Throughout history, Indian women have made significant contributions in a variety of fields, from politics and social reform to science and the arts. These women have defied societal expectations, broken barriers, and reshaped the course of history with their remarkable achievements. At Oxford Summer Courses, we celebrate the legacy of these inspiring women and encourage our students to pursue their own leadership paths.

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Here are 15 famous Indian females who have left an indelible mark on history through their significant contributions.

1. Indira Gandhi (1917–1984)

Indira Gandhi was the first and, to date, the only female Prime Minister of India. Her leadership during critical moments such as the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and her bold domestic policies made her one of the most powerful women in Indian history.

Famous works and achievements:

• Prime Ministership (1966–1977, 1980–1984) - Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister saw the nationalisation of banks and the Green Revolution, which improved agricultural productivity in India.
• Operation Blue Star (1984) - A controversial military operation ordered by Gandhi to remove separatists from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Awards and Legacy:

• Gandhi was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1971, India’s highest civilian honour. Her leadership remains both celebrated and critiqued, but her influence on Indian politics is undeniable.

2. Sarojini Naidu (1879–1949)

Sarojini Naidu was an Indian independence activist and poet, known as the “Nightingale of India.” She was a prominent leader in the Indian National Congress and became the first woman to serve as a governor in independent India.

Famous works:

• Golden Threshold (1905) - Naidu’s first collection of poems, which brought her recognition as a talented poet.
• The Broken Wing (1917) - A collection of poems that reflect on themes of freedom and social justice.

Awards and Legacy:

• Naidu was awarded the Kaiser-i-Hind Medal by the British government in 1918 for her work during the plague epidemic, although she later returned it as a protest against British rule. Her contributions to both literature and the Indian independence movement remain highly regarded.

3. Kalpana Chawla (1962–2003)

Kalpana Chawla was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. As a NASA astronaut, she inspired a generation of women to pursue careers in science and engineering.

Famous works and achievements:

• STS-87 and STS-107 Space Missions - Chawla flew two space missions with NASA, the second of which tragically ended in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.
• Advancements in aerospace engineering - Chawla made significant contributions to NASA’s research and space exploration.

Awards and Legacy:

• Chawla was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honour and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Schools and institutions worldwide have been named in her honour, and her legacy continues to inspire aspiring astronauts.

4. Mother Teresa (1910–1997)

Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, was a Catholic nun and missionary who devoted her life to serving the poor and sick in India. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation that continues her work around the world.

Famous works and achievements:

• Founding the Missionaries of Charity (1950) - An organisation that provides care to the poorest and most vulnerable, with a global presence today.
• Humanitarian Work - Mother Teresa’s work with the sick, dying, and impoverished earned her international recognition.

Awards and Legacy:

• Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and posthumously canonised as Saint Teresa of Calcutta in 2016. Her selfless service to humanity remains an inspiration to people of all faiths and backgrounds.

5. Arundhati Roy (1961– )

Arundhati Roy is an Indian author and activist best known for her novel The God of Small Things, which won the Man Booker Prize. She has also been an outspoken critic of globalisation, environmental destruction, and human rights abuses.

Famous works:

• The God of Small Things (1997) - Roy’s debut novel, which won the Man Booker Prize and brought her international fame.
• The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2017) - A critically acclaimed novel that explores themes of politics, caste, and identity.

Awards and Legacy:

• Roy has won numerous literary awards, including the Sydney Peace Prize. Her activism and literary achievements have made her one of the most influential contemporary writers in India.

6. Lata Mangeshkar (1929–2022)

Lata Mangeshkar was one of India’s most revered playback singers, with a career spanning over seven decades. Her voice became synonymous with Bollywood, and she sang in over 1,000 films in various Indian languages.

Famous works and achievements:

• Playback Singing - Mangeshkar’s iconic voice graced numerous Bollywood films, earning her the title “Nightingale of India.”
• Philanthropy - She supported various charitable causes throughout her life, using her fame to give back to society.

Awards and Legacy:

• Mangeshkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 2001, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1989 for her contribution to Indian cinema. Her music continues to be loved by generations across the world.

7. Kamala Harris (1964– )

Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States, is of Indian and Jamaican descent. Before becoming Vice President, Harris served as the Attorney General of California and as a U.S. Senator.

Famous works and achievements:

• Vice Presidency - Harris became the first woman and first person of South Asian descent to serve as Vice President of the United States.
• Attorney General of California - Harris was the first woman to hold this office in California, focusing on criminal justice reform and consumer protection.

Awards and Legacy:

• Harris’s election as Vice President shattered numerous glass ceilings. Her legacy as a politician continues to evolve, but she is already recognised as a trailblazer in American politics.

8. Kiran Bedi (1949– )

Kiran Bedi is India’s first female police officer and a social activist who has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of prisoners and women. Her leadership in the Indian Police Service (IPS) broke barriers for women in law enforcement.

Famous works and achievements:

• Prison Reform - Bedi’s reforms at Tihar Jail in New Delhi, which focused on rehabilitation and education for prisoners, became a model for other institutions.
• Anti-corruption Movement - She has been an outspoken advocate for transparency and accountability in governance.

Awards and Legacy:

• Bedi has received numerous accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for government service. Her work has paved the way for future generations of women in law enforcement and public service.

9. Amrita Sher-Gil (1913–1941)

Amrita Sher-Gil was an iconic Indian-Hungarian painter, considered one of the most important modern artists of the 20th century. Her work drew from both Indian and European artistic traditions, and she is often referred to as India’s Frida Kahlo.

