Holkar

Holkar refers to a Maratha dynasty that ruled Holkar State, a-princely state in central India with its capital at Indore, in present-day Madhya Pradesh. The dynasty traces to Malhar Rao Holkar, who rose as a prominent Maratha general in the early 18th century and established control over parts of the Malwa region. The state expanded under his successors, and one of the most famous rulers was Ahilyabai Holkar (Ahilya Bai), who effectively governed from 1767 to 1795 and is celebrated for administrative reforms, public works, and temple patronage across Malwa.

Under British suzerainty after the Third Anglo-Maratha War (approximately 1817–1818), the Holkar rulers retained internal autonomy as a Princely State within British India. The state existed as a distinct political entity until the mid-20th century, when Indian independence led to its accession to the Union and subsequent integration into the Indian state system.

Following independence, Holkar State was merged into the Indian administrative framework and, in the mid-1950s during the reorganization of states, became part of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The Holkar dynasty remains closely associated with Indore, though the princely rulers no longer govern.

The legacy of the Holkars is evident in Indore’s cultural and architectural heritage, including historic sites such as the Rajwada palace complex and various public works attributed to Ahilyabai Holkar. The name Holkar continues to be a prominent historical reference in western Madhya Pradesh.