biography of indira gandhi in english

Indira Gandhi

Date of Birth : 19 November 1917 

Place of Birth : Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

Parents : Jawaharlal Nehru (father) and Kamala Nehru (mother)

Spouse : Feroze Gandhi

Children : Rajiv Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi

Education : International School of Geneva, Vishwabharati University, Shantiniketan; Somerville College, Oxford

Association : Indian National Congress

Movement : Indian Independence Movement

Political Ideology : Right winged, Liberal

Religious views : Hinduism

Publications : My Truth (1980), Eternal India (1981)

Passed Away : 31 October 1984

Memorial : Shakti Sthal, New Delhi

Indira Gandhi was an Indian politician and the only female Prime Minister of the country. Born in the famous Nehru family, she was perhaps destined for an illustrious political career. She served as Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977 and from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. As Prime Minister, Indira was known for centralisation of power and political ruthlessness. Her political career was littered with controversies as well as allegations of highhandedness, corruption and nepotism. She clamped a state of emergency in India from 1975 to 1977. She was also criticized for carrying out the Operation Blue-Star in Punjab that eventually scripted her assassination on 31 October 1984. Indira Gandhi left behind her a lasting political legacy and her family became one of the most prominent political names in India.

Childhood & Early Life

Indira Gandhi was born Indira Nehru on 19 November, 1917, in Allahabad to Kamala and Jawaharlal Nehru. Indira's father, Jawaharlal was a well-educated lawyer and an active member of the Indian Independence Movement. She passed her Metric from Pune University and went to Shantiniketan in West Bengal. She later went on to study in Switzerland and Oxford University in London. Indira then stayed for a few months in Switzerland with her ailing mother. In 1936, after her mother, Kamala Nehru succumbed to tuberculosis, she returned to India. At the time of Kamala's death, Jawaharlal Nehru, was languishing in Indian jails.

Marriage & Family Life

In 1941, despite his father's objections, she married Feroze Gandhi. In 1944, Indira gave birth to Rajiv Gandhi followed two years later by Sanjay Gandhi. During the 1951-52 Parliamentary Elections, Indira Gandhi handled the campaigns of her husband, Feroze, who was contesting from Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh. After being elected an MP, Feroze opted to live in a separate house in Delhi.

Feroze soon became a prominent force against the corruption in the Nehru led government. He exposed a major scandal involving prominent insurance companies and the Finance Minister T.T. Krishnamachari. The Finance Minister was considered to be a close aide of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Feroze had emerged as a noted figure in the country's political circle. He, with a small coterie of supporters and advisors continued to challenge the Central government. On 8 September 1960, Feroze died after a major cardiac arrest.

Political Career

Early Entry into Politics

Since the Nehru family was the centre of national political activity, Indira Gandhi was exposed to politics from a young age. A leader like Mahatma Gandhi was among the frequent visitors to the Nehru house in Allahabad. After his return to the country, Indira showed keen interest in the national movement. She also became a member of the Indian National Congress. Here, she met Feroze Gandhi, a journalist and key member of the Youth Congress - the youth wing of the Congress Party. After independence, Indira Gandhi's father Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India. Indira Gandhi decided to shift to Delhi to assist his father. Her two sons remained with her but Feroze decided to stay back in Allahabad. He was working as an editor of ‘The National Herald’ newspaper founded by Motilal Nehru.

Indira as Congress President

In 1959, Indira Gandhi was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress Party. She was one of the political advisors of Jawaharlal Nehru. After the death of Jawaharlal Nehru on 27 May 1964, Indira Gandhi decided to contest elections and eventually got elected. She was appointed as in-charge of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry under Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri

It was believed that Indira Gandhi was adept at the art of politics and image-making. This is corroborated by an event that took place during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. While the war was on, Indira Gandhi went on a holiday trip to Srinagar. Despite repeated warnings by the security forces that Pakistani insurgents had entered very close to the hotel she was staying, Gandhi refused to move. The incident fetched her huge national and international media attention.

First Term as Prime Minister of India

Following the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri on 11 January 1966, in Tashkent, the race to the coveted throne of the Prime Minister began. After much deliberation, Indira was chosen as the Prime Ministerial candidate by the Congress high command solely because they presumed that she could be easily manipulated. She contested and emerged victorious during the interim elections of 1966. Post-election, Mrs. Gandhi showed extraordinary political prowess and elbowed the Congress stalwarts out of power. Some of the most notable achievements of her stint as PM were proposals for the abolition of Privy Purse to former rulers of the Princely states and the 1969 nationalization of the fourteen largest banks in India along with four premium oil companies. She took constructive steps towards food shortage of the country and led the country into the nuclear age with its first underground detonation in 1974.

Indo-Pakistan War in 1971

The 1971 Indo-Pakistan war was the direct after-effect of the Bangladesh Liberation War in East Pakistan, which was brought by the Awami League led by Mujibar Rahman against the military brutality launched by the Pakistan President Yahya Khan. The military specifically targeted the Hindu minority population and committed atrocious acts of torture throughout the country. As a result, about 10 million East Pakistani citizens fled the country and sought refuge in India. The overwhelming refugee situation prompted Indira Gandhi to support Awami League’s struggle for freedom against West Pakistan. India provided logistical support and also sent troops to fight against West Pakistan. The war concluded on 16 December 1971 in Dhaka, after the Eastern Command of the Pakistani Armed Forces signed the Instrument of Surrender and that marked the birth of the new nation of Bangladesh. India's triumph in the war of 1971 against Pakistan enhanced the popularity of Indira Gandhi as a shrewd political leader.

