Women have been the backbone of Indian culture and heritage. On International Women’s Day, it’s time to celebrate the power and legacy of incredible women. Here at Trending Reader, a vertical of Oceanic Digitech, we’re here to salute ten of the most influential and powerful ladies in Indian history.
From warriors, queens, and reformers to politicians, religious heads, and scientists, these women have made their mark on society in indelible ways. For future generations of women, each is a hero and an inspiration; their accomplishments will continue to motivate both genders for a very long time!
So, on this Women’s Day, take a moment today to learn about some of the most powerful ladies in Indian history. Each made her own unique contribution that has changed the face of India forever. Let’s celebrate strong leaders who showed us that anything is possible when you put your mind to it!
Most Powerful Ladies In Indian History
1. Rani Laxmibai, The First Lady of India
One of the most influential ladies in Indian history was Rani Laxmibai, also referred to as the “First Lady of India,” the “Rani of Jhansi,” and other titles. A warrior queen, she led India’s First War of Independence in 1857. She was a determined and brave leader who rose to fame after she refused to surrender her kingdom of Jhansi to the British East India Company.
Known for her courage and fiery spirit, Rani Laxmibai fought against all odds and achieved feats that few were able to. She was an inspiration for many during her lifetime and continues to inspire countless generations after her. In fact, she is immortalised in many books, movies, and songs today as an icon of strength and power. Her story serves as a reminder that no matter how great the challenge may be, resilience and bravery can conquer it all!
2. Sarojini Naidu, “The Nightingale of India”
Sarojini Naidu was an Indian independence activist, poet, and politician. She was the first female head of the Indian National Congress in 1925, and in 1947, she was the first female governor of an Indian state. She was also referred to as “The Songbird of India” because of her extraordinary oratory abilities.
In 1905, when she joined the Indian non-cooperation movement, Naidu started her advocacy. She took part in a number of anti-British protests and helped establish the Women’s India Association in 1917, which fought for women’s equality.
3. Indira Gandhi, The Iron Lady of India
Few names in Indian history evoke as much respect, admiration, and awe as Indira Gandhi. Indira Nehru, the daughter of India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, rapidly built a reputation for herself through her political savvy and strategic thinking.
Indira Gandhi was known for her tenacious character and definite plans. She was known as the “Iron Lady of India” and held the position of the prime minister of India for three periods, from 1966 to 1977 and then again from 1980 to 1984. During this period, she faced many difficulties, many of which she overcame with courage and conviction.
Under her direction, India increased its agricultural productivity and level of self-sufficiency significantly, modernised its nuclear arsenal, enacted the 43rd Amendment to the Constitution (which gave minorities broad legal protections), and forged closer ties with other countries. She also led a military coup against the Pakistani forces in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1971.
4. Annie Besant: A Former Activist in India
Annie Besant is one of the most powerful ladies in Indian history. She was an Irish-British theosophist, a women’s rights activist, and a leader of the Indian independence movement. She was also a fervent supporter of eliminating illiteracy and destitution.
She joined the Indian National Congress, abandoned it, and, in 1907, became president of the Theosophical Society. During this time, she engaged in activities to spread education in India. She also wrote books on social issues, which were widely read.
Annie Besant was an influential figure in Indian politics during the freedom struggle against British occupation. She raised funds to support exiles and those fighting for India’s freedom. She supported Mahatma Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement and led strikes to protest against increased taxes on common people, who were already struggling due to poverty and famine.
5. Kamala Nehru: A Role Model for Women’s Rights
One of the most influential ladies in Indian history was Kamala Nehru. She put a lot of effort into enacting crucial changes in women’s rights and education. She was born into an upper-middle-class family in northern India and led a very privileged existence.
However, Kamala Nehru was also a strong advocate for female emancipation. She dedicated her life to the betterment of Indian women’s lives by advocating for economic and social reform. She worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi and assisted him in promoting his spinning wheel movement.
6. Mother Teresa: An Apostle of Charity in India
Celebrate Women’s Day with us by honouring one of the most powerful ladies in Indian history. Mother Teresa, a champion of philanthropy who dedicated her life to aiding India’s most destitute citizens, is first among them.
In modern-day Macedonia, Mother Teresa was born in a small hamlet close to Skopje. She joined the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish order devoted to giving their lives to God through service when she arrived in India at the age of 18.
Her work centred on assisting people who were homeless, ill, or lacked access to education, as well as those who were living in severe poverty. In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, supported by the Indian government and its people, which eventually spread across 130 countries.
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7. Amrit Kaur, the First Woman Health Minister
Amrit Kaur was one of the most powerful women in Indian history who fought for India’s independence—she was a lawyer, activist, and politician. She was born in 1889, but she is best known for being the first woman in independent India to hold the position of a government minister.
Amrit Kaur’s work set the groundwork for contemporary public health policy in India when she was named as the Health Minister in Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet. She served on many international delegations and worked to abolish untouchability and promote equality for all people.
8. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit: A Pioneer for Indian Diplomacy
When it comes to Indian diplomacy, we can thank Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit for paving the way. She made significant contributions to Indian governance and public service while serving as the first female president of the United Nations General Assembly in 1953.
Pandit was born on August 18th, 1900, in Allahabad, and she joined the Muslim League in 1934, which launched her political career. She became India’s first female Cabinet Minister in 1947 and held various positions until 1957, most notably serving as India’s Prime Minister from 1953 to 1954.
9. Sushma Swaraj: The Energetic and Passionate Leader
The dynamic and passionate leader Sushma Swaraj must be included in the ranking of the top 9 women. She was a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and an Indian lawmaker (BJP). Throughout her career, she has held a number of prestigious positions, most famously serving as India’s Minister of External Affairs from May 26, 2014, to May 30, 2019.
Conclusion
No matter who you are and where you come from, all of us can look to the powerful women of Indian history to learn what it takes to break through gender barriers and strive for greatness. From the great poet-saint Andal to the legendary ruler Razia Sultan, there are so many women who have achieved so much in their lives despite the odds.
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It’s important to celebrate and learn from the success of these women, so take this Women’s Day to remember and honour the powerful ladies in Indian history. Celebrating their achievements and stories will inspire us to stand up for our rights and make changes for the future. Let their story motivate us to become powerful role models for the future!
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