Information Title : Maharajah Race : Maratha Religion : Hindu Size : 9,519 square miles Gun Salute : 19

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The Indore chiefs are commmonly known as the Holkars after the founder of the dynasty. Malhar Rao Holkar was a sheep farmer who proved himself on the battlefield to the Maratha Peshwa ruler of Poona. In 1728 Malhar Rao was granted comand of a large number of men and given the estate of Indore.

Malhar Rao Holkar took part in many battles but during the great battle against Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1761 he was ordered by the Maratha supreme commander to escort the Maratha women to safety. This dented his pride and many wrongly cast him as a coward his estate was confiscated by the Peshwa but later returned to him after the Peshwa found he had acted on orders.

Malhar Rao Holkar was wounded whilst fighting against the British and subsequently died from his injuries. He had to male succesor as his son had died earlier and his grandson died soon after. The leadership of Indore passed to his daughter in law Ahylaiya Bhai who proved to be one of the most shrewd and brilliant administrators. After the death of Ahlyiya Bhai the leadership of Indore passed to an unrelated family who also shared the Holkar surname. Tukoji Holkar proved to be a good leader and the governship passed to Yashwant Holkar. Yashwant Holkar ranks second only to the great Malhar Rao, he fought and defeated the British in several battles but as in many other battles traitors in his own forces led to his downfall. Yashwant Holar fled to the Punjab and eventually negotiated with the British and returned to the family estate in Indore.

Rulers of Indore

Maharaja Malhar Rao Holkar, 1728-1764

Maharaja Malle Rao, 1764-1766

Rajmata Ahalya Bai, 1765-1795

Maharaja Tukoji Holkar, 1795-1798

Maharaja Yeshwant Rao, 1798-1811

Maharaja Malhar Rao (II), 1811-1834

Maharaja Martand Rao, 1834

Maharaja Hari Rao, 1834-1843

Maharaja Khande Rao, 1843-1844

Maharaja Tukoji Rao (II), 1844-1886

Maharaja Shivaji Rao, 1886-1903

Maharaja Sir Tukoji Rao (III) Holkar, 1903-1926

Maharaja Sir Yeshwant Rao (II) Holkar, 1926-1961

Maharani Ushadevi Holkar, 1961- Present