Explain Holkar State before Independance.

Introduction: The Holkar Princely State of Indore, founded by Subedar Malhar Rao Holkar in the 18th century as a premier pillar of the Maratha Confederacy, governed Malwa and Nimar with administrative benevolence and modern infrastructural vision prior to independence (1947).

1. Historical Evolution & Prominent Rulers:

• Malhar Rao Holkar I (1693–1766): Subehdar appointed by Peshwa Baji Rao I; established the Holkar dynasty with capitals at Maheshwar and Indore.
• Punyasloka Devi Ahilyabai Holkar (1767–1795):
  • The golden age of Holkar rule; established a model welfare state based on justice, charity, and commercial prosperity.
  • Patronized Maheshwari sarees, built roads, ghats, and rebuilt temples across India (Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, Mahakaleshwar).
• Yashwant Rao Holkar I (1797–1811): Renowned as the "Napoleon of the Marathas"; defeated combined British forces in the Battle of Farrukhabad and besieged Delhi.
• Treaty of Mandsaur (1818): Following the Third Anglo-Maratha War (Battle of Mahidpur), the state entered into a Subsidiary Alliance with the British, making Indore the permanent capital.

2. Modernization in the 19th & 20th Centuries:

• Tukoji Rao II & Shivaji Rao Holkar: Built the Holkar State Railway (1870s), waterworks, and established premier educational institutes (Holkar Science College, 1891).
• Tukoji Rao III & Yashwant Rao Holkar II: Industrialized Indore as the "Manchester of Central India" (Malwa Mills, Hukumchand Mills), constructed Yashwant Sagar dam, and built modern hospitals (MY Hospital).

3. Merger (1948): On 28 May 1948, Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar II signed the accession instrument, integrating the state into Madhya Bharat.