Malhar Rao Holkar
Encyclopedia
Malhar Rao Holkar was a noble of the Maratha Empire
, in present day India
. Malhar Rao is particularly known for being the first Maratha Subhedar of Malwa in Central India. Born in a Dhangar
(shepherd) family he was the first prince from the Holkar family which ruled the state of Indore
. He was one of the early officers to help spread the Maratha rule to northern states and was the given state of Indore to rule by the Peshwa's.
, near Jejuri
, Pune District
to Khanduji Holkar of Vir. Malhar Rao grew up in Taloda at house of his maternal uncle, Sardar Bhojirajrao Bargal. He later on got married to Gautama bai (d. 29 September 1761), his uncle's daughter in 1717. He also married Bana Bai Sahib Holkar, Dwarka Bai Sahib Holkar, Harku Bai Sahib Holkar, a Khanda Rani. This "Khanda Rani" status stems from the fact that she was a Rajput
princess, and being of the Dhangar
(shepherd) community, he had sent his sword (khaaNdaa in Marathi) to represent him at the wedding, to maintain appearances.
He along with Balaji Vishwanath
(who was later honoured by being appointed as the Peshwa
), Baji Rao I
, Santaji Bhosale, Dabhade, Balaji Pant Bhanu assisted a young Shahu to consolidate his grip on an empire that had been racked by civil war and persistent attack by the Mughals under Aurangzeb
. He rose from shepherd origins by his own ability. He was appointed by the Peshwa
as one of the three sardars charged with collecting the revenues of Malwa in 1724. In 1726, he was appointed to the command of 5,000 strong cavalry, and in 1728, he was granted a jagir
of eleven mahal
s. He was appointed as the Chief of the Army together with the Sarjami of seventy four parganas on 3 October 1730. He was granted two regions of Malwa on 2 November 1731. His grants were made hereditary to his issue by Gautama Bai, who also received Maheshwar
, Indore
and nine other villages on 20 January 1734.
in 1739. He received Rampura
, Bhanpura
and Tonk
in 1743, for the assistance given to Madhosingh I
of Jaipur
in his contest with Ishwari Singh. Granted an Imperial Sardeshmuckhi for Chandore, for his gallantry in the Rohilla
campaign of 1748. From 1748 onwards, Malhar Rao Holkar’s position in Malwa became firm and secure. He became ‘Kingmaker’ in Northern and Central India and master of an extensive territory lying on both the sides of the Narmada as well as Sahyadri.
Malharrao Holkar, Jayappa Scindia, Gangadhar Tatya, Tukojirao Holkar, Khanderao Holkar went to help Safdarjung
against Shadulla Khan, Ahmed Khan Bangash
, Mohamud Khan, Bahadur Khan Rohilla
as per the directions of Peshwa Balaji Bajirao. In the Battle of Fatthegad and Farukhabad, they defeated the Rohillas and Bangash (March, 1751-April, 1752). When Mughal Emperor came to know that Ahmed Shah Abdali had attacked Punjab in December, 1751, he asked Safdarjung to make peace with Rohillas and Bangash. On 12 April 1752 Safdarjung agreed to help Marathas but the Emperor didn’t ratify the agreement and instead signed a treaty with Ahmed Shah Abdali on 23 April 1752. At the same time, the Peshwa asked Malharrao Holkar to return to Pune as Salabat Khan had attacked the city.
The Marathas attacked Kumher
Fort on 20 January 1754 AD. They besieged the Kumher
Fort till 18 May 1754. The war continued for about four months. During the war Khanderao Holkar, son of Malharrao Holkar, was one day inspecting his army in an open palanquin, when he was fired upon from the fort. The cannonball hit and killed him on 17 March 1754. Malhar Rao was infuriated by the death of his only son and wanted to take revenge. He vowed that he would cut off the head of Maharaja Suraj Mal
and throw the soil of fort into Yamuna
after destroying it. The Marathas increased pressure and Suraj Mal defended pacifly, but Suraj Mal was isolated as no other ruler was ready to help him. At this moment, Maharaja Suraj Mal was counseled by Maharani Kishori, who assured him not to worry and started diplomatic efforts.
