Devi Ahilyabai

In the late 1720's Ahilya became the daughter-in-law of Malharrao Holkar, the first Maratha Subhedar (Governor) of Malwa in Central India. Ahilya was in her twenties when the sudden death of her husband Khanderao led her towards sati - the ritual burning on husband's funeral pyre. Malharrao prevented this tragedy and groomed her into handling administrative duties for the Holkar State.