Indian history on canvas

Mid Day, 8th August, 2013

On July 20, the Tibet hall at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum of Indian History was opened at the hands of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. The GUIDE visits this treasure trove of Indian history recreated in the form of paintings showcases various historic figures and chapters

A visit to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum of Indian History in Lohegaon is another reminder of Pune’s sobriquet of being the state’s cultural capital. The museum comprises of five tents as well as a temple of the female Hindu deity, Bhavani Mata, which is a replica of the original temple. We decided to drop by to meet the museum’s founder Frenchman Francois Gautier who set it up in 2009. “I started the museum as I realised that the history of India has mostly been written by British journalists and experts with the intent to downgrade and postdate it. I felt that with such a museum people could relate to India’s real history,” says Gautier. With 30 to 35 paintings in each hall, some even dating back to scenes from the 16th century, this is a treasure trove for the art and history buff.

Above: Artwork at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum of Indian History

Showcase for Tibet

The Dalai Lama recently opened the Tibet Hall section at the museum, and so we were keen to have a dekko. Gautier admits to his admiration for the spiritual leader: “I have interviewed him on seven occasions, I feel for Tibet, which has been abandoned by the world as everybody wants to do business with the Chinese and the genocide of Tibetans and Tibetan culture fits in the line of my museum, which deals a lot with human rights.” We noticed how the newly opened hall was turning out to be a telling canvas to portray the history as well as the current condition of the Tibetans and their struggle. These were all depicted in the paintings and flexes.

Back at the entrance, we spotted a beautiful statute of the goddess who is depicted giving a sword to the Maratha king, Shivaji Maharaj. The Shivaji Hall greets visitors first up; it measures approximately 38x38 feet, where you will spot paintings and scripts of Shivaji Maharaj capturing the time of his birth until his death. Below each painting, description in Hindi, English, and a few in Marathi make it very helpful to the visitor.

Behind the scenes

Giving us an insight into how the exhibits at the museum took shape, Gautier informed us about the team behind it. “Two historians, Professor VS Bhatnagar, retired head of the University of Rajasthan (History department) and Prof KS Gupta of the University of Udaipur (History department) were at the forefront of the research,” he said. This apart from the two teams of painters — a Jaipur based painter who specialises in the Mughal miniature style and the other, a painter who pracitises the Udaipur / Mewar style were briefed by the two historians about historically recorded scenes. Since these were never painted before, the painters did black-and-white sketches that were approved by the historians and later, by Gautier. Finally, each painting would return to the artist for the final colouring

Above: Various halls at the museum acting as exhibiting spaces for different kinds of cultural histories

The second hall is the Aurangzeb Hall where paintings and scripts about the life of Aurangzeb come to life. There’s also a statue with the soothing face of Buddha in one of the rooms if visitors prefer to pray or mediate in its calming environs. The third hall is named after Maharana Pratap. Some of the paintings are printed on flex. Past this is the Dara Shukoh Hall dedicated to Aurangzeb’s elder brother. Very less has been written about him in history.

Gautier adds that Shukoh was a lover of all religions. One painting that showed him interacting with heads of different religions particularly fascinated us.

As of now, the museum has a guide-cum-caretaker, Raosaheb Shivram Patil and manager Shidhardh Premsagar Nanga to guide people around the space. It is open all days of the week. We noticed a lot of natural light seeping in these tents, the roof is made from fibre; the natural air circulation is also good in all the halls.

Challenges galore

After getting a sense of the place, we were keen to know about how this project has managed to sustain, “I raise the funds, as I am well-known as a journalist among NRIs and also many Indian citizens. My wife manages the museum under a no-profit trust, which is registered, has income tax and FCRA (which is also a type of tax). Believe me, raising funds for this museum is extremely difficult.” While talking about the future plans, Gautier said they needed at least R15 crores for the main museum, which would be along the lines of a modern museum in the US, with amphitheatre, libraries, cafeteria, quarters, offices and gardens for people to relax.

As of now a cafeteria is planned to come up soon. Also there are plans to set up a hall dedicated to Ahilyabai Holkar.

