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List of Firsts in India (Female) static general knowledge for competitive exams UPSC SSC,RRB Railway entrance exams general knowledge topic
It's no secret that women in India have achieved some truly groundbreaking milestones throughout history. Whether in politics, sports, or science, these remarkable women have paved the way for the generations to come. Let’s delve into the list of firsts that women in India have accomplished and celebrate their incredible achievements.
This is a list of women's firsts noting the first time that a woman or women achieved a given historical feat.
| Category | Name |
| First Woman President of India | Pratibha Devi Singh Patil |
| First Woman Prime Minister of India | Indira Gandhi |
| First Woman Governor of Indian State | Sarojani Naidu |
| First Woman ruler of Delhi Throne | Razia Sultan |
| First Woman IPS Office | Kiran Bedi |
| First Woman Chief Minister of Indian State | Sucheta Kripalani (UP) |
| First Woman Union Minister | Rajkumari Amrit Kaur |
| First Woman President of Indian National Congress | Annie Besant |
| First Woman Judge of Supreme Court | Meera Sahib Fatima Bibi |
| First Woman to get Ashoka Chakra | Nirja Mishra |
| First Indian Woman Ambassador at United Nations | Vijayalakshmi Pandit |
| First Indian Woman to swim across the English Channel | Arati Saha Gupta |
| First Indian Woman to get the Noble Prize | Mother Teresa |
| First Indian Woman to climb the Mount Everest | Bachendri Pal |
| First Indian Woman to become Miss World | Reita Faria |
| First Indian Woman to become Miss Universe | Sushmita Sen |
| First Indian Woman to climb Mt. Everest twice | Santosh Yadav |
| First Indian Woman to get Bharat Ratna | Indira Gandhi |
| First Indian Woman to win WTA Title | Sania Mirza |
| First Indian Woman Airline Pilot | Durga Banerjee |
| First Indian Woman president of INC | Sarojani Naidu |
| First Indian Woman to win Booker Prize | Arundhati Roy |
| First Indian Woman to go into Space | Kalpana Chawla |
| First Woman to get Jnanpith Award | Ashapurna Devi |
| First Woman Musician to get Bharat Ratna | M.S. Subbulakshmi |
| First Woman Chief Justice of High Court | Leela Seth |
| First Woman Pilot in Indian Air Force | Harita Kaur Dayal |
| First Indian woman to win the Olympic Medal | Karnam Malleswari |
| First Woman Lieutenant General | Puneeta Arora |
| First Indian woman appeared on Time Magazine cover | Parveen Babi |
| First Indian woman to receive Bharat Ratna | Mrs. Indira Gandhi |
| First Indian woman to receive Ashoka Chakra | Neerja Bhanot |
| First Indian and last Muslim woman ruler of India | Razia Sultan |
| First Indian woman IPS officer | Mrs. Kiran Bedi |
| First Indian woman Lieutenant General | Puneeta Arora |
| First Indian woman Chief Justice of High Court | Mrs. Leela Seth (Himachal Pradesh High Court) |
| First woman Judge of India | Anna Chandy (She became the judge in a district court in 1937) |
| First Indian woman Director General of Police | Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya |
| First Indian woman Chairman of Union Public Service Commission | Roze Millian Bethew |
| First Indian woman Lawyer | Cornelia Sorabjee |
| First Indian woman to win Gold Medal in Asian Games | Kamlijit Sandhu |
| First Indian woman Olympic Medal Winner | Karnam Malleswari, 2000 |
| First Indian woman Honours Graduate | Kamini Roy, 1886 |
| First Indian woman who got Graduates degree | Kadambini Ganguly and Chandramukhi Basu, 1883 |
| First Indian woman President of United Nations General Assembly | Mrs. Vijay Laxmi Pandit |
| First Indian woman Minister in a Government | Rajkumari Amrit Kaur |
| First Indian woman Speaker of a State Assembly | Shanno Devi |
| First woman Ambassador from India | Mrs. C.B. Muthamma |
| First Indian woman judge in Supreme Court | Mrs. Meera Sahib Fatima Bibi |
First Women in Indian Politics
When talking about female firsts in India, one cannot overlook Indira Gandhi. She became the first woman Prime Minister of India in 1966. Her leadership not only marked a significant moment in Indian politics but also inspired women worldwide.
First Female Athletes Breaking Barriers
In the realm of sports, Karnam Malleswari holds a special place as the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. Her bronze in weightlifting at the 2000 Sydney Olympics was a moment of pride for the entire nation.
Trailblazers in Education and Sciences
The world of education and science also boasts exceptional Indian women. Anandibai Joshi broke barriers as the first Indian woman physician, earning her degree in 1886 from the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania.
Pioneering Figures in Aviation
Flying high above societal expectations, Sarla Thakral became the first Indian woman to fly an aircraft in 1936 at just 21 years old, heralding a new dawn for Indian women in aviation.
First Female Leaders in Business
In the cutthroat world of business, Kalpana Morparia emerged as a trailblazer, becoming the CEO of JP Morgan India. Her journey demonstrates how Indian women can excel in the corporate world.
Shaping Media and Entertainment
Entertainment and media are no strangers to brilliant female leaders. Fatma Begum, as the first female film director in India, paved the way for countless women in the industry.
First Women in the Indian Armed Forces
The Indian armed forces have also seen their share of pioneering women. Priya Jhingan became the first woman cadet to join the Indian Army in 1992, clearing the path for all who followed.
First Female Judges and Lawyers
In the judicial domain, Justice Anna Chandy stands out as the first female judge in India. Appointed in 1937, she shattered glass ceilings in a predominantly male field.
Pioneers in Literature and Arts
Indian literature and arts have been enriched by women like Toru Dutt, who gained recognition as one of the first Indian women to write novels in English, with her work serving as a source of inspiration for many aspiring writers.
Cultural Icons Leading New Trends
From fashion to social movements, women have led the charge in cultural transformations across India. Ritu Kumar, often credited as the first woman fashion designer in India, revolutionized the Indian fashion scene.
First Female Activists Championing Change
Women have always been at the forefront of activism in India. Savitri Phule was one of the earliest female activists, founding India's first school for girls in 1848.
First Explorers and Adventurers
The spirit of adventure is alive and well among Indian women. Bachendri Pal became a national icon as the first Indian woman to summit Mount Everest in 1984, continuing to inspire women everywhere to aim high—quite literally.
Celebrating Progress and Inspiring Future Generations
The impact of these pioneering women is monumental, shaping the fabric of Indian society and inspiring countless others on their path to greatness. Their stories are a reminder that no barrier is too great when fueled by determination and vision. As we look to the future, it's exciting to imagine the firsts that coming generations of women will achieve.
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