Synopsis Born to an unknown shepherd family in Maharashtra in the 1720s, Ahilya became the daughter-in-law Malharrao Holkar, the first Maratha Governor of Malwa in Central India. In a departure from custom, Malharrao created an independent financial account in the name of his wife Gautamabai, mother of Khanderrao. Ahilya subsequently inherited this account and built her empire of charities well beyond the boundaries of Malwa. Her other mother-in-law Harkubai, contributed to her growth, by transforming Ahilya from a simple girl into a noble rule with rare political and social acumen. Ahilya was in her 20s and a mother of two when her husband Khanderrao died. She almost committed sati but the tragedy was averted by her father-in-law who went on to groom her to assume the administrative duties of the State. Ahilya overcame barriers of tradition and austerity and hard work only run into problems at home. She had to face the tragedy of her errant son who gradually slipped into a fatal illness. The event forced Ahilyabai political intrigue and to fight a covert succession battle for the future leadership of Malwa.