HISTORY OF CREATION OF “KHASGI”
The Khasgi (Devi Ahilya bai Holkar Charities) Trust
“Khasgi” was an institution unique to the erstwhile princely Holkar State, dating back to 286 years of continuous tradition in establishing 246 charities and religious endowments in different religious centers in many parts and States of the country.
“When Elder (Thorle) Malharrao Holkar Subedar got his Saranjam for expense of military for Malwa Mahal from Peshwa, he requested the Peshwa for allocation of a share of the Saranjam Mahal for Khasgi in favour of his wife as separate Inam. In view of valour displayed by him in Malwa, Peshwa accepted his request and granted an Inam in favour of his wife by a Sanad. By this letter, Khasgi came into existence in Holkar State. On the basis of the request by Elder Malharrao, the Peshwa accepted “Khasgi of Holkar State” as distinct from Daulat of Holkar State and decided to perpetuate it.
The institution of Khasgi has continued ever since 1734 under management of one Maharani to the next down to Maharani Usha Devi that is until the formation of the Khasgi (Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Charities) Trust.
It would be seen from the Trust Deed of Khasgi Trust Annexure P/2 that it was made for maintenance, upkeep and preservation of the 246 charities and religious endowments in different far flung parts of the country and different States. The charities and religious endowments were founded and have survived mainly on account of extraordinary charitable and religious instincts and management skills of the legendary Devi Ahilyabai Holkar and her successor Maharanis and Maharajas of Holkar State.
KHASGI”
The Marathi meaning of ‘खासगी’ is personal, private, owned by a person, particularly owned by a person of exalted background. The Khasgi (Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Charities) Trust means trust formed for the purpose of maintenance, upkeep and preservation of charities and religious endowments created by Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, her successive Maharanis and Maharajas.
CREATION OF KHASGI TRUST AFTER 1948
In this background of creation and management of Khasgi, Maharj Yeshwantrao Holkar made claim for the Khasgi property, However, it would be apparent from letters all marked as Annexures P/3 dated 23.07.1958 page 76. dated Government, the State Government of Madhya pradesh and the Maharaja together, decided to create the Khasgi Trust which would be governed by (a) the Maharaja or a member of the ruling family as the Settlor, (b) his two nominees, (c) a nominee of the Central Government and (d) two nominees of the State Government.
KHASGI CHARITIES AND ENDOWMENTS HELD BY THE MAHARAJA
When the Covenant between the Malharaja Yeshwantrao Holkar and other Rulers was entered into in 1948 the charities and endowments which later became the subject matter of Khasgi Trust were, in my opinion, held by the Maharaja for religious and charitable purposes in the interest of general Hindu public.
NOTIFICATION OF POSSESSION:
After the creation of the Trust Deed, a notification Annexure R/9 was issued in July, 1962 for placing all Khasgi Trust charities and endowments in possession of Trustees of Khasgi Trust.
