It served as the capital from 1950 to 1956 after the Holkar dynasty assumed control of the Malwa plateau. This seat of power brought in an influx of wealth and people, and within a couple of years Indore transformed from a small town to a flourishing economic hub. In 1948, Indore, along with Gwalior, joined the Union of India. The history of Indore is inseparable from the history of the Holkar State.
The founder of the House of Holkars was Malhar Rao Holkar, born in 1693 AD. His soldierly qualities brought him to the forefront under the Peshwa and he was rewarded with the gift of territories comprising the Indore region. Malhar Rao was succeeded by his grandson, on whose death, without issue, his mother, Maharani Devi Ahilya Bai ascended the throne.
The Holkars with their keen interest in city planning and education shaped much of Indore. Many institutions in the city predate India’s Independence. Today, Indore is a perfect melange of the old and the new, where the old heritage structures coexist with the modern multi-storeyed buildings. Apart from being considered as the state’s commercial capital, it is also known for mouth-watering culinary experience. It is in the first 20 cities to be developed as smart cities. Today, it is one of the fastest growing cities of India. It is also the only city to have both an IIT and an IIM.
