First in India (Female) | General Awareness & Knowledge - Bank Exams PDF Download

Introduction

From political leaders to scientists, artists to athletes, social activists to entrepreneurs, India has shaped many outstanding female personalities who have left a permanent mark on the country's history and culture. Discovering the lives and achievements of India's pioneering first females in India can offer appreciated insights into their challenges and strategies to overcome them. Some of the famous first in India female personalities are:

• Indira Gandhi
• Pratibha Patil
• Kiran Bedi
• Vijay Lakshmi Pandit,
• Annie Besant

So, these are some of the first females in India, inspiring and motivating women to pursue their goals with determination and perseverance and challenge societal norms that limit their potential. 

Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi (1917-1984) was a pioneering Indian politician and the first and only female Prime Minister of India. She was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, and served as Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977, and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. During her tenure, Gandhi introduced several significant reforms, including the nationalization of banks, the Green Revolution to boost agricultural output, and the abolition of privy purses for former princely rulers.

Achievements of Indira Gandhi

• Under her leadership, India successfully tested its first nuclear device in 1974, establishing the country’s nuclear program.
• She spearheaded the launch of India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975, marking the beginning of India’s space endeavors.
• Gandhi made notable efforts to empower women, introducing legislation to safeguard women’s rights, promote gender equality, and appointing women to prominent government positions.
• In 1969, she nationalized 14 major private banks in India, improving credit access and banking services for rural areas and supporting economic development.

Pratibha Patil

Pratibha Patil is an Indian politician who served as the 12th President of India from 2007 to 2012, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Born in Maharashtra in 1934, Patil began her political career with the Indian National Congress party. In 2007, she was chosen by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) as their candidate for President and won against Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

Achievements of Pratibha Patil

• Patil is involved in various philanthropic activities, including founding the Pratibha Patil Education Society to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children.
• Her election as President of India in 2007 marked her as the first woman to assume the role.
• Patil has been a Member of Parliament (MP) in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the lower and upper houses of the Indian Parliament, respectively.
• During her presidency, she represented India internationally, meeting world leaders and participating in global forums.

Kiran Bedi

Kiran Bedi is a prominent Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, social activist, and former tennis player. She joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1972, becoming the first woman to do so. Known for her strict and efficient approach, Bedi held various posts across India and gained recognition for her innovative community policing and prison reform methods. In 1994, she received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for her outstanding work.

Achievements of Kiran Bedi

• Bedi is celebrated for her innovative methods in policing, particularly community policing, and established initiatives such as the Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation to engage communities in law enforcement and crime prevention.
• She is well-known for her efforts in prison reform, implementing educational and vocational programs to improve prisoners' lives and reduce recidivism.
• In 1994, Kiran Bedi was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, also known as the "Asian Nobel Prize," for her exceptional contributions to community policing and prison reform.
• Bedi has been a strong advocate for women’s rights, working to increase female representation in the police force and campaigning against gender-based violence and discrimination.

Vijay Lakshmi Pandit

Vijay Lakshmi Pandit, born on August 18, 1900, in Allahabad, British India (now Uttar Pradesh, India), and passed away on December 1, 1990, was a distinguished Indian politician. Her father, Motilal Nehru, was a prominent Indian independence activist. After India gained independence in 1947, Pandit was appointed as India’s first ambassador to the United States, marking a significant milestone as the first woman to hold such a role. She also served as India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1954 to 1961.

Achievements of Vijay Lakshmi Pandit

• Pandit was a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, responsible for drafting the Indian Constitution.
• In 1937, she became the first woman Cabinet minister in India when appointed Minister for Local Self-Government and Public Health in the United Provinces.
• In 1946, Pandit was appointed as India’s ambassador to the Soviet Union, becoming the first woman to hold this position.
• She received numerous honors, including the Padma Bhushan in 1954, the Padma Vibhushan in 1961, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding in 1979.

Annie Besant

Annie Besant (1847-1933) was a British social activist, writer, and speaker, renowned for her advocacy of women's rights. She was deeply involved in theosophy, a spiritual philosophy, and wrote extensively on topics including theosophy, socialism, and women's rights. Besant also served as president of the Theosophical Society until her death.

Achievements of Annie Besant

• Besant was a strong proponent of education, particularly for girls, and established the Central Hindu College in Varanasi, India, in 1898, which later became Banaras Hindu University.
• She was dedicated to Indian nationalism and worked closely with Indian leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi.
• Besant was a key figure in the promotion of spiritualism and played a significant role in various organizations dedicated to it.
• She advocated for women's suffrage and was instrumental in founding the Women’s Freedom League in 1907.

The increased visibility and representation of women in influential roles is a positive development toward gender equality and a brighter future for women in India.

List of First in India Females 

The first female in India has influenced the country's politics, culture and society. The following list of the first female in India is mentioned below: