A Lesson in Good Governance From 18th-Century India

Ahilyabai Holkar dedicated her life to public service. Her 300th birth anniversary is an apt moment to learn from her leadership that compassion should be extended to the marginalized too

- VINAY SAHASRABUDDHE

Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi, was launched, one of the reviews pointed out that "while Western thought on leadership is trait-oriented, [emphasising] the importance of 'being a leader', Indian leadership offers a contrast—it focuses on the 'exercise of leadership'." The book looks at this practice as it captures Bharat's civilisational wisdom through lived experience.

One such example of the 'power within' in India comes from the life and mission of Ahilyabai Holkar, the 18th-century queen of Malwa, a princely state in today's Madhya Pradesh. On May 31, the nation celebrates her 300th birth anniversary.

One of the new concepts aggressively propounded by Modi—but rarely discussed elaborately by opinion makers—is women-led development. The concept reflects an innovative, 20th-century approach as it mirrors the need for Indian society to graduate from empowerment of women to recognising their leadership.

Women-led development is not just about egalitarianism; it also carries another strong message. Men must realise that more Indian women than ever are in the driver's seat, and that they have to ensure equality. Ahilyabai Holkar stands as a powerful symbol of both women-led development and governance.

India has a long list of queens who demonstrated valour and leadership in governance. Such exemplary women can be found across the country—from north to south, and east to west. However, it is rare to find a female leader who not only had a firm resolve to uphold Indian values, but also combined courage and strength with strategic thinking, and pursued a lifelong mission of public service. Ahilyabai Holkar was one of those rare personalities in whom we witness the unique confluence of calibre, courage and compassion.