Kadambini Ganguly and Chandramukhi Basu hold the distinction of being the first woman graduates in India, a groundbreaking achievement that significantly advanced the cause of women’s education and empowerment in the country. Their graduation in 1883 marked a major milestone in Indian history, challenging societal norms and paving the way for future generations of women to access higher education.

 Kadambini Ganguly (also known as Kadambini Dutta) , 18 July 1861 , Bhagalpur, Bihar, India

• Family Background: Kadambini came from a progressive Bengali family that valued education. Her father, Braja Kishore Dutta, was an educator who strongly supported her academic pursuits.
  • Kadambini was one of the first two women to be admitted to the Calcutta University.
  • She graduated in 1883 with a degree in Bachelor of Arts (BA), making her the first female graduate in India, a remarkable achievement at a time when girls’ education was highly controversial and women were generally not encouraged to pursue formal education.
  • Kadambini went on to become a doctor in a male-dominated profession. She was the first female graduate to study medicine at the Calcutta Medical College, and later, she became the first woman in India to receive a medical degree.
  • Beyond her academic achievements, she was also involved in social reform and advocacy for women’s rights. She became a member of the Brahmo Samaj and worked towards the empowerment of women.
  • She played an active role in women’s education, particularly in promoting the idea that women should have the same opportunities for education as men.
  • Kadambini Ganguly is remembered as a trailblazer for women’s education and women’s rights in India. She was instrumental in opening the doors for future generations of women to pursue higher education and professional careers, defying the rigid societal norms of the time.

• Chandramukhi Basu ,  1850 , Bengal, India
• Family Background: Chandramukhi Basu came from a respected and educated family. Her father, Kishori Mohan Banerjee, was a well-known scholar and educator.
  • Chandramukhi Basu completed her education at Bethune School in Kolkata, one of the first schools to admit girls in India.
  • She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1883, alongside Kadambini Ganguly. This made her one of the first women graduates in India.
  • In addition to her degree, she was proficient in Bengali, English, and other subjects, excelling in academics despite the societal challenges faced by women in that era.
  • Chandramukhi Basu was not only a graduate but also a writer, social reformer, and educator. She was deeply involved in promoting women’s education and was an advocate for women’s rights.
  • She also worked as a teacher and administrator in schools that encouraged the education of girls.
  • Basu was a member of the Brahmo Samaj, an organization that played a major role in social and religious reform in India. She was an active proponent of the idea that women should have equal access to education.
  • Chandramukhi Basu’s work and achievements are often overshadowed by her contemporaries, but she was equally important in the early women’s education movement in India.
  • She was an inspiration to many, and her legacy continues to influence the advocacy for women’s rights and education in India.

• Breaking Barriers: Kadambini Ganguly and Chandramukhi Basu’s success was not just a personal achievement but a social revolution. In the 19th century, society in India was largely conservative, and education for women was seen as radical. Their accomplishments challenged deep-rooted societal norms and inspired countless other women to pursue education and careers that were previously considered inaccessible to them.
• Pioneers in Women’s Education: These two women were among the first generation to break barriers in education for women, setting a precedent for future generations. Their achievements led to the establishment of more opportunities for women’s education across India and contributed to the emergence of a more progressive society.
• Legacy of Empowerment: Kadambini and Chandramukhi were not just graduates; they were pioneers in women’s rights, setting the foundation for a broader movement toward gender equality. Their legacy continues to inspire women educators, doctors, social activists, and leaders across the world.

Kadambini Ganguly and Chandramukhi Basu hold a special place in Indian history as the first women graduates in the country. Their academic achievements in 1883 were monumental not only because they defied societal norms but also because they helped lay the foundation for the women’s education movement in India. They were both role models, proving that women could excel in higher education and professional fields, and they remain symbols of empowerment, resilience, and progress for women in India.