ordered his army not to harm the civilians of Pune.
Peshwa when he learnt that he was defeated fled from Pune via Parvati, Wadgaon to Sinhagad. Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar asked the Peshwa to return to Pune. If Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar would have decided to arrest the Peshwa he would have arrested him but he sent food to Peshwa so that he didn’t suffer.
On 27 October 1802 Peshwa Bajirao (II) along with Chimnaji, Baloji Kunjir along with some soldiers of Scindia went to Raigad and spent one month in Virwadi. He then went to Suwarnadurgh and on 01/12/1802, he went to Bassein by a ship named Harkuyan. The British offered him allurements to sign the Subsidiary Treaty in return for the throne. After deliberating for over a month, and after threats that his brother would otherwise be recognised as Peshwa, Bajirao(II) signed the treaty surrendering his residual sovereignty, and allowing the English to put him on the throne at Poona. This Treaty of Bassein (1802) was signed on 31 December 1802.
Panse, Purandhare and some other Maratha Sardars had requested the Peshwa to return to Pune and have a dialogue with Holkars. Even Chimanaji was against signing a treaty with British.
After conquering Pune, Yashwantrao Holkar took the administration in his hands and appointed his men. He freed Nana Phadnawis, Moroba, Phadke etc who were imprisoned by Bajirao(II).
He appointed Amrutrao as the Peshwa and went to Indore on 13 March 1803. The British reinsted Bajirao(II) as the Peshwa at Pune on 13th May 1803 but soon the Peshwa realised that he was only a nominal peshwa and that British had taken total control.
On 4 June 1803 Raghuji Bhosale, Daulatrao Scindia and Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar met at Bodwad and decided to jointly fight against the British. However, the just demands of Yashwantrao Holkar were not fulfilled and he was betrayed again. Daulatrao Scindia wrote a letter to Bajirao (II) and stated that they need not worry about Yashwantrao Holkar as they only should show that they would fulfill the demands of Yashwantrao Holkar and once they defeat the British they will take their revenge against Holkar. However, the letter reached in the hands of Amrutrao and he handed over the letter to General Wellesley. Wellesley immediately sent the letter to Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar. Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar decided not to be a part of Maratha Confedaracy.
On 17 December 1803, the Bhonsale of Nagpur signed a treaty with the British after the Battle of Laswari and on 30 December 1803, the Scindia signed a treaty with the British after the Battle of Assaye. Gaekwad of Baroda had already signed a treaty on 29 July 1802.
This was 34 year old Wellesley’s first major success, and one that he always held in the highest estimation, even when compared to his later triumphant career. According to anecdotal evidence, in his retirement years Wellington considered the Battle of Assaye his finest battle, surpassing even his victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
On 20 December 1803, General Wellesley in one of his letters has stated that it is necessary to curb the rising power of Yashwantrao Holkar as he is very brave, courageous and ambitious.
Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar wrote letters to different Kings to unite and fight against the British. He stated “First Country and then Religion. We will have to rise above caste, religion and our states in the interest of our country. You too must wage a war against the British like me”. His appeal fell on deaf ears as all of them had already signed treaties with the British.
Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar defeated the British army lead by Colonel Fawcett at Kunch in Budhlekand. On 8 June 1804 Governor General in a letter to Lord Lake wrote that the defeat has caused a great insult. This will endanger the company rule in India and hence Yashwantrao Holkar should be defeated as soon as possible.
On 8th July 1804 Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar defeated the army of Colonel Manson and Leukan at Mukundare and Kota. Bapuji Scindia surrendered before Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar.
From June 1804 till September 1804 he defeated the British at different battles. On 8 th October 1804 Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar attacked Delhi to free Mugol Emperor Shah Alam II who was imprisoned by the British. He attacked the army of Colonel Actorloni and Berne. The battle lasted for a week but Yashwantrao Holkar could not succeed as Lord Lake came to help Colonel Actorloni. Assessing the situation, he changed the plan and postponed it. Looking at his bravery Mughol Emperor Shah Alam gave him the title of “Maharajadhiraj Raj Rajeshwar Alija Bahadur”.
Colonel Marey and Wallace captured Indore and Ujjain on 8th July 1804. On 22 August 1804, Wellesley marched against Holkar from Pune along with Bajirao Peshwa’s army. In Mathura Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar learnt that the British had captured some of his territory. He decided to stay in Mathura and work out a strategy to regain his territory.
In a letter dated 11/09/1804 written to Lord Lake, Wellesley says that if Yashwantrao Holkar is not defeated at the earliest the rest of the Kings of India may stand against the British unitedly.
On 16 November 1804 Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar reached Deeg by defeating the army of Major Frazer. After the death of Major Frazer, Manson took the charge of the British army. The Jat King Ranjit Singh of Bharatpur welcomed him and decided to be with Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar against the British.
In Farrukhabad Lord Lake was a mute spectator watching Yashwantrao Holkar proceeding towards Deeg. He didnt dare to attack Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar. Governor General was disappointed by this conduct of Lord Lake and he wrote to him about his disappointment.
