Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi was an Indian politician and stateswoman who served as India’s first female prime minister, from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.

Indira Gandhi is no relation to the Mahatma. Indira Gandhi was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru. The name “Gandhi” is common in India, and came to her by marriage.

Her father, Jawaharlal Nehru, was a leader in the fight for India’s independence from British rule, so it was natural for Indira to become a supporter of this struggle. One tactic of India’s nationalist movement was to reject foreign — particularly British — products. At a young age, Indira witnessed a bonfire of foreign goods. Later, the 5-year-old chose to burn her own beloved doll because the toy had been made in England.

At the age of 12, she formed the “Vanar Sena” (Monkey Brigade) of young revolutionaries to support India’s independence movement. The group helped pass messages, put up notices, and carry flags.

When she first became Prime Minister in 1966, some older male party leaders underestimated her, calling her a “Goongi Gudiya” (Hindi for “dumb doll”). She quickly shattered that image with her decisive and resilient leadership, later earning the nickname “Iron Lady” from Henry Kissinger.

 She was jailed for eight months in 1942 for her involvement in the Quit India Movement, demonstrating her deep commitment to the independence struggle.

Bangladesh Liberation: Her decisive leadership during the 1971 war with Pakistan was crucial to the creation of independent Bangladesh. After the victory, she was famously hailed as “Goddess Durga” by opposition leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Bank Nationalization: In 1969, she defied the senior party leadership by unilaterally nationalizing 14 of India’s largest commercial banks. This populist move significantly expanded access to credit for farmers and small businesses.

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