She contacted Diwan Roop Ram Katara. She knew that there were differences between Malharrao Holkar and Jayappa Sindhia and that Jayappa Sindhia was very firm in his determinations. She advised Maharaja Suraj Mal to take advantage of mutual differences within Marathas. Diwan Roop Ram Katara was a friend of Jayappa Sindhia. She requested Diwan Roop Ram Katara to take a letter from Maharaja Suraj Mal proposing a treaty. Jayappa Sindhia assured Suraj Mal of assistance and contacted Raghunathrao
. Raghunathrao
in turn advised Holkar to sign a treaty with Suraj Mal. Malhar Rao Holkar assessed the situation and consented for the treaty due to possibility of isolation. This led to a treaty between both rulers on 18 May 1754. This treaty proved very beneficial for Maharaja Suraj Mal.
Malharrao Holkar, Raghunathrao, Shamsher Bahadur, Gangadhar Tatya, Sakharambapu, Naroshankar and Maujiram Bania attacked Delhi on 11 August 1757 and defeated Najib Khan
and Ahmed Khan became the Mir Bakshi in his place. In March, 1758, they conquered Sarhind. On 20 April 1758, Malharrao Holkar and Raghunathrao attacked and conquered Lahore. Tukojirao Holkar conquered Attock
. Sabaji Scindia, Vitthal Shivdev met them at Peshawar. Raghunathrao and Malharrao Holkar returned from Punjab.
He was raised to the rank of Subedar
in 1757.
He was
It is alleged that he fled the battle-field in the Third Battle of Panipat
(14/01/1761). It is written by many historians that he fought courageously in the battle-field. It is also written that Sadashivrao Bhau
had entrusted him the job of saving Parvatibai as soon as told to do so. When Vishwasrao
was killed and Sadashivrao Bhau
felt they were about to be defeated he sent a message to Malharrao to immediately act as per directions and leave the battlefield. Malharrao acted as per the directions of Sadashivrao and saved Parvatibai. Malharrao was considered to be the right hand man of Peshwa. Others who retreated from this battle were Mahadji Shinde and Nana Phadnawis.
It is clear from the last letters sent by Bhau and from the narration of Nana Phadnawis that Bhau had anticipated the outcome of the battle but he didn’t let it affect the morale of the soldiers. This is also clear from the fact that Bhau had placed Malharrao Holkar on the corner of the backside of the western side of the Battlefield. This was the safest and easiest place in the battlefield to escape if and when needed. There is no proof to show that Malharrao had no role in saving Parvatibai. Just because Janu Bhintada, Baravkar and Piraji Raut were awarded that does not mean Malharrao Holkar was not connected with saving Parvatibai. The fact is that five hundred shepherds were specially assigned the task of protecting Parvatibai and it cannot be believed that Parvatibai would choose to escape on her own by leaving these guards. Even Raghunatrao, who was annoyed with those who fled the battlefield, didn’t accuse Malharrao.
If he had fled the battle-field, as alleged, then Peshwa would have never returned the Subedari to Malharrao. By the letter dated 13 March 1761 Nanasaheb Peshwa asked Malharrao Holkar to look after the entire affairs of North India.
He set aside personal enmity with Surajmal Jat, who killed his son Khanderao, for the sake of Maratha Confederation. He had also agreed to forgive Madhosingh. Moreover Malharrao Holkar and Surajmal Jat had advised Sadashivrao Bhau to use Guerilla warfare against Ahmed Shah Abdali instead of a direct war which was declined by Bhau. He had also advised Bhau that instead of going forward to Panipat, they should wait for the enemy to come in their stronghold where it would become easy for them and difficult for Abdali. Even this advise was rejected by Bhau. Nana Phadnawis has stated that, at that time, Bhau didn't show his usual cleverness and rejected the advise of Malharrao Holkar and Surajmal Jat.
He was pragmatic and always took decisions carefully and intelligently. After the Battle of Panipat, it was because of Malharrao Holkar that the Maratha Empire could be maintained and protected in North India. He believed that no one is a permanent friend or enemy and that if your head is intact, you can have fifty headgears. He believed that at times it is necessary to retreat and then at a fit time regain what is lost.
