Malhar Rao Holkar

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Shrimant Sardar Malharrao Holkar was a Maratha ruler. He was born at Hol, near Jejuri, Pune District, 16th March 1693, to Shrimant Khanduji Holkar, of Vir. He entered the Maratha service in 1717, and 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 horse, and in 1728, he was granted a jagir of eleven mahals. He was granted the rank of Saranjami Sardar together with seventy four parganas on 3rd October 1730. He was granted two shares of Malwa on 2nd November 1731. His grants were made hereditary to his issue by Gautama Bai, who also received Maheshwar, Indore and nine other villages on 20th January 1734.

One of the foremost commanders of the Maratha confedaracy, 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 Portuguese in 1739. He received Rampura, Bhanpura and Tonk in 1743, for the assistance given to Sawai Madho Singh of Jaipur in his contest with Ishwari Singh. Granted an Imperial Sardeshmuckhi for Chandore, for his gallantry in the Rohilla campaign of 1748. He was raised to the rank of Subedar in 1757. He was severely defeated at the Third Battle of Panipat on 7th January 1761, losing many of his possessions in North India soon afterwards.

He married, Gautama Bai Sahib Holkar (d. 29th September 1761) in 1717. She was the daughter of his uncle, Shrimant Sardar Bhojirajrao Bargal, of Talode. He also married Bana Bai Sahib Holkar, Dwarka Bai Sahib Holkar, Harku Bai Sahib Holkar, a Khanda Rani. He died at Alampur, 20th May 1766, and was succeeded by his grandson, having had issue one son and two daughters. He is considered as one of the architects of Maratha control over India.