Indira Gandhi (1917–1984) Prime Minister of India. 1966–1977, 1980–1984
Indira Gandhi remains the only woman to have served as the Prime Minister of India. She was a central figure in Indian politics and played a key role in shaping the nation’s direction in the 20th century.
In her first term, she introduced several significant measures, such as nationalization of banks (1969) and land reforms aimed at reducing inequalities in land ownership.
The Green Revolution of the 1960s, which made India self-sufficient in food grains, was largely attributed to her leadership and policy changes.
Indira Gandhi’s leadership during the 1971 India-Pakistan war led to the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation. This marked a significant turning point in South Asian geopolitics.
One of the most controversial periods of her tenure, the Emergency was declared by Gandhi in 1975, suspending elections and curtailing civil liberties. It was a response to political unrest and her court battle over election results. Her decision remains a subject of debate in Indian political history.
Indira Gandhi was re-elected in 1980 after a period of political instability. Her second tenure saw significant developments, such as continued efforts for economic modernization and handling of the Punjab insurgency. The military operation Blue Star in 1984, which aimed to remove militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, led to significant unrest.
Indira Gandhi was tragically assassinated on 31 October 1984 by her own Sikh bodyguards, in the aftermath of the Operation Blue Star. Her assassination led to widespread violence and unrest, particularly against the Sikh community.
Her legacy remains one of both admiration for her political achievements and controversy for the more authoritarian aspects of her rule.
