Ahilyabai Holkar statue damage sparks outrage from Kashi to Indore:Holkar Trust writes to Modi-Yogi to reinstall idols; administration say restoration work underway

The demolition of a portion of the historic Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi for the redevelopment work has faced severe backlash. The Ghat, an integral part of Kashi’s spiritual landscape, was originally built in 1771 by Malwa’s revered ruler, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. Allegations that this nearly 250-year-old heritage structure was damaged under a cremation Ghat development project have triggered strong emotional reactions, stretching from Uttar Pradesh’s Kashi to Madhya Pradesh’s Indore.
The anger is particularly intense in Indore and across the Malwa region, where Ahilyabai Holkar is deeply revered. Considered not merely a regional queen but a pan-Indian symbol of cultural renaissance and public welfare, any harm to her legacy is being seen as far more than a routine construction dispute—it has become an issue of heritage, faith, and identity. The project: ₹18 crore development, but at what cost to heritage? According to administrative records, a cremation Ghat development project worth around Rs 18 crore is underway in the Manikarnika Ghat area. The project’s foundation stone was laid in 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, who is also the Member of Parliament from Varanasi.
Officials say construction is being carried out over approximately 29,350 square meters. Given the marshy soil along the Ganga’s banks, piling work was done up to a depth of 15–20 meters to reach stable soil, ensuring structural safety during floods. Damage to Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy sparks controversy The controversy erupted when portions of the Ghat associated with Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy were allegedly damaged during construction.
Eyewitnesses and local residents claim that old stone steps were demolished and several historical idols and religious symbols linked to Ahilyabai Holkar were damaged. Some idols were reportedly buried under debris, while others were found lying in the open. There are also reports of damage to a Shivling. The demolished section reportedly housed idols connected to Ahilyabai Holkar’s devotion to Lord Shiva. Allegations state that these artifacts were neither properly protected nor was prior permission taken from any historical authority or trust. Holkar trust alleges sudden demolition without notice The Manikarnika Ghat is overseen by the private Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Charities Trust. Its president, Yashwantrao Holkar, has strongly objected to the action.
In a letter, he said, With deep sorrow and disappointment, we inform that the historic Manikarnika Ghat of Varanasi has been suddenly demolished in the name of development. In 1791, Punyashlok Devi Ahilyabai Holkar had renovated this site. It held immense spiritual significance for her. He alleged that on January 10, 2026, without any prior notice, officials of the Varanasi Municipal Corporation ordered the demolition, which was completed within hours—completely ignoring the site’s historical and cultural importance. “The goddess honoured in Kashi, now buried in rubble” Yashwantrao Holkar further pointed out the irony that Prime Minister Modi himself had installed a statue of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in the Kashi Vishwanath temple complex, honoring her as a great protector of Indian culture. “Yet, the sacred and historic idols associated with the same Ahilyabai Holkar now lie buried in debris at Manikarnika Ghat,” he wrote. The Trust has announced that it is taking immediate steps to recover and reinstall the damaged idols and is also considering legal action against the responsible authorities. Demands placed before the PM and CM The Holkar Trust and members of the Holkar royal family of Indore have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, raising the following demands: Social organizations express anger Following the incident, outrage has grown among social organizations in Indore. Groups representing the Dhangar, Pal, and Baghel communities have announced a meeting on January 15 to decide their future course of action.
They argue that such treatment of Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy is unacceptable, especially when the nation has just concluded celebrations marking her 300th birth anniversary. Historians call it an attack on national heritage Senior historian Zafar Ansari termed the incident deeply distressing. “Devi Ahilyabai is not just the pride of Malwa or Maheshwar; she is a heritage figure for the entire nation. Every one of her works reflected foresight and public welfare,” he said. Ansari recalled that on May 31, 2025, the country celebrated Ahilyabai Holkar’s 300th birth anniversary. Prime Minister Modi visited Madhya Pradesh during the commemorations, inaugurated development projects in Bhopal, and released a commemorative postage stamp and a Rs 300 silver coin in her honor. Restoration funded by private royal property Historians also note that the temples and ghats built or restored by Ahilyabai Holkar were funded from her Khasgi (private royal property), not from the state treasury. The Holkar state maintained a distinct khasgi system, considered the queen’s personal wealth, through which hundreds of temples across India were built and preserved. Legal questions raised Experts point out that construction at a site like Manikarnika Ghat requires special caution under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. Strict regulations govern construction around historic and heritage sites.
As a result, the issue has now moved beyond religious sentiment and public emotion, raising serious questions about administrative accountability and possible legal violations. About Manikarnika Ghat Manikarnika Ghat holds a unique place among Kashi’s 84 major ghats. According to legend, a jewel (Karnika) from Goddess Parvati fell here, giving the ghat its name. It is believed that cremation at this site grants liberation (Moksha).
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar developed the ghat extensively, building Dharamshalas, temples, food centers, and bathing facilities for pilgrims. The ghat also shares a deep spiritual connection with the Kashi Vishwanath Dham. As the debate intensifies, authorities in Varanasi have stated that restoration work is underway. However, for many across Malwa and beyond, the incident has already struck a raw nerve—turning a development project into a national conversation on heritage, faith, and respect for history.