Famous works:

• Group of Three Girls (1935) - One of her most famous paintings, depicting rural Indian women.
• Self-Portraits - Sher-Gil’s self-portraits are known for their introspective depth and unique style.

Awards and Legacy:

• Though her career was cut short by her untimely death, Sher-Gil’s work has been celebrated posthumously. She was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, and her paintings continue to be exhibited around the world.

10. Irom Sharmila (1972– )

Irom Sharmila is a civil rights activist from Manipur, India, best known for her 16-year-long hunger strike in protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which grants special powers to the military in conflict zones.

Famous works and achievements:

• Hunger Strike - Sharmila’s protest, one of the longest hunger strikes in history, brought international attention to the issue of human rights abuses in India’s northeast.
• Political Candidacy - In 2017, she ended her fast and entered politics, continuing her fight for justice.

Awards and Legacy:

• Sharmila has received international recognition for her activism, including the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights. Her commitment to nonviolent protest has earned her comparisons to Mahatma Gandhi.

11. Shakuntala Devi (1929–2013)

Shakuntala Devi, known as the “Human Computer,” was an Indian mathematician and writer who gained fame for her extraordinary ability to solve complex mathematical problems mentally.

Famous works and achievements: World Record - Devi’s calculation of the 23rd root of a 201-digit number in 50 seconds earned her a place in the Guinness World Records. Writings on Mathematics - She authored several books, including The Joy of Numbers and Puzzles to Puzzle You.

Awards and Legacy:

• Devi’s remarkable mathematical abilities continue to inspire students and mathematicians around the world. Her legacy was commemorated in the 2020 biographical film Shakuntala Devi, highlighting her contributions to the field of mathematics.

12. Priyanka Chopra Jonas (1982– )

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is a global icon who has achieved success in both Bollywood and Hollywood. She is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and a champion for gender equality and education.

Famous works:

• Bollywood and Hollywood Films - Chopra Jonas has starred in major films such as Barfi! (2012), Mary Kom (2014), and Baywatch (2017).
• Memoir: Unfinished (2021) - Her memoir details her journey from Miss World to becoming an international superstar.

Awards and Legacy:

• Chopra Jonas has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri and several Filmfare Awards. She continues to use her platform to advocate for social causes and remains one of India’s most successful global exports.

13. Savitribai Phule (1831–1897)

Savitribai Phule was a social reformer and educator who, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, played a crucial role in the education of girls and the upliftment of the oppressed in India.

Famous works and achievements:

• First Female Teacher of India - Phule established the first school for girls in India in 1848.
• Fight Against Caste Discrimination - Phule and her husband worked to eradicate caste-based discrimination and championed the rights of the downtrodden.

Awards and Legacy:

• Phule is regarded as one of India’s earliest feminists. Her contributions to education and social reform have been widely recognised, and her legacy continues to inspire educators and activists across India.

14. Rani Lakshmibai (1828–1858)

Rani Lakshmibai, also known as the Rani of Jhansi, was one of the leading figures in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British colonial rule. Her bravery and leadership during the rebellion have made her a national symbol of resistance.

Famous works and achievements:

• Indian Rebellion of 1857 - Lakshmibai’s defence of Jhansi during the rebellion against British forces is legendary.
• Heroic Legacy - Her fight against the British colonial rulers inspired future generations of Indian freedom fighters.

Awards and Legacy:

• Though Lakshmibai died in battle, she remains a symbol of resistance and courage in India. Numerous films, books, and statues have commemorated her life and contributions to the Indian independence movement.

15. Mary Kom (1982– )

Mary Kom is an Indian boxer and politician, known as the only woman to win the World Amateur Boxing Championship six times. She has become a symbol of perseverance and determination, representing India on the global stage.

Famous works and achievements:

• World Championships - Kom’s remarkable career in boxing includes six World Championship titles.
• Bronze Medal at the 2012 Olympics - Kom made history as the first Indian woman boxer to win an Olympic medal.

Awards and Legacy:

• Kom has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, and the Padma Shri for her contributions to Indian sport. Her life and career have inspired a generation of athletes and women in India.

How did the personal experiences and backgrounds of these famous Indian females influence their achievements?

The personal experiences of these remarkable women played a key role in shaping their achievements. For example, Indira Gandhi’s upbringing in a politically active family influenced her leadership style, while Kalpana Chawla’s fascination with space from a young age inspired her career as an astronaut. Each of these women has drawn from her background to make significant contributions to her field.

What challenges did these famous Indian females face during their careers, and how did they overcome them?

Many of these women faced significant challenges, including gender discrimination, societal expectations, and political opposition. However, their resilience and determination allowed them to overcome these obstacles. For instance, Rani Lakshmibai fought against British colonial rule, while Irom Sharmila’s hunger strike for human rights brought attention to injustices in India’s northeast.

How did the contributions of these women impact broader social and cultural movements?

The contributions of these women have had far-reaching effects on Indian society and global movements. Savitribai Phule’s work in education laid the foundation for girls’ education in India, while Mother Teresa’s humanitarian efforts inspired people around the world. The legacies of these women continue to shape social and cultural movements today.

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About the author

Rhys Mackenzie is the Website Marketing Manager at Oxford Summer Courses. With extensive experience in SEO and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that Oxford has to offer. Their previous role at Experience Oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. Learn more about Rhys here.