10 great women in Indian history

India boasts a rich history, full of remarkable stories of women who have defied norms, shattered barriers, and left an indelible mark on the pages of our history. From ancient times to the present day, these tough women have illuminated the paths of many and inspired generations with their courage, intelligence, and resilience. 

At Educate Girls, we bow down to these trailblazers and wish to create many such women by providing them the avenues for education and inspiration. Join us as we celebrate 10 powerful ladies in Indian history whose legacies continue to inspire and empower the girls of today.

Famous female leaders in Indian history – tales that inspire

1. Rani Lakshmibai (1828-1858): This is one name that leaves every heart swell with pride. The Queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai, also known as the Warrior Queen, symbolised courage and valour during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Her story gives Goosebumps to everyone. During the battle, she carried her little son on her back and slayed the enemies like a fierce goddess. She led her troops heroically into battle against the East India Company, becoming a symbol of courage and patriotism.

2. Indira Gandhi (1917-1984): Also known as India’s Iron Lady, Indira Gandhi was the first and only female Prime Minister of India. She was a visionary leader who navigated the nation through very difficult times. One of the most impactful things that she did was confronting the Chinese army and stopping them from invading our part of the Himalayas. She is known for her strong leadership skills, political wisdom, and untiring determination and is certainly one of the many great women of India. Her name is unforgettable in the realm of Indian politics.

3. Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949): The Nightingale of India Sarojini Naidu, was a poet, a fierce freedom fighter, and a women’s rights activist. She was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Undoubtedly one of the most powerful ladies in Indian history, she took the battle for independence to a whole new level and gave society a reason to join the movement. Her powerful speeches and inspiring poetry stimulated millions of Indians and played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence.

4. Kalpana Chawla (1962-2003): Whenever we talk about women achievers in India, Kalpana Chawla’s name is there! She is a trailblazer in space science and has made history by becoming the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. As a NASA astronaut, she defied gravity and rose to new heights, inspiring countless women to take up careers in STEM. Even dead, she is a hero!

5. Kiran Bedi (Born 1949): Kiran Bedi is one of the most powerful women India has ever seen. Joining a profession that used to be male dominant at her time, she challenged stereotypes and broke barriers and became India’s first woman IPS officer. Her unwavering dedication to public service, strong integrity, and tireless efforts towards prison reform have earned her a lot of appreciation and respect.

6. Rani Chennama (17th Century): Yet another powerful and inspiring name in Indian history, Rani Chennamma was a great warrior and leader during the Indian struggle for independence. The queen of the Kittur Kingdom, Rani Chennama led a ferocious fight against the British East India Company. She was a skilled warrior and administrator and is sworn for her courage and tactical intelligence.

7. Amrita Sher-Gil (1913–1941): When you talk about a woman who revolutionized art, then Amrita Sher-Gil’s name comes on top. Mother of modern Indian art Amrita Sher-Gil, often addressed as India’s Frida Kahlo, transformed Indian art with her bold and expressive paintings. She was a Hungarian-Indian artist, and her beautiful paintings captured the essence of Indian life and culture. At the time when women were expected to hide behind doors, she expressed herself loudly through her art.

8. Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi (1965-1887): Just like other fields, the medical field has seen some really powerful Indian women achievers too. One such name is of Doctor Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi, who made history as the first woman from India to get a degree in Western medicine. Despite facing many difficulties, she chased her dream of becoming a doctor and paved the way for future generations to pursue a career in medicine.

9. Arundhati Roy (born 1961): A renowned writer and social activist, Arundhati Roy is a powerful voice for social justice and environmental protection in India. She represents the modern generation of writers, who do not just write stories, but act as a catalyst of change. Her book ‘The God of Small Things’ won the Booker Prize in 1997, and she continues to raise her voice against social injustice and inequality.

10. Bachendri Pal (born 1954): Bachendri Pal is an example of the fact that if a woman decides, she can scale mountains too – in her case, it was quite literal.  She conquered Mount Everest, and is the first Indian woman to do so. She crushed orthodox gender stereotypes and proved that with willpower and diligence, anything is possible. Her extraordinary achievement continues to inspire women around the world to reach for the sky.

These women are just a few examples of the many others who have made India’s history. Their stories are proof of their strength, spirit, and single-mindedness. They serve as an inspiration to future generations, reminding us that women can do anything.

 Education: empowering women to make history

Education is a powerful tool for empowering women. By providing quality education, we can help girls realize their potential and empower them to become leaders, visionaries, and agents of change. There are many Kalpana Chawlas, Dr. Anandibai Joshis and Kiran Bedis who are still waiting for their potential to be unearthed, and education is the only way to do so. From politics and literature to science and art, there are so many fields in which these girls can shine and achieve greater heights. 
As we talk about the accomplishments of the great women of India, let us work towards creating a world where every girl has the opportunity to flourish and fulfil her potential. Donate towards education of girls, and show them that you are standing right next to them while they conquer the world, waiting to write their names in history!