Renowned historian T. S. Shejwalkar says that Malharrao Holkar did no mistake and he behaved like Shrikrishna. If Malharrao Holkar had died in Panipat it would have only reaffirmed that he was loyal and brave, which he even otherwise was, but his death would have ended the Maratha Empire in North India. The Maratha Empire
was only weakened but not annihilated by the Battle of Panipat. Urged by his troops Amhadshah Abdali returned to his mountains never to return to India. Ahmedshah praised the unbelievable bravery of Maratha soldiers who fought till the last breath and gave supreme sacrifice. The victory did not fetch any benefit to Abdali.
, 2 May 1766, and was succeeded by his daughter-in-law Ahilya Bai Holkar. He is considered as one of the architects of Maratha control over India.
Malharao Holkar's tomb is located in Alampur
( Tahasil - Lahar, District- Bhind
M.P.).
He was a great man who trained his only daughter-in-law Ahilya devi in accounts and in battle like a son. After his death, Ahilyabai looked after his empire.
.
Maratha Empire
The Maratha Empire or the Maratha Confederacy was an Indian imperial power that existed from 1674 to 1818. At its peak, the empire covered much of South Asia, encompassing a territory of over 2.8 million km²....
, in present day India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. Malhar Rao is particularly known for being the first Maratha Subhedar of Malwa in Central India. Born in a Dhangar
Dhangar
The Dhangar caste is primarily located in the Indian state of Maharashtra...
(shepherd) family he was the first prince from the Holkar family which ruled the state of Indore
Indore
Indore is one of the major city in India, the largest city and commercial center of the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India. Indore is located 190 km west of the state capital Bhopal. According to the 2011 Indian census, Indore city has a population of 1,960,631...
. He was one of the early officers to help spread the Maratha rule to northern states and was the given state of Indore to rule by the Peshwa's.
Biography
Malhar Rao was born on 16 March 1693 in the village of HolHol
Hol is a municipality in Buskerud county, Norway.-Administrative history:The area of Hol was separated from the municipality of Ål in 1877 to become a separate municipality. In 1937 a part of neighboring Uvdal with 220 inhabitants was moved to Hol municipality. The area of Dagali was transferred...
, near Jejuri
Jejuri
Jejuri is a city and a municipal council in Pune district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is famous for the main temple of god Khandoba.-Geography:Jejuri is located at . It has an average elevation of 718 metres ....
, Pune District
Pune District
Pune District is situated in Maharashtra state of India. Pune city is the district headquarters. In the last census on 2001, the total population of the district was 7,232,555, making it the fourth most populous district in India . Urban population comprises 58.08% of the total population...
to Khanduji Holkar of Vir. Malhar Rao grew up in Taloda at house of his maternal uncle, Sardar Bhojirajrao Bargal. He later on got married to Gautama bai (d. 29 September 1761), his uncle's daughter in 1717. He also married Bana Bai Sahib Holkar, Dwarka Bai Sahib Holkar, Harku Bai Sahib Holkar, a Khanda Rani. This "Khanda Rani" status stems from the fact that she was a Rajput
Rajput
A Rajput is a member of one of the patrilineal clans of western, central, northern India and in some parts of Pakistan. Rajputs are descendants of one of the major ruling warrior classes in the Indian subcontinent, particularly North India...
princess, and being of the Dhangar
Dhangar
The Dhangar caste is primarily located in the Indian state of Maharashtra...
(shepherd) community, he had sent his sword (khaaNdaa in Marathi) to represent him at the wedding, to maintain appearances.
He along with Balaji Vishwanath
Balaji Vishwanath
Balaji Vishwanath Bhat , better known as Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath, was the first of a series of hereditary Peshwas hailing from the Brahmin family who gained effective control of the Maratha Empire during the 18th century...
(who was later honoured by being appointed as the Peshwa
Peshwa
A Peshwa is the titular equivalent of a modern Prime Minister. Emporer Shivaji created the Peshwa designation in order to more effectively delegate administrative duties during the growth of the Maratha Empire. Prior to 1749, Peshwas held office for 8-9 years and controlled the Maratha army...
