India is a country with a rich history, and the pages of Indian history are filled by the stories of remarkable women. From politics to philanthropy to science to art and literature, there is no lack of wonderful women in any domain in India.
From ancient times to the modern era, Indian women have left an indelible mark on society, breaking barriers and inspiring generations with their courage and determination.
Top 10 Most Famous Indian Women
The stories of women are a way to gain an insight into how women have shaped Indian society and continue to inspire change around the world.
In this article, we pay homage to ten women from different fields who have carved their names in the pages of Indian history, each a beacon of hope and empowerment in their own right.
But remember, your list of top famous Indian women can be different from ours, and there’s nothing wrong in that!
So, presenting to you the list of top 10 most famous Indian women!
10. Mary Kom (Born 1983)
| Famous Indian Women
A six-time world champion boxer and the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each of the six weight categories contested at the World Championships. She is also an Olympic bronze medalist.
Mary Kom, a renowned Indian boxer, was born on March 1, 1982, in Manipur, India. From humble beginnings, she defied societal norms to pursue her passion for boxing. Despite facing numerous challenges, she became a beacon of inspiration, showcasing exceptional resilience and determination throughout her career. Mary Kom’s relentless pursuit of excellence has earned her the nickname “Magnificent Mary” and made her a symbol of hope for aspiring athletes worldwide.
Throughout her illustrious career, Mary Kom has achieved remarkable feats, including winning multiple world championships and an Olympic bronze medal. Her unparalleled dedication to the sport has garnered widespread recognition, with accolades such as the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Arjuna Award. Mary Kom’s unwavering commitment to her craft and her ability to overcome adversity have solidified her status as one of India’s most revered sporting icons, inspiring generations to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
9. Arundhati Roy (Born 1961)
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Number 9 on our list of famous Indian Women is Arundhati Roy. Arundhati Roy is an award-winning Indian author best known for her debut novel “The God of Small Things”. This critically acclaimed book went on to win the Man booker prize in 1997.
Roy is a powerful voice in Indian Literature and activism. She is a fierce critic of social and political injustices, particularly regarding environmental issues and human rights violations.
Arundhati Roy was born into a Keralite Syrian Christian family in Shillong, Meghalaya, India. Her mother was a social activist and women’s rights advocate, while her father was a tea planter.
Roy studied architecture at the National Institute of Technology (NIT). However, she left her studies before completing her degree and moved to Delhi to pursue a career in writing and activism.
8. Sarojini Naidu (1879-1942)
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Sarojini Naidu is famous for being a poet, writer, and also political activist who played a key role in the Indian independence movement. She was also the first woman president of the Indian National Congress.
Sarojini, also known as the “Nightingale of India” for her beautiful poetry, is a celebrated figure in Indian history. Born in 1879, she excelled in her studies, becoming the first Indian woman to be president of the Indian National Congress. This prestigious role placed her at the forefront of India’s fight for independence.
Naidu was a passionate advocate, using her political activism and her literary talents to inspire India. She championed the cause of women’s rights and tirelessly promoted unity between religious communities.
7. Kalpana Chawla (Born 1962)
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Kalapana Chawla was the first woman of Indian origin in space, she was an astronaut who flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 and tragically lost her life in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003.
From a young age, Kalpana Chawla dreamt of soaring among the stars. Born in Karnal, India in 1962, her fascination with airplanes began early. This curiosity blossomed into a passion for aerospace engineering, leading her to pursue degrees in the US. Her hard work and exceptional skills paid off when she became a naturalized U.S. citizen and was selected for the NASA astronaut corps in 1994.
Chawla’s dedication propelled her to become the first Indian-born woman in space. Her first mission in 1997 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia made history. She returned to space in 2003, tragically losing her life along with the crew when the Columbia disintegrated during re-entry. Though her life was cut short, Kalpana Chawla’s legacy lives on. She is an inspiration to millions, a symbol of reaching for the stars and achieving the seemingly impossible.
6. Rani Lakshmibai | Famous Indian Women
One of the unmissable personality in the list of famous Indian Women is Queen Lakshmibai, aka Rani of Jhansi (Queen of Jhansi) was one of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Due to her fierce bravery,, she became a symbol of resistance to British rule in India.
Born Manikarnika Tambe in 1828, she defied expectations for a young Brahmin girl. Rani Lakshmibai trained in sword fighting and horse riding, skills that would prove crucial later in life.
