holkar state: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “holkar state” mean?
A historical princely state in central India, ruled by the Holkar dynasty of the Maratha Confederacy, with its capital at Indore.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical princely state in central India, ruled by the Holkar dynasty of the Maratha Confederacy, with its capital at Indore.
Refers to the historical political entity and territorial dominion governed by the Holkar Maharajas from the early 18th century until its accession to the Dominion of India in 1948. In modern usage, it primarily denotes this historical region and period in scholarly or historical discourse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. The term is equally rare in both varieties. Spelling remains consistent.
Connotations
Evokes British colonial history and the era of princely states in India. May carry connotations of feudalism, indirect rule, and a specific period of South Asian history.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialized historical texts or discussions of Indian history.
Grammar
How to Use “holkar state” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] + [Verb: existed, was ruled, was annexed][Preposition: in, of, from] + the Holkar stateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holkar state” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Holkar-era architecture
- Holkar-state jewellery
American English
- Holkar-era architecture
- Holkar-state jewelry
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or South Asian studies to refer to a specific pre-independence Indian polity. Example: 'The revenue system of the Holkar state was studied in the paper.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in historical geography and historiography as a precise term for a defined political entity.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holkar state”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holkar state”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holkar state”
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a holkar state'). It is always capitalized.
- Confusing it with the modern Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, of which it is now a part.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the second syllable (/həʊlˈkɑːr/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Holkar state ceased to exist as a political entity in 1948 when it acceded to the newly independent Dominion of India. Its territory is now part of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Indore is the city that served as the capital of the Holkar state. The 'Holkar state' refers to the entire territorial dominion ruled by the Holkar dynasty, while 'Indore' is specifically the capital city.
No, it is a singular proper noun referring to one specific historical entity. You would refer to 'the Holkar state' or, in a context discussing multiple such entities, 'princely states like the Holkar state'.
It is a highly specific historical term. General knowledge of world history rarely delves into the names of individual pre-modern Indian principalities, reserving such detail for academic specialisation or regional history.
A historical princely state in central India, ruled by the Holkar dynasty of the Maratha Confederacy, with its capital at Indore.
Holkar state is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Holkar state: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊlkɑː steɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊlˌkɑr steɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOLKAR STATE: Hold On, Let's Know About Royalty - State That Ascended To Empire. (Links to its princely and historical nature).
Conceptual Metaphor
A STATE IS A CONTAINER (for territory, people, and power); HISTORY IS A PLACE (we refer 'back' to it).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using the term 'Holkar state' today?