Naikidevi was the widow of a Solanki king ( the dynasty is also referred to as the Chalukyas of Gujarat) King Ajayapala who ruled for a short span of 4 years starting 1171. She was the daughter of the Kadamba ruler Mahamandalesvara Permadi of Goa and after the death of her husband,Naikidevi served as a Queen Regent as her son Mularaja II was just a child.

It was during her short regency that the Queen made history. Naikidevi is remembered as the the woman who defeated and sent back the invading armies of Muhammad Ghori in 1178 CE. This victory is chronicled by local Hindu as well as Muslim chroniclers.