International Women's Day 2024: 10 greatest and most powerful women in Indian history

India's storied past is adorned with remarkable women who have left an enduring legacy through their remarkable achievements and unwavering leadership. Here, we pay tribute to 10 extraordinary figures from Indian history, excluding contemporary and post-20th century personalities, whose contributions have shaped the nation and inspired generations.

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Rani Lakshmibai, also known as the Queen of Jhansi, was one of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against the British rule. She was born in 1828 and became the queen of Jhansi after marrying the king. She was widowed at a young age and refused to surrender her kingdom to the British, who wanted to annex it under the Doctrine of Lapse. She fought bravely against the British forces, leading her own army and inspiring many others to join the rebellion. She died in 1858 in the Battle of Gwalior, but her legacy lives on as a symbol of resistance and patriotism.

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Razia Sultana was the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, a medieval Islamic kingdom that ruled over most of India from the 13th to the 16th century. She was born in 1205 and ascended the throne in 1236 after the death of her father, Sultan Iltutmish. She was a capable and wise ruler who implemented many reforms, such as improving the administration, promoting education, and granting equal rights to women. Despite facing opposition from the nobility and clergy, she implemented progressive reforms, promoting education and administration. She was killed in 1240 by one of her rivals, but her reign is remembered as a golden era of the Delhi Sultanate.

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Ahilyabai Holkar was the queen of the Maratha Malwa kingdom, a powerful Hindu state that emerged in central India in the 18th century. She was born in 1725 and married the king of Malwa, Khanderao Holkar, in 1733. She became the queen regent in 1767 after the death of her husband and son, and ruled for 30 years until her death in 1795. She was a benevolent and devout ruler who patronized many temples, schools, and charitable institutions. She also maintained peace and prosperity in her kingdom, despite the turbulent times of wars and invasions. She is regarded as one of the greatest women rulers in Indian history.

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Nur Jahan was the empress of the Mughal Empire, the largest and most influential Islamic empire in Indian history. She was born in 1577 and married the emperor Jahangir in 1611. She became the most powerful and influential woman in the Mughal court, and effectively co-ruled the empire with her husband. She was a patron of arts, culture, trade, and architecture, and commissioned many monuments, gardens, and mosques. She also played a key role in the political and military affairs of the empire, and influenced the succession of her stepson, Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal. She died in 1645, but her legacy is evident in Mughal culture and heritage.

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Savitribai Phule was a social reformer, educator, and poet who fought for the rights of women, lower caste people, and the oppressed in the 19th century. She was born in 1831 and married Jyotirao Phule, a fellow reformer, in 1840. She was the first female teacher in India, and opened the first school for girls in 1848. She also founded several other schools, orphanages, and women’s associations. She campaigned against child marriage, sati, caste discrimination, and gender inequality.

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Sarojini Naidu was a poet, politician, and freedom fighter who played a prominent role in the Indian independence movement. She was born in 1879 and studied in India and England. She joined the Indian National Congress in 1905 and became one of the leaders of the nationalist movement. She was also a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, and participated in many civil disobedience campaigns and protests. She was the first Indian woman to become the president of the Congress in 1925, and the first woman to become the governor of an Indian state in 1947.

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Mirabai was a mystic, saint, and poet who is revered as one of the greatest devotees of Lord Krishna. She was born in 1498 and married the prince of Mewar, a Rajput kingdom in western India, in 1516. She was deeply devoted to Krishna and expressed her love and devotion through her songs and poems. She also defied the norms and traditions of her time, such as the caste system, the purdah system, and the practice of sati. She faced many hardships and persecutions from her in-laws and the society, but remained steadfast in her faith and devotion. She is believed to have miraculously disappeared into the image of Krishna in 1546, but her songs and poems are still sung and recited by millions of people.

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Rani Chennamma was the queen of Kittur, a small principality in southern India, and one of the earliest Indian rulers to resist the British colonialism. She was born in 1778 and became the queen of Kittur in 1824 after the death of her husband. She adopted a son as her heir, but the British refused to recognize him and tried to annex her kingdom under the Doctrine of Lapse. She resisted the British invasion and fought two wars against them in 1824 and 1829.

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Akka Mahadevi was a poet, philosopher, and saint who was one of the pioneers of the Bhakti movement, a religious and social movement that emphasized personal devotion to God and challenged the caste and gender hierarchies. She was born in 1130 and renounced her worldly life and marriage at a young age to pursue her spiritual quest. She was a devotee of Shiva, a Hindu deity, and wrote many vachanas, or short poems, expressing her love and devotion to him. She also rejected the conventions of society and wandered naked, wearing only her long hair as a garment. She is considered one of the greatest poets and mystics of India.

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Chand Bibi was a princess, regent, and warrior who ruled over two kingdoms in the Deccan region of India in the 16th century. She was born in 1550 and married the sultan of Ahmednagar, one of the five Deccan Sultanates that were rivals of the Mughal Empire. She became the regent of Ahmednagar in 1591 after the death of her husband and nephew, and defended the kingdom from the Mughal invasion. She also brokered a peace treaty with the Mughals and secured the succession of her grandnephew. She later became the regent of Bijapur, another Deccan Sultanate, and again fought against the Mughals.

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As we honor the past, let us also look towards the future and pledge to nurture and support the next generation of trailblazing women. By providing them with access to education, opportunities, and support, we can ensure that their voices are heard, their talents are recognized, and their contributions are celebrated. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and shine.

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Providing quality education to girls and young women is fundamental. Access to education equips them with knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue their goals, participate in decision-making processes, and contribute to their communities and economies. Also, ensuring equal opportunities for women in all sectors, including education, employment, politics, and leadership positions, is essential. Policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and eliminate discrimination are necessary to create a level playing field. (Image: istock)