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India has been home to many brave and powerful female leaders who have made history with their courage, wisdom, and strong leadership. From ancient times to modern days, these female leaders have inspired the nation through their fearless actions and dedication. Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi fought bravely against the British during the Revolt of 1857. Indira Gandhi became India’s first female Prime Minister and led the country for many years. Sarojini Naidu, known as the “Nightingale of India,” played an important role in the freedom struggle and became the first female Governor of an Indian state. Other important names include Kalpana Chawla, India’s first woman in space, and Kiran Bedi, the first female IPS officer. These famous female leaders in indian history have shown that strong leadership is not limited by gender and continue to inspire generations across India.
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List of 10 Famous Female Leaders in Indian History
India has seen many inspiring women who have made history with their courage, intelligence, and leadership. Here is a list of the top 10 female leaders in history in India.
| Name | Role | Important Details |
| Rani Lakshmibai | Queen of Jhansi, Freedom Fighter | Fought bravely in the Revolt of 1857 against British rule; symbol of bravery. |
| Indira Gandhi | First Woman Prime Minister of India | Served as PM from 1966 to 1977 and 1980 to 1984; known for strong leadership. |
| Sarojini Naidu | Freedom Fighter, Poet | First Indian woman to become a state Governor; played a major role in the freedom struggle. |
| Kalpana Chawla | Astronaut | First Indian-origin woman to go to space; remembered for her achievements and sacrifice. |
| Kiran Bedi | First Woman IPS Officer | Known for police reforms; later became Lt. Governor of Puducherry. |
| Mother Teresa | Social Worker, Nobel Peace Laureate | Worked for the poor and sick in Kolkata; awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. |
| Mithali Raj | Cricketer, Sports Icon | Former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team; top run-scorer in women’s ODI history. |
| Savitribai Phule | Social Reformer, Education Pioneer | India’s first female teacher; opened the first school for girls in Pune in 1848. |
| Ahilyabai Holkar | Queen of Malwa, Great Administrator | Ruled the Malwa kingdom with wisdom and fairness; rebuilt temples and promoted Dharma. |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal | Freedom Fighter, Queen of Awadh | Fought against British forces during the Revolt of 1857; led her troops with courage. |
Famous Female Leaders in Indian History
Here is the outline of some of the most powerful and famous female leaders in Indian history:
Rani Lakshmibai
Rani Lakshmibai, the brave Queen of Jhansi, was a fearless warrior and one of the important leaders of the 1857 Revolt against British rule. Born as Manikarnika on 19 November 1828 in Varanasi, she was married to Maharaja Gangadhar Rao and adopted a son, Damodar Rao. When the British refused to accept her son’s claim to the throne, she chose to resist rather than surrender. She formed an army, including women soldiers, and fought bravely in the Battle of Jhansi. Even after Jhansi was attacked, she escaped and joined rebel leaders like Tantia Tope, continuing her fight until she was martyred in Gwalior on 18 June 1858 at the young age of 29. Her famous words “Main apni Jhansi nahi doongi” still echo in Indian history. She remains a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism, and her legacy lives on through statues, schools, and stories told across the country.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Manikarnika Tambe |
| Popular Name | Rani Lakshmibai / Queen of Jhansi |
| Born | 19 November 1828 |
| Birthplace | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Father’s Name | Moropant Tambe |
| Mother’s Name | Bhagirathi Sapre |
| Husband’s Name | Maharaja Gangadhar Rao |
| Adopted Son | Damodar Rao |
| Role in History | Leader of the 1857 Revolt |
| Famous Quote | “Main apni Jhansi nahi doongi” |
| Died | 18 June 1858 |
| Place of Death | Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh |
| Age at Death | 29 years |
| Legacy | Symbol of bravery, freedom, and patriotism |
Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi was the first and only woman Prime Minister of India and one of the strongest political leaders in the country’s history. She was born on 19 November 1917 in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, and was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister in 1966 and served for several terms. She is remembered for bold decisions like the nationalisation of banks, the Green Revolution to boost food production, and the successful leadership during the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. Her leadership was both admired and criticized, especially during the Emergency period (1975–1977). Despite challenges, she remained a powerful figure in Indian politics until she was assassinated on 31 October 1984 by her own bodyguards. Her life continues to inspire generations, and she is remembered as the “Iron Lady of India” for her strength, leadership, and dedication to the nation.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi |
| Born | 19 November 1917 |
| Birthplace | Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh |
| Father’s Name | Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru |
| Mother’s Name | Kamala Nehru |
| Education | Shantiniketan, Oxford University |
| Political Party | Indian National Congress |
| First Term as PM | 1966 – 1977 |
| Second Term as PM | 1980 – 1984 |
| Famous Achievements | Green Revolution, Bangladesh War victory (1971), Bank Nationalisation |
| Known As | Iron Lady of India |
| Major Controversy | The Emergency (1975–77) |
| Children | Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi |
| Died | 31 October 1984 |
| Legacy | India’s first woman PM, symbol of strong leadership |
Read More – The Heroic Role of Women in India’s Freedom Struggle
Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu, also known as the “Nightingale of India,” was a great freedom fighter, poet, and the first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress. She was born on 13 February 1879 in Hyderabad. She was highly educated and began writing poems at a young age, earning praise for her beautiful use of English and Indian themes. Sarojini Naidu played an active role in India’s freedom movement and worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders. She led several protests, encouraged women to participate in the struggle, and was jailed multiple times by the British. In 1947, after India’s independence, she became the first woman Governor of an Indian state (Uttar Pradesh). Her inspiring speeches, poems, and fearless spirit made her one of the most respected women in Indian history. She passed away on 2 March 1949, but her legacy as a poet and patriot continues to inspire everyone.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Sarojini Naidu |
| Born | 13 February 1879 |
| Birthplace | Hyderabad, India |
| Father’s Name | Aghornath Chattopadhyay (scientist and educationist) |
| Mother’s Name | Varada Sundari (poetess) |
| Nickname | Nightingale of India |
| Education | University of Madras, King’s College (London), Girton College (Cambridge) |
| Famous For | Poetry, role in freedom struggle, women’s empowerment |
| Political Party | Indian National Congress |
| Key Role in Freedom | Led Civil Disobedience Movement, supported Quit India Movement |
| President of INC | 1925 (First Indian woman to hold the post) |
| First Governor | Uttar Pradesh (First woman Governor in India) |
| Known For | Patriotic poems, speeches, and social reform work |
| Died | 2 March 1949 |
| Place of Death | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |
| Legacy | Freedom fighter, poet, first woman governor of India |
Kalpana Chawla
Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-born woman astronaut who made India proud by flying into space. She was born on 17 March 1962 in Karnal, Haryana. Kalpana loved flying from a young age and studied aerospace engineering in India and the United States. In 1997, she became an astronaut with NASA and flew her first space mission in 1997 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. She went on a second mission in 2003, but tragically, the shuttle disintegrated during re-entry, and she lost her life along with six other astronauts. Kalpana’s courage, dedication, and achievements continue to inspire millions, especially young girls who dream of reaching for the stars.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Kalpana Chawla |
| Born | 17 March 1962 |
| Birthplace | Karnal, Haryana, India |
| Education | Aerospace Engineering (Punjab Engineering College, USA) |
| First Space Mission | 1997, Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-87) |
| Second Space Mission | 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-107) |
| Profession | Astronaut, Aerospace Engineer |
| NASA Selection | 1994 |
| Achievements | First Indian woman in space, two space missions |
| Death | 1 February 2003 (Space Shuttle Columbia disaster) |
| Legacy | Pioneer for Indian women in space, inspirational figure for youth |
Also Read – The Heroic Role of Women in India’s Freedom Struggle
Kiran Bedi
Kiran Bedi is India’s first woman to join the Indian Police Service (IPS) and became a symbol of courage, discipline, and reform in law enforcement. Born on 9 June 1949 in Amritsar, Punjab, she worked tirelessly to improve the police system and fight corruption. Kiran Bedi is famous for her tough stance on crime and her efforts to reform prisons, especially as the Inspector General of Prisons in Tihar Jail, where she introduced education and yoga for inmates. She also played an important role in community policing and women’s empowerment. Over her career, she received many awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri. After retiring from the police, she entered politics and social work, continuing to serve the nation with dedication.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Kiran Bedi |
| Born | 9 June 1949 |
| Birthplace | Amritsar, Punjab, India |
| Profession | Police Officer, Social Activist, Politician |
| Joined IPS | 1972 |
| Famous For | First woman IPS officer, prison reforms, anti-corruption |
| Major Posting | Inspector General of Prisons, Tihar Jail |
| Awards | Padma Shri (1998), Ramon Magsaysay Award (1994) |
| Other Roles | Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry |
| Contribution | Police reforms, women empowerment, social activism |
| Legacy | Trailblazer for women in police and public service |
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa, born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on 26 August 1910 in Skopje (now in North Macedonia), was a Catholic nun and missionary who dedicated her life to helping the poor and sick. She came to India in 1929 and founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata in 1950, an organization that provides care and support to the homeless, sick, and dying. Known for her kindness, compassion, and selfless service, Mother Teresa won many awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She became a symbol of love and charity worldwide. She passed away on 5 September 1997 but remains an inspiration to millions who work for humanity and kindness.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu (Mother Teresa) |
| Born | 26 August 1910 |
| Birthplace | Skopje, North Macedonia (then Ottoman Empire) |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Founded Organization | Missionaries of Charity (1950) |
| Mission Base | Kolkata, India |
| Major Work | Caring for the poor, sick, and dying |
| Awards | Nobel Peace Prize (1979), Bharat Ratna (1980) |
| Known For | Compassion, humanitarian service |
| Died | 5 September 1997 |
| Legacy | Worldwide symbol of charity, love, and selfless service |
Also Read – 20+ Indian Freedom Fighters Name and Photo
Mithali Raj