), Baji Rao I
Baji Rao I
Shrimant Baji Rao Balaji Bhatt , also known as Baji Rao I, was a noted general who served as Peshwa to the fourth Maratha Chhatrapati Shahu from 1719 until Baji Rao's death. He is also known as Thorale Baji Rao...
, Santaji Bhosale, Dabhade, Balaji Pant Bhanu assisted a young Shahu to consolidate his grip on an empire that had been racked by civil war and persistent attack by the Mughals under Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb
Abul Muzaffar Muhy-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir , more commonly known as Aurangzeb or by his chosen imperial title Alamgir , was the sixth Mughal Emperor of India, whose reign lasted from 1658 until his death in 1707.Badshah Aurangzeb, having ruled most of the Indian subcontinent for nearly...
. He rose from shepherd origins by his own ability. He was appointed by the Peshwa
Peshwa
A Peshwa is the titular equivalent of a modern Prime Minister. Emporer Shivaji created the Peshwa designation in order to more effectively delegate administrative duties during the growth of the Maratha Empire. Prior to 1749, Peshwas held office for 8-9 years and controlled the Maratha army...
as one of the three sardars charged with collecting the revenues of Malwa in 1724. In 1726, he was appointed to the command of 5,000 strong cavalry, and in 1728, he was granted a jagir
Jagir
In historic India, a jagir was a small territory granted by the ruler to an army chieftain in fairly short terms usually of three years but not extending beyond his lifetime, in recognition of his military service...
of eleven mahal
Mahal
-Geography:* Mahal, India, a small town in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India* Malé, the capital of Maldives* Mahalle, Turkish language country subdivision or neighbourhood term* Mahalla, an Arabic language country subdivision or neighbourhood term...
s. He was appointed as the Chief of the Army together with the Sarjami of seventy four parganas on 3 October 1730. He was granted two regions of Malwa on 2 November 1731. His grants were made hereditary to his issue by Gautama Bai, who also received Maheshwar
Maheshwar
Maheshwar is a town in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh state, in central India. It is located 13 km east of National Highway 3 and 91 km from Indore, the commercial capital of the state. The town lies on the north bank of the Narmada River.-Etymology:The name Maheshwar comes from...
, Indore
Indore
Indore is one of the major city in India, the largest city and commercial center of the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India. Indore is located 190 km west of the state capital Bhopal. According to the 2011 Indian census, Indore city has a population of 1,960,631...
and nine other villages on 20 January 1734.
Military achievements
One of the foremost commanders of the Maratha confederacy, he participated in the great victory near Delhi in 1736, and the defeat of the Nizam at Tal Bhopal in 1738. He also wrested Bassein from the PortuguesePortuguese India
The Portuguese Viceroyalty of India , later the Portuguese State of India , was the aggregate of Portugal's colonial holdings in India.The government started in 1505, six years after the discovery of a sea route to India by Vasco da Gama, with the nomination of the first Viceroy Francisco de...
in 1739. He received Rampura
Rampura
Rampura can refer to the following locations in India:* Rampura, Neemuch - a town in Madhya Pradesh* Rampura, Jalaun - a town in Uttar Pradesh* Rampura Phul - a town in Bathinda district of Punjab...
, Bhanpura
Bhanpura
Bhanpura is a town and a nagar panchayat in Mandsaur district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India.Bhanpura is 127 km from Mandsaur in north-east direction. The Bhanpura town is south of other historically important places Hinglajgarh and Navali in Mandsaur district. It has a museum...
and Tonk
Tonk (princely state)
Tonk was a Princely State of India which by treaty in 1817 accepted British suzerainty. Following the Partition of India in 1947, Tonk acceded to the newly independent Union of India. It was located in the region that is now the Tonk district.-History:...
in 1743, for the assistance given to Madhosingh I
Madhosingh I
Maharaja Sawai Madhosingh I was ruler of the state of Jaipur in the present-day Indian state of Rajasthan from 1751 to 1768....
