The city of Indore, which is top in cleanliness, has a special identity, that is its history, politics, food, industry, fashion and lifestyle. The historian told that Indore's foundation day is 3 March, but Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's birth anniversary is celebrated on 31 May. Ahilya Bai Holkar was born 300 years ago on 31 May 1725, which is celebrated not only in Indore but the whole of Madhya Pradesh as Gaurav Diwas.

Historian and painter Zafar Ansari told Local 18 that it is a matter of pride for the people of Indore that Devi Ahilyabai Holkar shifted her headquarters from Kampel to Indore. Indore was a military headquarters in those days. Ahilyabai used to rule Indore from Maheshwar. He tells that in 1767 Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar took over the administration and ruled for 30 years. Temples were built all over India during her golden period. Roads and ghats were built. Not only this, even food was arranged for the fish living in ponds and rivers.

Centuries ago, Bhils and Pandaris used to rob traders. Ahilyabai adopted a unique trick for this. She announced that whoever catches them will marry her daughter Mukta. Yashwant Rao Khadke caught the robbers. This was the time when businessmen noticed the Holkar kingdom and started coming to Indore. Indore started developing as a business city from that time onwards.

When Devi Ahilya Bai used to come to Indore, instead of staying in her royal palace, she used to stay in a tent between the chhatris of her husband, Khanderao and Subedar Malhar. Staying here, she used to talk to businessmen for the development of Indore. Ahilyabai called Rajput businessmen to Indore and gave them tax exemption. Indore state was spread from Bhanpura to West Nimar. Due to its large area, opium and cotton were exported to foreign countries from here. Indore developed rapidly due to this business.

प्रतियोगिता निर्देशिका–स्टडी मटेरियल खरीदे-
MPPSC HINDI 2025-350 रु