Tracing Tibet

Above: The ruins of Shide Samtenling Monastery

The Indian Express, 30th July, 2013

Kelsang Dolma stands in a white canopied pavilion and looks up at the bright coloured Tibetan prayer flags. Her gaze moves downwards, towards the posters lining the pavilion's walls. These are posters with pictures of people fleeing and of monasteries in ruins. To her, the posters are a reminder of the ordeal her own family had to endure. "I was just one-and-a-half years old when we came to India. Tibetan children like me were not allowed to learn our indigenous language or about our culture. My father, a Tibetan language teacher, was not allowed to teach. When he saw that he couldn't even teach his own children their history and language, he arranged for us to leave Tibet," she says.

Dolma is at an exhibition about Tibetan history and culture and Buddhism at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum of Indian History, Lohegaon. And though she is reminded of all that her family left behind — both the roots and the ruins of their culture — she is happy that Tibet's story is reaching out to more people.

The exhibition was inaugurated on Sunday by the Dalai Lama during his visit to the city. The exhibition covers the origin of Buddhism in India and its spread in Tibet along with the rest of the country. There is a twin exhibition that features photographs of Tibet, the exodus of Tibetans across the border and the destruction of monasteries. There are pictures of refugees escaping from Tibet and making their way towards the border, passing through some of the world's highest mountain passes.

The material and the information in the exhibition was curated and displayed by The Tibet Museum of Dharamshala, where it is a part of their permanent collection and display. The curators sent over the information to Francois Gautier and his wife, Namrata, the organisers of the exhibition and founders of the museum. "India has given refuge to many Tibetans, but many Indians don't know about Tibet itself or about what happened there," says Gautier. Namrata shares how they encountered ignorance even among the authorities. "When we visited the local police officers to tell them about the exhibition, the SP thought Tibet was an Indian state in the Northeast."

To ensure that locals understood the story of Tibet well, the couple made it an English-Marathi exhibition. "Most of the locals around the campus here speak only Marathi. That's why we've arranged to have the information displayed in Marathi as well. This is the first Marathi exhibition about Tibetan Buddhism," says Gautier.

Hero for all times

The Pioneer, 5th February, 2013

An exhibition at The Indian School depicts chapters from the warrior’s life, inspiring students to be self-reliant and courageous. Arvind Singh Mewar, who opened the show, spoke to Team Viva about employing new techniques for teaching youngsters history and heritage

Artists from Udaipur have often dissected the life of Maharana Pratap on their canvas. Haldighati battle scenes and excerpts from his story have been integral to the Mewar School of Art.

The paintings define an era gone by, conveying details like what rulers wore, how they fought. They also describe a ruler’s personality. “Usually, just filtered, limited, information reaches students. Particularly in big towns and cities. Apart from the heroic deeds and historical facts, students ought to know other aspects to such a great figure. Like his can-do spirit, his self-reliance and respect for women. Also, how he became an icon of hope and liberty,” said Maharaja Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur. He was inaugurating an exhibition on Maharana Pratap at The Indian School.

It is organised by Francois Gautier, the French journalist, who heads a foundation called FACT. Maharana Pratap as subject matter, was the idea of Prafull Goradia, the school’s chairman.

He had earlier organised another one on other heroes from the history. Detailed research was done on the subject. And artists from Udaipur were commissioned to paint over 40 works.

“It took around two years to create this exhibition. We wanted to present lesser-known aspects of  Maharana’s personality. We feature his birth, scenes from his childhood. His interaction with soldiers. The bright colours and techniques reflect Jodhpur style painting, mixed with other forms,” remarked Francois.

Arvind Singh Mewar added, that with portions of history fast vanishing from the course books, there needs to be alternate means to share history and heritage with future generations.

“I think Amar Chitra Katha’s way of imparting education through pictures is required. We cannot only rely on texts. Maharana Pratap embodied righteousness, patriotism and courage. He always stood for self-reliance, ascetism and sacrifice. His stories should inspire kids. So we have to look for more interesting mediums to tell them through. It is our duty as citizens to treasure ancient values,” added Mewar. He explained, “What makes art from Udaipur famous is not just colour but the imagery.”

Goradia added, “Maharana Pratap personifies courage and refusal to surrender at any cost. The motive of the show is to encourage students to imbibe heroic qualities and also know great leaders and warriors better.” The exhibition is open to the public until February 23.

FACT - India's latest exhibition 'Maharana Pratap - The Bravest of the Brave'

In the presence of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Shriji Arvind Singh of Mewar, FACT - India brings you its latest exhibition 'Maharana Pratap - The Bravest of the Brave'.

Original paintings to be unveiled by Sri Sri & Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar at the Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi on 3rd February, 2013 at 4 PM.