of Jaipur
Jaipur
Jaipur , also popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, the city today has a population of more than 3.1 million....
in his contest with Ishwari Singh. Granted an Imperial Sardeshmuckhi for Chandore, for his gallantry in the Rohilla
Rohilla
The Rohilla are a community of Hindi-speaking Pashtun also known as Pathan, historically found in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in North India. Most are now also found in Pakistan where they are now part of the Mohajir community. At one time, they form one of the largest Pashtun diaspora community...
campaign of 1748. From 1748 onwards, Malhar Rao Holkar’s position in Malwa became firm and secure. He became ‘Kingmaker’ in Northern and Central India and master of an extensive territory lying on both the sides of the Narmada as well as Sahyadri.
Malharrao Holkar, Jayappa Scindia, Gangadhar Tatya, Tukojirao Holkar, Khanderao Holkar went to help Safdarjung
Safdarjung
Safdarjung was the Subadar Nawab of Oudh from 19 March 1739 to 5 October 1754.-Life:Safdarjung was born as Muhammad Muqim in Khurasan, Persia and migrated to India in 1722.-Career:...
against Shadulla Khan, Ahmed Khan Bangash
Bangash
Bangash is the name of a Pashtun clan. The Bangash clan inhabit regions within the Federally Administered Tribal Areas , the Kurram Agency, the Miranzai Valley bordering the Samana Range, Naryab, Tirah, Kohat and Peshawar within the Sarhad province...
, Mohamud Khan, Bahadur Khan Rohilla
Rohilla
The Rohilla are a community of Hindi-speaking Pashtun also known as Pathan, historically found in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in North India. Most are now also found in Pakistan where they are now part of the Mohajir community. At one time, they form one of the largest Pashtun diaspora community...
as per the directions of Peshwa Balaji Bajirao. In the Battle of Fatthegad and Farukhabad, they defeated the Rohillas and Bangash (March, 1751-April, 1752). When Mughal Emperor came to know that Ahmed Shah Abdali had attacked Punjab in December, 1751, he asked Safdarjung to make peace with Rohillas and Bangash. On 12 April 1752 Safdarjung agreed to help Marathas but the Emperor didn’t ratify the agreement and instead signed a treaty with Ahmed Shah Abdali on 23 April 1752. At the same time, the Peshwa asked Malharrao Holkar to return to Pune as Salabat Khan had attacked the city.
The Marathas attacked Kumher
Kumher
Kumbher is a historical city and municipality in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, India. It was founded by a Jat chieftain Kumbh.-Geography:...
Fort on 20 January 1754 AD. They besieged the Kumher
Kumher
Kumbher is a historical city and municipality in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, India. It was founded by a Jat chieftain Kumbh.-Geography:...
Fort till 18 May 1754. The war continued for about four months. During the war Khanderao Holkar, son of Malharrao Holkar, was one day inspecting his army in an open palanquin, when he was fired upon from the fort. The cannonball hit and killed him on 17 March 1754. Malhar Rao was infuriated by the death of his only son and wanted to take revenge. He vowed that he would cut off the head of Maharaja Suraj Mal
Maharaja Suraj Mal
Maharaja Suraj Mal was ruler of Bharatpur in Rajasthan in India. He has been described by a contemporary historian as "the Plato of the Jat people" and by a modern writer as the "Jat Ulysses", because of his political sagacity, steady intellect and clear vision.-Early life:Surajmal was born on...
and throw the soil of fort into Yamuna
Yamuna
The Yamuna is the largest tributary river of the Ganges in northern India...
after destroying it. The Marathas increased pressure and Suraj Mal defended pacifly, but Suraj Mal was isolated as no other ruler was ready to help him. At this moment, Maharaja Suraj Mal was counseled by Maharani Kishori, who assured him not to worry and started diplomatic efforts.