Lord Lake attacked Deeg on 13 December 1804 ( Battle of Bharatpur ). The army of Holkar and Jat resisted successfully and reached the Bharatpur Durg. Lord Lake attacked Bharatpur on 3 January 1805 along with General Manson, Colonel Marey, Colonel Don, Colonel Berne, Major General Jones, General Smith, Colonel Jetland, Setan and others. The war lasted for three months in Bharatpur. This war was compared with the Mahabharata war. Many poems on this war were written praising Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar. There are many other poems praising Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar. It is said that Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar cut off the nose of 300 English Soldiers. To keep the Indian Kings divided, the British declared that they would distribute the territory of Holkars amongst its Indian Friends. Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar had become famous throughout India due to his bravery. However, Amir Khan Pindari and Bhawani Shankar Khatri betrayed Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar. The British gave the Jahagir of Tonk to Amir Khan Pindari and a Mahal and a Jahagir in Delhi was given to Bhawani Shankar Khatri. Bhawani Shankar Khatri’s Haweli situated in Delhi is even today referred to as Namak Haram ki Haweli (Traitors House). Daulatrao Scindia decided to help Holkar but he was prevented to do so by the ill advice of Kamal Nayan Munshi. If Daulatrao had gone to help Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar they would have crushed the British army. Ranjit Singh was disappointed as Daulatrao Scindia did not come for their help but Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar was not affected and he continued to communicate with rest of the Kings of India.
Sir P. E. Roberts states that surprisingly the Jat King Ranjit Singh signed a treaty with the British on 17th April 1805 when they had nearly won the war. Due to this, Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar had to leave Bharatpur.
Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar, Daulatrao Scindia, Satara Chattrapati, Chatarsinh met at Sabalgad. It was decided that they would unitedly uproot the British from Indian soil. In September 1805 Holkar and Scindia reached Ajmer. Maharaja Man Singh Rathore sent his army to help them. Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar sent letters to the rest of the Kings of India appealing them to fight against the British. The King of Jaipur, Bhosale of Nagpur, Ranjit Singh of Punjab, accepted his appeal. When the British learnt that Holkar and Scindia are united they informed Lord Lake to pursue them. On 25 April 1805, Lord Lake replied to Governor General Wellesley and stated that he was unable to pursue them and that Holkar felt great pleasure killing the Europeans. Governor General Wellesley replied that all disputes with Holkar be resolved without any war. The British were worried because of the continuous failure against Holkars. They felt that Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar would drive out the East India Company. Finally, they called back Lord Wellesley and appointed Lord Cornwallis as the Governor General of India. As soon as he came to India, he wrote to Lord Lake on 19 September 1805 and stated that all the territory of Yashwantrao Holkar be returned back and that he was ready to do peace with Holkar. Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar rejected to sign any treaty with the British. George Barlow was appointed as the Governor General due to the sudden death of Lord Cornwallice. Barlo immediately tried to divide Holkar and Scindia. The British signed a treaty with Daulatrao Scindia through Kamal Nayan Munshi on 23 November 1805 and in this way Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar was left alone to fight with the British.
Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar sought help from Raja Bhag Singh of Jindh, Raja Fathesinh Ahuwalia of Patiyala and other Sikh rulers they all rejected to help Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar against the British. He then went to Maharaja Ranjit Singh (Punjab) of Lahore who too turned down his request to fight against the British. As soon as the British learnt this, they sent Bahg Singh, uncle of Ranjit Sinh, to prevent Ranjit Sinh from helping Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar. Ranjit Singh and Fateh Singh signed a friendship treaty with British ( The Treaty with Lahore ). The agreed draft of this treaty was ready on 17th December 1805. Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar cursed him. This curse became a saying in Punjab.
The British East India Company Council told Lord Lake to anyhow make a treaty with Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar because if they were late and the other Kings accept the appeal of Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar it would be difficult for them to remain in India.
Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar saw that rest of the Kings were not ready to unite and were interested in personal benefits, he was the last to sign a treaty with the British on 24 December 1805 at a place called Rajghat (then in Punjab, now in Delhi) (Treaty at Rajghat). He was the only King in India to whom the British approached to sign a peace treaty. He didn’t accept any condition which would affect his self respect. The British recognised him as a sovereign King and returned all his territory. They accepted his dominion over Jaipur, Udaypur, Kota, Bundi, and some Rajput Kings. They also accepted that they would not interfere in the matters of Holkars. The Victorious King reached Indore and started ruling his Kingdom. The King of Jodhpur always helped Holkars.
Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar again tried to unite the Maratha Confederacy and wrote to Daulatrao Scindia about the same. However, Scindia gave the information about this letter to British resident Marsor who informed about this to Governor General on 12 May 1806. Holkars and Scindias agreed on 11 points on defensive and offensive strategies on 14 November 1807. However, the British once again succeeded to divide Scindias from Holkars.
