At the age of 16, in 1848, Tukoji Rao II began participating in the government formally.

Krishna Bai died in 1849 and Tukoji further expanded his participation in the affairs and soon was granted all the powers (8 March 1852) on attaining 20 years of age.

After her death, he married Maharani Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Bhagirathi Bai Sahib Holkar and Maharani Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Radha Bai Sahib Holkar.

In the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Indore State stayed loyal to the British side.

Tukoji rao Holkar II died at Maheshwar on 17 June 1886 and was succeeded by his eldest surviving son Shivajirao Holkar, born in 1859 (the first two sons had died in 1854 and 1857).