Formal opening for the Public by Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar at The Indian School, Josip Broz Tito Marg, New Delhi on 4th February, 2013 at 11 AM. Exhibition shall remain open from 3 PM to 6 PM from 4th till 23rd February, 2013.

Why a Frenchman built a Bhavani & Shivaji museum

DNA, 13th February, 2012

The first phase of FACT’s (fact-india.com) Shivaji Maharaj Museum of Indian History has been inaugurated by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Mrs Ajit Pawar and Nitin Gadkari. The exquisite Bhavani Bharat temple is one of the only two temples in India dedicated to Mother India (the other is in Haridwar) which Sri Aurobindo and Lokmanya Tilak wanted to build in Maharashtra 100 years ago. The VIPs then inaugurated three exhibitions: a miniature painting exhibition on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj; an exhibition on Hindu Tolerance Throughout the Ages; and another exhibition that proves scientifically that the famous Aryan invasion never actually happened.

Why does a Frenchman build a Bhavani Bharti temple and museum? I am proud to say I owe a debt to India, because this country has granted me so much, spiritually, professionally and even sentimentally. I was a young boy of 19, living in Paris, the city of my birth, when I heard that a caravan of cars was driving from Paris to Pondicherry. I had never thought about India, and had no interest in spirituality, but something in me pushed me to go. It took us six weeks to cross 10 countries and after many adventures, we reached Delhi.

Right from my first night here, I felt I had come home and that India was a land of vast knowledge, a truth that eludes most westerners, because some of the paradox of the still apparent poverty and filth that blinds them. I had this feeling of being home, of Mother India, in the most unlikely places, even in Srinagar. I covered Kashmir as a journalist for the largest French political daily during the worst period of unrest, from the late eighties till the Kargil War.

There was only one hotel opened for journalists in those days, the Ahdoos on the banks of the river Jhelum. Curfew was on, but at night I would step out of and walk on the bund that stops the river Jhelum from overflowing into Srinagar. One could hear gunfire and sometimes even grenades in the distance, yet I could feel the presence of the millions of saints, yogis, avatars and simple people who have prayed and meditated for thousands of years in Kashmir. It seems today like an abstract experience, but on the spot, it was so strong and vivid and I felt that this was the very reason why India should keep Kashmir. The Bhavani Bharti temple is thus an expression of my gratitude.

This museum is also a place of knowledge. People can learn something about the history of their country while viewing the nearly 20 exhibitions FACT has made, and come out from this place being a little more knowledgeable about the history of this great civilization that is India. It is a tragedy that the Indian education system today produces so many brilliant youth, who are just good for export, as they are not made to learn about their own history. It’s also very sad that most history books describe Shivaji Maharaj as a petty chieftain, or Sri Aurobindo as an extremist.

Some may ask why Pune and dedicate it to Shivaji Maharaj? I came to Pune seven years ago, knowing about Shivaji Maharaj, having researched him for my books and being a long standing admirer. I asked my driver to take me to the main museum here, which is called Kelkar. I was surprised and shocked to find that there was not a single exhibit on Shivaji! That day, the idea of a Museum of Indian History, dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj started taking shape in my mind. Pune is also the ideal place, as Marathas have a stronger national fibre than in other states and I felt the museum will be better protected here.

This is a difficult project. Whoever has never attempted to raise money for a museum should give it a try... I have met hundreds of potential donors, but when I say I want to build a Museum of true Indian History, it wipes off the smile of their faces and they say they have to consult their board, or that they only give to health and education! But is it not time that the History of India, which has been mostly written by the British, or by historians employed by the British, like Max Mueller, be exhibited as it happened?

This is a Rs20 crore project and we need your support. Please pass along the message to your friends. FACT is a registered Trust and has US and Indian tax exemption, as well as FCRA.