In 1842, she married the Maharaja of Jhansi and became Lakshmibai. When the Maharaja died heirless, the British East India Company tried to seize Jhansi using a policy called the “Doctrine of Lapse.” Despite the immense pressure, the queen refused to surrender. She famously declared “I will never give up Jhansi!” which is still remembered in Indian stories.
5. Lata Mangeshkar (1929-2022)
| Famous Indian Women
It won’t be unfair to say Lata mageshkar is the most well known singers in India.
Born in 1929 in a family of artists, she was immersed in the world of music from a young age. Her father recognized her talent and began training her early. Tragedy struck when her father passed away, but Lata, the eldest of five siblings, rose to the challenge. She began her singing career at just 13 and quickly rose to prominence .
Lata Mangeshkar’s enchanting voice became the soundtrack of India for over seven decades.
Nicknamed the “Nightingale of India,” Lata captivated audiences with her soulful voice that spanned genres and emotions. She sang for countless films, becoming the voice of leading ladies for generations.
Her dedication to music earned her a multitude of accolades. Lata Mangeshkar received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honor in cinema, and ultimately the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian award. With countless other awards and recognitions, Lata Mangeshkar’s place as a musical legend and cultural icon remains undisputed.
4. Sania Mirza (Born 1986)
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Anyone familiar with the Indian sports scene knows who Sania Mirza is. She is a tennis legend in India.
Born in 1986, Sania started playing at the young age of six and quickly showed her potential. During her career, she has excelled in both singles and doubles but her biggest wins have been in doubles.
In 2015, she reached the coveted world no. 1 ranking in tennis. Sania has amassed a total of six grand slam titles so far including three in women’s doubles and three in mixed doubles.
Sania is an icon in India who inspires young girls to defy stereotypes and pursue their dreams in sports.
3. Aishwarya Rai (Born 1973)
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Aishwarya Rai was born on November 1, 1973, in Mangalore, Karnataka. Coming from a middle-class South Indian family, Aishwarya was encouraged to pursue her interests from a young age. She displayed a natural flair for academics and the arts, excelling in both studies and extracurricular activities.
Aishwarya Rai’s remarkable beauty and talent soon catapulted her to fame, winning her the Miss World title in 1994, marking the beginning of a prolific career in the entertainment industry.
Over the years, she has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards for her performances in both Bollywood and Hollywood films, establishing herself as one of India’s most iconic and influential actresses.
Beyond her acting career, Aishwarya is known for her philanthropic endeavors, serving as a goodwill ambassador for various charitable causes and using her platform to advocate for social change.
2. Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
| Famous Indian Women
Mother Teresa, born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, was an Albanian-Indian Catholic nun who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor. In 1929, at the age of 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland and later moved to India where she taught for nearly two decades. A powerful calling led her to leave the convent in 1946 and establish the Missionaries of Charity, a religious order helping the sick, dying, and forgotten in Calcutta’s slums.
Mother Teresa’s order grew rapidly, opening hospices, mobile clinics, and orphanages across India and eventually the world. Her tireless work and simple message of love for the destitute earned her international recognition. In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian efforts. Despite criticism surrounding her religious views and methods, Mother Teresa’s unwavering commitment to caring for those in dire need remains a powerful inspiration.
1. Indira Gandhi (1917-1984)
| Famous Indian Women
Indira Gandhi was a force to be reckoned with in Indian politics. The daughter of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, she followed in his footsteps, becoming the country’s first ever female Prime Minister in 1966.
Indira Gandhi was the prime minister of India during critical times such as the 1971 Bangladesh war. Her strong leadership and her push for national security, including India’s nuclear program, solidified her image as a powerful leader on the world stage. However, the methods used to achieve some of these goals remain a subject of discussion.
Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant reforms. She nationalized major banks to make credit more accessible to the underprivileged and launched “Garibi Hatao” (Eradicate Poverty) programs to address rural development. Indira Gandhi’s legacy remains complex and debated, but there’s no doubt she was a transformative figure in modern India.
Conclusion | Top 10 Famous Indian Women
So, this was the list of top 10 famous Indian women who have made a lasting impact on their country and internationally as well. Here is a summary of the list:
- Indira Gandhi
- Mother Teresa
- Aishwarya Rai
- Sania Mirza
- Lata Mangeshkar
- Rani Lakshmibai
- Kalpana Chawla
- Sarojini Naidu
- Arundhati Roy
- Mary Kom