She contacted Diwan Roop Ram Katara. She knew that there were differences between Malharrao Holkar and Jayappa Sindhia and that Jayappa Sindhia was very firm in his determinations. She advised Maharaja Suraj Mal to take advantage of mutual differences within Marathas. Diwan Roop Ram Katara was a friend of Jayappa Sindhia. She requested Diwan Roop Ram Katara to take a letter from Maharaja Suraj Mal proposing a treaty. Jayappa Sindhia assured Suraj Mal of assistance and contacted Raghunathrao
Raghunathrao
Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774. He was instrumental in the downfall of the Peshwa clan.-Early life:Raghunathrao, also known as "Raghoba" and "Ragho Bharari," was the younger brother of Nanasaheb Peshwa. His father was Peshwa Bajirao I & mother was Kashibai....
. Raghunathrao
Raghunathrao
Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774. He was instrumental in the downfall of the Peshwa clan.-Early life:Raghunathrao, also known as "Raghoba" and "Ragho Bharari," was the younger brother of Nanasaheb Peshwa. His father was Peshwa Bajirao I & mother was Kashibai....
in turn advised Holkar to sign a treaty with Suraj Mal. Malhar Rao Holkar assessed the situation and consented for the treaty due to possibility of isolation. This led to a treaty between both rulers on 18 May 1754. This treaty proved very beneficial for Maharaja Suraj Mal.
Malharrao Holkar, Raghunathrao, Shamsher Bahadur, Gangadhar Tatya, Sakharambapu, Naroshankar and Maujiram Bania attacked Delhi on 11 August 1757 and defeated Najib Khan
Najib-ul-Daula
Najib-ud-daula, also known as Najib Khan, was a noted Rohilla tribal chief in 18th century Rohilkhand, who in the 1740s founded the city of Najibabad in Bijnor district, India, and succeeded Safdar Jang as Nawab Wazir of the Mughal Empire...
and Ahmed Khan became the Mir Bakshi in his place. In March, 1758, they conquered Sarhind. On 20 April 1758, Malharrao Holkar and Raghunathrao attacked and conquered Lahore. Tukojirao Holkar conquered Attock
Attock
Attock is a city located in the northern border of the Punjab province of Pakistan and the headquarters of Attock District...
. Sabaji Scindia, Vitthal Shivdev met them at Peshawar. Raghunathrao and Malharrao Holkar returned from Punjab.
He was raised to the rank of Subedar
Subedar
Subedar is a historical rank in the Indian Army, ranking below British commissioned officers and above non-commissioned officers. The rank was otherwise equivalent to a British lieutenant and was introduced in the East India Company's presidency armies, to make it easier for British officers to...
in 1757.
He was
Battle of Panipat
Peshwas decision of appointing Sadashivrao Bhau as the Supreme Commander instead of appointing Malharrao Holkar or Raghunathrao proved to be an unfortunate choice as Sadashivrao was totally ignorant of the Political and Military situation of North India.It is alleged that he fled the battle-field in the Third Battle of Panipat
Third battle of Panipat
The Third Battle of Panipat took place on 14 January 1761, at Panipat , about 60 miles north of Delhi between a northern expeditionary force of the Maratha Confederacy and a coalition of the King of Afghanistan, Ahmad Shah Abdali with 2 Indian Muslim allies—the Rohilla Afghans of the Doab, and the...
(14/01/1761). It is written by many historians that he fought courageously in the battle-field. It is also written that Sadashivrao Bhau
Sadashivrao Bhau
Sadashivrao Bhau was son of Chimaji Appa and Rakhmabai and nephew of Peshwa Baji Rao I and served as the commander of the Maratha army.-Birth and early years:...
had entrusted him the job of saving Parvatibai as soon as told to do so. When Vishwasrao
Vishwasrao
Vishwasrao was an Indian noble of the Maratha Empire.- Early life :Vishwasrao was born the eldest son of Nanasaheb Peshwa at Supa near Pune...
was killed and Sadashivrao Bhau
Sadashivrao Bhau
Sadashivrao Bhau was son of Chimaji Appa and Rakhmabai and nephew of Peshwa Baji Rao I and served as the commander of the Maratha army.-Birth and early years:...
felt they were about to be defeated he sent a message to Malharrao to immediately act as per directions and leave the battlefield. Malharrao acted as per the directions of Sadashivrao and saved Parvatibai. Malharrao was considered to be the right hand man of Peshwa. Others who retreated from this battle were Mahadji Shinde and Nana Phadnawis.