Bhavani Bharti temple & Shivaji Maharaj Complex, Shinde Road, off Marathwada Institute, Wadgaon, Pune 47. Open from 9am to 7pm. Entrance free. Aarti in temple morning and evening

The author is the editor in chief of the Paris-based La Revue de l’Inde and the author of The Guru of Joy

Sri Sri opens first phase of Museum of Indian History - Media Coverage

Lokmat, 15th January, 2012 - http://www.scribd.com/doc/79811775/Sri-Sri-opens-first-phase-of-Museum-of-Indian-History-Lokmat-1

Lokmat, 16th January, 2012 - http://www.scribd.com/doc/79811586/Sri-Sri-opens-first-phase-of-Museum-of-Indian-History-Lokmat-2

Pudhari, 15th January, 2012 - http://www.scribd.com/doc/79811256/Sri-Sri-opens-first-phase-of-Museum-of-Indian-History-Pudhari

The lessons of history

Anjali Jhangiani, Mid Day, 17th January, 2012

Frenchman Francois Gautier has set up a museum that brings out the Vedic point of view of history

"From the integer zero to complex mathematical calculations and even surgical techniques, the contribution of the Vedas is integral to the entire world," claims Francois Gautier, founder of FACT foundation, an organisation that brings attention to forgotten or neglected issues through awareness campaigns, conferences, exhibitions, films and research papers on art, culture, history and human rights abuse.

The organisation has set up a museum in Wadagaon, near Marathwada Mitramandal Institute of Technology, which displays paintings, photographs and films based on themes that cover the spectrum of Indian history, from the Vedas to a peek into the future of India.

Launched on January 14, the museum is akin to an art gallery. Adjacent to the museum, there is a temple dedicated to Mata Bharati and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as an initiative by FACT to revive the worship of Mother India and get inspired by historic personalities who have contributed to society. Pune-based architect Sheetal Harpale has designed this Sri Yantra temple. Visitors are also welcome for the aarti, which is performed at the temple at the time of opening and closing of the museum.

"Entry to the museum is free for all. The aim is to bring forth historical facts to create an awareness about heritage and history from the Vedic point of view," informs Gautier. Spread across five acres, the museum highlights several dark periods of history such as the Inquisition in Goa by the Portuguese, the Sufi persecution, the Ahmedi persecution, agitation against Buddhism, the prosecution of early Syrian Christians of Kerala and more. The aim behind showcasing the tumultuous episodes is to remind people of the consequences of division and thereby inspire a sense of brotherhood and mutual love for cultures, races and religions.

"Currently, we are displaying exhibitions based on themes revolving around Shivaji Maharaj, Hindu tolerance throughout the ages, Aryan invasion along with 10 rotating exhibitions," says Gautier.

"The rotating exhibitions will feature paintings, photographs and films from our archives at FACT. We have a team of historians in Rajasthan who commission painters to illustrate their research work on different aspects of Indian history. Now, we have displayed exhibitions on topics such as the issue of Naxalites, Kashmiri Pandits, minority communities in Bangladesh and more," he adds.

From 9 am to 6 pm, all seven days of the week. At Wadagaon Shinde, ahead of Marathwada Institute of Technology, Wadagaon, Shinde Road. Call 9970204411

Sri Sri to open first phase of Museum of Indian History

Above: H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to open the first phase of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum of Indian History in Pune.

Sri Sri inaugurates Shivaji exhibition in Mumbai

Above: Excerpts of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar 's speech during Shivaji exhibition inauguration in Mumbai. View Exhibition Online

Sri Sri inaugurates Sikhism exhibition in LA

Above: His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar inaugurating FACT - India's exhibition on Sikhism at Los Angeles Baisakhi Mela - 17th April, 2011

A Benefit Concert for Museum of Indian History

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Mata Bharati Temple in Pune - Read, Support, Spread the word!

Dear Friends,

My Foundation, FACT (www.fact-india.com), is building in Pune a shrine ... dedicated to Mata Bharati, so as to revive the worship of Mother India. Indeed, till the early 20th century, India was considered as a Deity, a Living Body. But today it has gone. As a result, Indians often do not feel any particular pride in their own country and their children are even more disconnected from the idea of India.

Our architect Sheetal Harpale, of Pyramid Associates, Pune, has designed a wonderful Sri Yantra temple. From the dome, a ray of light will fall on a bronze statue of Mata Bharati endowing Shivaji Maharaj which we have commissioned from a renowned sculptor.

This unique project, which His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has agreed to inaugurate, will cost 30 lakhs. I appeal to your generosity, this temple can be YOURS.

FACT is a registered Trust with the Government of India, we have FCRA permission (to receive funds from abroad) and tax exemption. Cheques can be made in the name of FACT and sent to this address: François Gautier, Auromodel, Auroville, 605101, Tamil Nadu, via Pondichery, India. We will engrave the names of the bigger donors on one of the walls of the temple. We plan to open by the end of the year. All donors will get a receipt and a letter from FACT.

