Tukoji Rao Holkar

After the demise of Ahilyabai Holkar, Tukojirao was the only suitable person who could preserve the splendour of Holkar kingdom intact. He became the fourth ruler of the kingdom for a short period from 1795 to 1797 and protected the province as a courageous soldier. The credit of all triumphant Devi Ahilya enjoyed during her regime actually goes to Shremant Tukojirao Holkar.

It was a time of crisis when Shreemant Tukojirao received the responsibility of the Holkar Kingdom. Shreemant Khanderao, husband of Devi Ahilyabai had already lost his life in Kumbher war of 1754. Shreemant Tukojirao Holkar was the most trustworthy commander-in-chief of Shreemant Malharrao Holkar. While on death bed, Malhar Rao's appreciation of Tukoji further intensified his loyalty to the royal house of Holkars. Malharrao said "You are the only one who can uphold my name and protect Prince Male Rao Holkar (grandson of Malharrao) after my death". But, Malerao also had a very short-life span. He died on 13 March 1767 due to sickness. At this juncture, it was Tukojirao who has submitted himself to the service of Devi Ahilyabai and she could withstand with the challenges she had in the service of her people of Malwa. Ahilyabai also respected him as her brother-in-law as Tukojirao was the adopted son of Shreemant Malhar Rao Holkar I.

The remarkable and sincere services rendered by Tukoji Rao Holkar I during the reign of Malhar Rao Holkar I as a Commander in his army and during Ahilyabai Holkar as a Commander-in-Chief could congregate much recognition to his extraordinary talents in administration and as a Chief of the armed forces. He, in the meantime, never forgot for a moment his original sense of obligation to the royal house of Holkars. He was more than obedient; he was dutiful, and all his actions were directed to please and conciliate the royal chair to which he was solely indebted for his high station. The people of Malwa felt themselves secure in the hands of Tukojirao Holkar I and the territories comprising the Holkar State continued to be prosperous for nearly two years after the death of Ahilya Bai.

One of his famous conquests was the Battle of Lahore, Attock, and Peshawar in which he commanded many of the Maratha forces in the Punjab region and the frontier regions of Attock and Peshawar.

Tukoji Rao died on 15 August 1797. He left behind him "the character of a good soldier, a plain, unaffected man and one whose courage was superior to his craft. The records show that during his lifetime he never used a seal of his own, and always been remained loyal to Shri Malhar Rao and his family until his last breath."

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