Finally, Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar decided to fight with the British single-handedly and to drive them out of India. He decided to stay in Bhanpura, to gather a large army, and to manufacture cannons to defeat the British. He was successful to keep the British out of his state but he wanted them out of India. He knew that was impossible without sufficient cannons. He built a factory to manufacture cannons in Bhanpura. He worked day and night and manufactured 200 cannons. He gathered an army of 1 lakh soilders to attack Culcutta. The stress of the work and the deaths of his nephew Khanderao Holkar (II) on 3rd February 1806 at Shahapura and Kashirao Holkar in 1808 at Bijagad lead to a brain stoke due to which he suddenly died at Bhanpura (Mandsaur, M.P.) on 28 October 1811 (Kartiki Ekadashi) at a young age of 35 years. The most probable cause of his death must have been a brain tumor.
Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar started the first freedom struggle in 1803 itself. Maharaja Yaswantrao Holkar was a gifted military leader.
If Battle of Assaye, Wellesley’s first major success, and one that he always held in the highest estimation was his finest battle, surpassing even his victory at the Battle of Waterloo, then the victory at the Battle of Bharatpur undoubetedly makes Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar the “Napoleon of India”.
7. Maharaja Malharrao Holkar (III)
Maharaja Malharrao Holkar (III) succeeded Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar at an age of 4 Years. Maharani Tulsibai Holkar looked after the administration. However Dharama Kunwar and Balaram Seth with the help of Pathans and Pindaris, who had secretly joined hands with the British, plotted to imprison Tulsibai and Malharrao, when she learnt this she beheaded both of them in 1815 and appointed Tatya Jog. Due to this Gaffur Khan Pindari secretly signed a treaty with the British on 9th November 1817 and accordingly killed Tulsibai on 19th December 1817. The British lead by Sir Thomas Hislop attacked on 20th December 1887 and defeated the army lead by 11 Years old Maharaja Malharrao Holhar (III), 20 Yrs old Harirao Holkar and 20 Years old Bhimabai Holkar in the Battle of Mahidpur. Holkars had nearly won the war but at the deciding moment Nawab Abdul Gaffur Khan betrayed and left the battlefield along with his army. The British gave the Jahagir of Jawara to Gaffur Khan for this betrayal. The treaty was signed on 6th January 1818 at Mandsaur. Bhimabai Holkar didn’t accepted the treaty and kept attacking the British by guriella method. Maharani Laxmibai of Jhanshi took inspiration from Bhimabai Holkar and fought against the British. At the conclusion of this Third Anglo-Maratha War, the Holkars lost much of their territory to the British and were incorporated into the British Raj as a princely state of the Central India Agency.
8. Martand Rao Holkar
Maharaja Holkar MARTAND RAO HOLKAR 1833/1834, died 2nd February 1834
9. Harirao Vitthojirao Holkar
Harirao Vitthojirao Holkar (r. 17 April 1834 - 24 October 1843 CE)
10. Maharaja Holkar KHANDE RAO II HOLKAR
Maharaja Holkar KHANDE RAO II HOLKAR 1843/1844, died 17th February 1844.
11. Maharaja Sir Tukojirao Holkar
General Maharaja Sir Tukojirao Holkar XI Bahadur, GCSI, CIE, Kaiser-i-Hind (3 May 1835-17 June 1886), was the Maharaja Holkar of Indore from 1844-1886.
He was crowned on 27th June 1844. At his death in 1886 aged 51,
12. Shri Shivaji Rao Holkar
HH Maharajadhiraj Holkar Raj Rajeshwar Sawai Shri SHIVAJI RAO HOLKAR 1886/1903 (abdicated), born 1859, married and had issue. He died 1908.
13. Tukoji Rao Shivajirao Holkar III
HH Maharajadhiraj Holkar Raj Rajeshwar Sawai Shri Sir TUKOJI RAO III HOLKAR 1903/1926 (abdicated), born 26th November 1890, G.C.I.E. [cr.1918], the ruler enjoys a 21 local gun salute, married 1stly, HH Maharani Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Chandrawati Bai (Senior Maharani), married 2ndly June 1913, HH Maharani Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Indira Bai (Junior Maharani), married 3rdly, 12th March 1928 at Barwaha, Her Highness Maharani Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Sharmishtha Devi Bai Sahiba (née Nancy Anna Miller), born 9th September 1907 in Seattle, died 1995, and had issue, 1 son and 5 daughters. He died 21st May 1978 in Paris, France.
14. Yashwantrao II
Yashwantrao II (reigned 1926-1947) ruled Indore state until shortly after India’s independence in 1947, when he acceded to the Indian Government. Indore became a district of Madhya Bharat state, which was merged into Madhya Pradesh state in 1956.
15. Usha Devi, Maharaj Sahiba Holkar
Her full title is H.H. Maharanidhiraja Rani Rajeshwar Sawai Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Usha Devi Maharaj Sahiba Holkar XV Bahadur. She had been declared Heir-Apparent, in preference to her only brother, Prince Richard Holkars, whose mother was American, by special gazette of the Government of India, 1950. Like all the other royals she was deprived of her rank, titles and honours by the government in 1971. Married to the industrialist Shrimant Sardar Satish Chandra Malhotra and mother of 2 sons and 2 or 3 daughters.
