Ahilyabai Holkar Descendants Outraged Over Demolition at Manikarnika Ghat

The descendants of Maratha queen Punyashlok Devi Ahilyabai Holkar have expressed deep outrage following the demolition of a historically significant structure at Varanasi’s revered Manikarnika Ghat. The Indore-based Khasgi Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Charities Trust issued a strong statement criticising the action, noting that Ahilyabai personally restored the ghat in 1791 and installed rare effigies of herself in devotion to Mother Ganga—one of the few such sites in the country bearing her likeness.

The demolition reportedly took place on January 10, 2026, without any prior notice or consultation, allegedly on instructions from municipal authorities as part of ongoing redevelopment and modernisation work at the famous cremation grounds. The Trust described the manner of execution as abrupt and disrespectful, with the effigies of Devi Ahilyabai now reduced to rubble, showing complete disregard for the site’s religious and historical importance to the Holkar royal family and devotees nationwide.

Yeshwantrao Holkar, president of the Khasgi Trust, condemned the act as shameful and demanded urgent steps to recover and restore the damaged effigies. The family stressed that among the numerous temples, ghats, and structures Ahilyabai built or renovated across India, Manikarnika Ghat holds special significance due to the personal effigies she placed there in worship of the holy river.

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The incident has triggered widespread criticism, including from Congress leader K K Mishra, who questioned on social media how such a development could occur in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s own parliamentary constituency without his awareness. Protests also took place at the site on Tuesday, led by Samajwadi Party leader Mahendra Pal Pintu, highlighting concerns over the perceived insult to Ahilyabai’s legacy and the faith of millions of devotees.

In response to the growing controversy, the Varanasi district administration has ordered an official probe into the demolition of the structure housing Devi Ahilyabai’s statue. The episode has reignited debate on how to balance necessary modernisation at one of Hinduism’s most sacred sites—known as the Mahashmashan—with the preservation of its rich historical and spiritual heritage.

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