Best

Francois Gautier

Francois Gautier in Atlanta

Date/Time:
Friday Oct 1, 2010 at 6.30 PM

Venue:
Café Bombay, 1622 Woodcliff Drive NE,
Atlanta, Georgia 30329,
Tel: 404-320-0229

Snacks, Dinner & one-on-one

Supported by Hindu Temple and Shiv Mandir
Sponsored by: India Awareness Foundation; 770-664-8779, 770-270-1758

Dinner with Francois Gautier

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A presentation on Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum of Indian History

Date: 28th September, 2010
Time: 7 PM
Venue: Imli, 167 Wardour St., Soho W1F 8WR
RSVP: 020 7287 4243

An Exploration into Ancient India with Francois Gautier

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An Exploration into Ancient India with Francois Gautier

Date: 24th September, 2010
Time: 7.30 - 9.00 PM
Venue: Friends's House, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ
RSVP: Dr. Kapil Mathur, kapil@artofliving.org

A cup of Chai and Gathia with Francois Gautier

My Brothers & Sisters,

May I kindly invite you to an afternoon cup of Chai with a distinguished journalist Francois Gautier, a great friend of India and author of dozen of books on Hinduism.

Francois will talk about his initiative to build a Museum of Indian History in Pune, India.

The Museum will convey the Indian History from Vedic Period to present times.

Please make an effort to show our support for this project.

We start promptly at 4.00 pm till 6.30 pm (31st May).

Venue:
Hindu Cultural Society,
HCS Bhawan, 3 Lyndhurst Ave.,
North Finchley, London N12 0LX.

It will be friendly gathering - where you will be able to talk personally with Francois.

Namaste

Veni Vaghela

Sri Sri inaugurates exhibition on Sikhism

Above: H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar inaugurating FACT - India's exhibition on Sikhism titled "Sikhs, the Defenders of Dharma" at Behala Gurdwara, Kolkata, India - 13th February, 2010. View Exhibition Online

Sikhs celebrate 500 yrs of valour

Paintings depicting Guru Nanak Dev (Top) and Guru Gobind Singh’s (Above) creation of Khalsa Panth

The Times of India, 13th February, 2010

Kolkata: This weekend, over 100,000 Sikhs will converge at the Behala Gurudwara, opposite the old Mint, to celebrate 500 years of valour and sacrifice of the community for the country.

Scores of paintings depicting the onslaughts that the community has braved since the time of the first Mughal emperor Babar to the Kargil conflict, would be put up on display. Though the Behala Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee is organising the exhibition, members of all six gurudwaras of the city have helped bring this mammoth project to life.

And it all started several years ago due to the initiative of a French Indology expert Francois Gaultier.

Gaultier got initiated into Indian religions and cultures through a chance reading of the teachings of The Mother (Sri Aurobindo’s disciple), who was originally French. Soon he started travelling extensively to write on Indian religions and culture. Sikhism attracted him in particular. He even married a Sikh girl from the city. And it was through her that he came to know the Sikh community in Kolkata.

The Sikh leaders in the city decided that part of his research materials, which include rare photographs on Sikh history, should be converted into life size paintings and exhibited. Artists from across the country were roped in for the project.

One painting shows Guru Nanak Dev sitting across Babar and warning him about sinning against humanity. Another painting depicts the birth of the Khalsa Panth (1699) - an army of Sikh “saint soldiers” raised by Guru Govind Singh.

History has it that Guru Govind Singh’s two sons were buried alive under Aurangzeb’s orders. One painting shows the two innocent boys standing with their heads held high as the Mughal army builds a wall around them. Interesting depictions from the battles that King Ranjit Singh fought against the Mughals and the British, the battle of Saragarhi (1897), the non -violent protests (1921-25) which led to the passing of the Gurdwara Act 1925 are all depicted in the paintings.

“We are passing through troubled times when India is the target of terrorists. It is time to remind our community and to members of other communities how our Gurus, kings and generals sacrificed their lives and their families to protect the country,” said Satnam Singh, general secretary of the Behala Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee.

Ahilyabai's lesser known personality on display

Above: School children at the exhibition

DNA, 26th January, 2010

Various facets of the personality of the warrior queen, Ahilyabai Holkar, have been projected through paintings, photographs, maps and texts at an exhibition organised by FACT - India, a non-profit trust.

