Born on 31st May 1725, in Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar took over the reigns of Indore after the death of her father in law and husband. She was a great administrator and a skilled diplomat, loved and admired by her subjects. She constructed many temples throughout India and was instrumental in creating the famous Maheshwari Saree. She efficiently ruled Indore for 30 years.