Textile Industry Patronage under Ahilyadevi Holkar: Historical Foundations of Madhya Pradesh's Handloom Sector to Develop Local Economy

Textile Industry Patronage under Ahilyadevi Holkar: Historical Foundations of Madhya Pradesh's Handloom Sector to Develop Local Economy Savita P. Vaidya Asst. Professor, Prin. K. P. Mangalvedhekar Institute of Management Career Development & Research Pramod D. Vaidya Asst. Professor, Prin. N. G. Naralkar Institute of Management Career Development & Research Abstract The study examines the role of Ahilyabai Holkar’s textile patronage in promoting local economic development in eighteenth-century India. During her reign over the Malwa region from 1767 to 1795, Ahilyabai Holkar implemented governance policies that emphasized welfare, infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and support for artisanal industries. One of her most notable initiatives was the establishment and promotion of the Maheshwari textile industry in Maheshwar, which generated employment opportunities and strengthened regional commerce. By inviting skilled weavers from established textile centres and providing institutional support, she transformed Maheshwar into a thriving hub of handloom production and cultural activity. The study adopts a qualitative and historical approach using secondary sources to analyze the economic and social impacts of this initiative. Findings indicate that Ahilyabai’s model promoted employment generation, women’s economic participation, cultural preservation, and regional trade development. The paper concludes that her governance offers valuable lessons for contemporary policies focused on sustainable local economic development and heritage-based industries. Keywords: Ahilyadevi Holkar, Maheshwari textiles, handloom industry, local economic development, Madhya Pradesh, textile history, regional economy, employment generation