The event, organised in the hall opposite Mahatma Phule Museum on Ghole Road, Pune, will continue till January 30.

Ahilyabai Holkar ruled the Malwa kingdom during the 18th century. Born in Maharashtra, she was married to Maratha sardar Khanderao Holkar. After her husbands death in a battle in 1754, her father-in-law Malharrao Holkar persuaded her to undergo training in politics and warfare. She personally led armies to battle and was known for imparting justice. She has built various temples across India.

FACT - India chose to highlight the social reformer as the organisation feels that she has not been given the recognition she rightfully deserves.

Over 40 paintings depict the childhood and main incidents of Ahilyabais life. The paintings show armed Ahilyabai leading the troops and speaks about the person she was, a warrior queen. Her childhood, training in warfare, expeditions, formation of womens army, her justice to people, emotional blows like death of her husband and son, incident when her daughter decided to do sati have been showcased through the paintings.

The maps show the various works carried out by Ahilyabai during her rule. She built numerous temples, ghats, dharmshalas, wells, tanks, and bridges all over India. The map neatly marks, where which work was taken up. The copies of letters written to Ahilyabai by her father-in-law Malharrao Holkar have also been displayed. The letters show how Malharrao trusted Ahilyabais abilities.

FACT - India was started by French journalist Francois Gautier. The trust is involved in creating awareness about terrorism and highlighting the positive aspects of India.

Brave saga of Rani Ahilyabai comes alive

Above: H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar inaugurates an exhibition on Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the warrior queen of India at Balgandharva Rang Mandir, Pune on 13th January, 2010

The Pioneer, 14th January, 2010

FACT has put together a first-of-its-kind exhibition depicting the life and times of the great warrior queen of Indore, writes Tiego Bindra

After the hugely successful exhibitions on Aurangzeb, which raised the hackles of communalists and their political mentors, and Shivaji, FACT - India has put together a fascinating exhibition on Rani Ahilyabai, the warrior queen of Indore. The show was inaugurated by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Pune on Wednesday.

“I knew that Ahilyabai had built the Kashi Vishwanath temple,” said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, “but there are many facts about her which I discovered through this exhibition, such as her being a simple girl from a village and having raised a battalion of women.” Mr Prafull Goradia, a columnist with The Pioneer and sponsor of the exhibition, pointed out that “it was not men who repaired the damages done by invaders to temples, but a woman of courage dedicated to her country”.

FACT - India is managed by François and Namrita Gautier. The acronym stands for Foundation Against Continuing Terrorism. FACT - India not only fights against human rights abuses in South Asia - whether of Ahmadi Muslims and Christians and Buddhists of Bangladesh or the Kashmiri Pandits of India - but also highlights the greatness of Indian culture.

François Gautier said, “In spite of the many abuses on Indian women widely reported, nowhere in the world have women been so honoured like in India. Half of the deities are feminine and the unique concept of Shakti honours the feminine element in all things. Countries such as France or the US never had a woman as their top leader, whereas India had Mrs Indira Gandhi ruling with a strong hand.”

India has had many female rulers, warrior women and poet queens, but Ahilyabai Holkar commands tremendous admiration for her accomplishments during her 30-year-long reign. She was noted for her piety, for her administrative ability, for her keen interest in all her people and for an extraordinary amount of building at holy sites all over the country. Visitors to Varanasi know of the golden domed temple of Vishwanath, Lord of the World, in the heart of the city.

Ahilyabai, though a queen, led a simple life as can be seen by the recount of her daily routine: She rose an hour before daybreak to say her prayers. Then she had scriptures read to her, distributed alms and gave food to a number of poor people. Her breakfast, as indeed all her meals, was vegetarian. After breakfast, she prayed again, and then took a short rest. From two to six she was in her durbar; after religious exercises and a light meal, she again attended to business from nine to eleven. She did not neglect the defence of her motherland and employed a French officer to train four battalions of her army, so as to resist the march of the English troops in Gujarat in 1780.

Her life was marked by prayer, abstinence and work, with religious fasts, festivals and public emergencies affording the only change in this routine. Her devotion was to Shiv, although she respected all religions. “Shri Shankara” appeared on all royal proclamations along with her signature. In spite of all that is known about the warrior queen and all that she has left behind - timeless testimonies to her imagination and beneficence - she has not been given the recognition that she rightfully deserves.