State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 22 Dec 2025

Ahilya Lok’ Project

Why in News?

The Madhya Pradesh government has announced the development of ‘Ahilya Lok’, a major cultural and heritage project on the Narmada river banks in Maheshwar. 

Key Points 

• Project Purpose: ‘Ahilya Lok’ is being developed to honour Ahilya Bai Holkar’s legacy and enhance tourism and cultural identity in Maheshwar. 
• Location & Site: The project will be set up along the Narmada River in Maheshwar. 
• Investment: Estimated cost of the project is Rs 110 crore.  
• Cultural & Artisan Spaces: A haat bazaar with live weaving demonstrations and artisan zones will promote Maheshwar’s traditional crafts. 
• Visitor Amenities: The campus will feature landscaped gardens, riverfront pathways, public engagement zones, and curated experiences aimed at enhancing tourism and visitor engagement. 
• Ahilya Bai Holkar:  Ahilya Bai Holkar (1725–1795) was a renowned ruler of the Holkar dynasty of Malwa, governed from the capital Maheshwar on the banks of the Narmada River. 
  • Role in Cultural Patronage: She patronised and restored major temples and ghats across India, including Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, Dwarka, and Rameswaram, promoting national cultural integration. 
  • National Commemoration: Recently, 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar was celebrated nationally on 31 May 2025.