Mithali Raj is one of India’s greatest women cricketers and a role model for aspiring athletes. Born on 3 December 1982 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, she showed talent in cricket from a young age and quickly rose to become the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team. Known for her calm and composed batting style, Mithali became the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket and led India to the finals of the Women’s World Cup in 2017. She has received many awards, including the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri, for her outstanding contribution to Indian cricket. Mithali continues to inspire millions of girls to follow their dreams in sports with dedication and hard work.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Mithali Dorai Raj |
| Born | 3 December 1982 |
| Birthplace | Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India |
| Profession | Cricketer, Captain of Indian Women’s Cricket Team |
| Role | Batter |
| International Debut | 1999 (ODI) |
| Major Achievements | Highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, led India to 2017 World Cup final |
| Awards | Arjuna Award (2003), Padma Shri (2015) |
| Known For | Graceful batting, leadership, sportsmanship |
| Legacy | Role model for women in sports, inspiration to youth |
Savitribai Phule
Savitribai Phule was a brave and pioneering social reformer and educationist who worked hard to improve the lives of women and lower-caste people in India. Born on 3 January 1831 in Maharashtra, she is known as one of the first female teachers in India and played an important role in starting schools for girls and marginalized communities at a time when education for them was rare. Along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, she fought against social evils like caste discrimination and child marriage. Savitribai’s efforts helped bring education and equality to many who were denied these basic rights. She is remembered as a symbol of women’s empowerment and social justice.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Savitribai Phule |
| Born | 3 January 1831 |
| Birthplace | Naigaon, Maharashtra, India |
| Profession | Social Reformer, Educator |
| Spouse | Jyotirao Phule |
| Known For | First female teacher in India, women’s education, social reform |
| Major Contributions | Started schools for girls and lower castes, fought against caste system and child marriage |
| Legacy | Pioneer of women’s education and social equality |
| Died | 10 March 1897 |
| Impact | Empowerment of women and oppressed communities |
Read More – The Saga of Savitribai Phule, India’s First Lady Teacher
Ahilyabai Holkar
Ahilyabai Holkar was a great queen and ruler of the Malwa kingdom in the 18th century known for her wisdom, justice, and kindness. Born in 1725 in Maharashtra, she became the queen after her husband’s death and ruled with honesty and care. Ahilyabai focused on building temples, roads, wells, and schools, improving the lives of her people. She was famous for her fair governance and support for arts and culture. Under her rule, the kingdom flourished peacefully, and she is remembered as one of India’s best and most respected women rulers.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Ahilyabai Holkar |
| Born | 1725 |
| Birthplace | Chaundi village, Maharashtra, India |
| Title | Queen of Malwa |
| Reign Period | 1767 – 1795 |
| Known For | Just and wise rule, development of infrastructure |
| Major Contributions | Built temples, roads, wells, schools; promoted arts |
| Legacy | One of the greatest women rulers in Indian history |
| Died | 13 August 1795 |
Begum Hazrat Mahal
Begum Hazrat Mahal was a brave and strong woman who played an important role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British rule. She was born in 1820 and later became the wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh (now in Uttar Pradesh). When the British took control of Awadh and tried to remove her husband, she courageously led the rebellion in Lucknow to protect her kingdom and people. Known for her leadership and patriotism, Begum Hazrat Mahal fought bravely to keep her land free from the British. She remains an important symbol of resistance and courage in Indian history.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Begum Hazrat Mahal |
| Born | 1820 |
| Birthplace | Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Spouse | Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh |
| Role | Leader in the 1857 Indian Rebellion |
| Known For | Leading the revolt in Lucknow against British |
| Major Contribution | Defended Awadh and fought British colonization |
| Legacy | Symbol of bravery and resistance against British rule |
| Died | Around 1879 (exact date unknown) |
Also Read – 50 Most Popular Women of India You Must Know!
FAQs
Indira Gandhi is often considered the most famous woman in Indian history. She was India’s first female Prime Minister and played a crucial role in shaping the country’s economy and defense. Her leadership during the 1971 war and Green Revolution made her one of India’s most influential figures.
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi is known as the strongest woman in Indian history. She bravely fought against British rule in the Revolt of 1857, leading her army with unmatched courage.
Razia Sultana, the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, is considered one of the best female rulers of India. Despite many challenges to her rule, she proved that women could lead with strength and intelligence in medieval India.
The top 10 female social reformers in India include:
1. Savitribai Phule
2. Rani Lakshmibai
3. Sarojini Naidu
4. Annie Besant
5. Mother Teresa
6. Aruna Asaf Ali
7. Pandita Ramabai
8. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
9. Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy
10. Medha Patkar
Mahatma Gandhi is often considered India’s biggest legend for leading the country to independence through non-violence. Among women, Rani Lakshmibai and Indira Gandhi are legendary figures known for their bravery and leadership.
Interesting Reads
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