It is clear from the last letters sent by Bhau and from the narration of Nana Phadnawis that Bhau had anticipated the outcome of the battle but he didn’t let it affect the morale of the soldiers. This is also clear from the fact that Bhau had placed Malharrao Holkar on the corner of the backside of the western side of the Battlefield. This was the safest and easiest place in the battlefield to escape if and when needed. There is no proof to show that Malharrao had no role in saving Parvatibai. Just because Janu Bhintada, Baravkar and Piraji Raut were awarded that does not mean Malharrao Holkar was not connected with saving Parvatibai. The fact is that five hundred shepherds were specially assigned the task of protecting Parvatibai and it cannot be believed that Parvatibai would choose to escape on her own by leaving these guards. Even Raghunatrao, who was annoyed with those who fled the battlefield, didn’t accuse Malharrao.
If he had fled the battle-field, as alleged, then Peshwa would have never returned the Subedari to Malharrao. By the letter dated 13 March 1761 Nanasaheb Peshwa asked Malharrao Holkar to look after the entire affairs of North India.
He set aside personal enmity with Surajmal Jat, who killed his son Khanderao, for the sake of Maratha Confederation. He had also agreed to forgive Madhosingh. Moreover Malharrao Holkar and Surajmal Jat had advised Sadashivrao Bhau to use Guerilla warfare against Ahmed Shah Abdali instead of a direct war which was declined by Bhau. He had also advised Bhau that instead of going forward to Panipat, they should wait for the enemy to come in their stronghold where it would become easy for them and difficult for Abdali. Even this advise was rejected by Bhau. Nana Phadnawis has stated that, at that time, Bhau didn't show his usual cleverness and rejected the advise of Malharrao Holkar and Surajmal Jat.
He was pragmatic and always took decisions carefully and intelligently. After the Battle of Panipat, it was because of Malharrao Holkar that the Maratha Empire could be maintained and protected in North India. He believed that no one is a permanent friend or enemy and that if your head is intact, you can have fifty headgears. He believed that at times it is necessary to retreat and then at a fit time regain what is lost.
Renowned historian T. S. Shejwalkar says that Malharrao Holkar did no mistake and he behaved like Shrikrishna. If Malharrao Holkar had died in Panipat it would have only reaffirmed that he was loyal and brave, which he even otherwise was, but his death would have ended the Maratha Empire in North India. The Maratha Empire
Maratha Empire
The Maratha Empire or the Maratha Confederacy was an Indian imperial power that existed from 1674 to 1818. At its peak, the empire covered much of South Asia, encompassing a territory of over 2.8 million km²....
was only weakened but not annihilated by the Battle of Panipat. Urged by his troops Amhadshah Abdali returned to his mountains never to return to India. Ahmedshah praised the unbelievable bravery of Maratha soldiers who fought till the last breath and gave supreme sacrifice. The victory did not fetch any benefit to Abdali.
Death
He died at AlampurAlampur, Madhya Pradesh
Alampur is a town and a nagar panchayat in Bhind district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a historical town. Alampur is known for its history, for the chhatri of Malhar Rao Holkar which is in Alampur.-Geography:...
, 2 May 1766, and was succeeded by his daughter-in-law Ahilya Bai Holkar. He is considered as one of the architects of Maratha control over India.
Malharao Holkar's tomb is located in Alampur
Alampur, Madhya Pradesh
Alampur is a town and a nagar panchayat in Bhind district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a historical town. Alampur is known for its history, for the chhatri of Malhar Rao Holkar which is in Alampur.-Geography:...
( Tahasil - Lahar, District- Bhind
Bhind
Bhind is a town in Bhind District, Madhya Pradesh, India.The chhatri of Malhar Rao Holkar at Alampur is great archaeology chhatri in Bhind district-Demographics:...
M.P.).
He was a great man who trained his only daughter-in-law Ahilya devi in accounts and in battle like a son. After his death, Ahilyabai looked after his empire.
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