Imposition of Emergency

In 1975, the Opposition parties and social activists staged regular demonstrations against the Indira Gandhi-led Central government over rising inflation, the poor state of economy and unchecked corruption. The same year, Allahabad High Court ruled that Indira Gandhi had used illegal practices during the last election and this added fuel to the existing political fire. The verdict ordered her to vacate her seat, immediately. The agitation and anger of the people intensified. Mrs. Gandhi instead of resigning declared "an emergency, due to the turbulent political situation in the country" on 26 June, 1975.

During the state of emergency, her political foes were imprisoned, constitutional rights of the citizens were abrogated, and the press was placed under strict censorship. The Gandhian socialist, Jaya Prakash Narayan and his supporters sought to unify students, peasants and labor organizations in a 'Total non-violent Revolution' to transform Indian society. Narayan was later arrested and jailed.

Fall from Power and Role as Opposition

During the state of emergency, her younger son, Sanjay Gandhi, began to run the country with full-authority and ordered forceful removal of slum dwellings, and started a highly unpopular forced sterilization program, which was aimed at curbing India's growing population.

In 1977, confident that she has snuffed the opposition, Indira Gandhi called for elections. She was thrashed by the emerging Janata Dal combine, led by Morarji Desai and Jai Prakash Narayan. Congress managed to win only 153 Lok Sabha seats, as compared to 350 seats it had grabbed in the previous Lok Sabha. 

Second Term as Prime Minister of India

With so little in common among the allies of the Janata Party, the members were busy in internal strife. In an effort to expel Indira Gandhi from the Parliament, the Janata government ordered to arrest her. However, the strategy failed disastrously and gained Indira Gandhi sympathy from the people who had considered her as an autocrat just two years back. In the 1980 elections, Congress returned to power with a landslide majority and Indira Gandhi returned as Prime Minister of India once again. Experts viewed the victory of the Congress as a result of inefficient and ineffective "Janata Party".

Operation Blue Star 

In September 1981, a Sikh militant group demanding "Khalistan" entered into the premises of the Golden Temple, Amritsar. Despite the presence of thousands of civilians in the Temple complex, Indira Gandhi ordered the Army to barge into the holy shrine to carry out Operation Blue Star. The army resorted to heavy artillery including tanks and cannons which although led to subduing of the militant threat, also claimed lives of innocent civilians. The act was viewed as an unparalleled tragedy in the Indian political history. The impact of the onslaught increased the communal tensions in the country. Many Sikhs resigned from the armed and civil administrative office and also returned their government awards in protest. Indira Gandhi’s political image was tarnished heavily.

Assassination

On 31 October 1984, Indira Gandhi's bodyguards, Satwant Singh and Beant Singh fired a total of 31 bullets on Indira Gandhi from their service weapons as a revenge of the Golden Temple assault at her residence - 1, Safdarjung Road in New Delhi and she succumbed to her injuries.

Biography Online

Indira Gandhi Biography

In 1999, she was voted the greatest woman of the past thousand years in a poll carried by BBC News, ahead of other notable women such as Queen Elizabeth I of England, Marie Curie and Mother Teresa.

Gandhi and Indira

Born in the politically influential Nehru dynasty, she grew up in an intensely political atmosphere. Despite the same last name, she was no relation to the statesman Mohandas Gandhi. Her grandfather, Motilal Nehru, was a prominent Indian nationalist leader. Her father, Jawaharlal Nehru , was a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement and the first Prime Minister of Independent India.

She was brought up in an environment with great exposure to the political figures of the day and was particularly influenced by her father. She stated of her father:

“My father was a statesman, I’m a political woman. My father was a saint. I’m not.”

In one early photograph (above), she was sitting on the bed of Mohandas Gandhi as he recovered from one of his fasts. From an early age, she took as a political role model, Joan of Arc and expressed the hope that one day she would lead her people to freedom like the French saint.

In 1937, she passed the Oxford entrance exam and studied at Somerville College, Oxford. At university, she was often subject to ill health and returned to India without completing her degree – though later she was conferred an honorary degree by Oxford University.

On returning to India from Oxford in 1941, Indira became involved in the Indian Independence movement. Between 1947 and 1965, she served in her father’s (J. Nehru) government. Although she was unofficially acting as a personal assistant, she wielded considerable power within the government. After her father’s death in 1964, she was appointed as Minister of Information and Broadcasting in Lal Bahadur Shastri’s cabinet. Shortly after, Shastri died unexpectedly and, with the help of Congress Party President, K. Kamaraj, Indira Gandhi was chosen to be the new Prime Minister of India.

Gandhi attracted significant electoral popularity helped by her personality and populist economic measures. She introduced more left-wing economic policies and sought to promote agricultural productivity. In 1971, she led India to a decisive victory in a war with Pakistan in East Pakistan. This led to the creation of Bangladesh. In 1974, India completed their own nuclear bomb.

However, in the early 1970s, partly due to rising oil prices the Indian economy suffered from high inflation, falling living standards, and combined with protests over corruption, there was great instability that led her to impose a state of emergency in 1975. In the state of emergency, political opponents were imprisoned, constitutional rights removed, and the press placed under strict censorship. This gave her a reputation for being authoritarian, willing to ignore democratic principles.

Her son Sanjay Gandhi was also increasingly unpopular as he wielded substantial powers, such as slum clearance and enforced sterilisation to deal with India’s growing population. In 1977, against a backdrop of economic difficulties and growing disillusionment, Indira Gandhi lost the election and temporarily dropped out of politics.

However, she was returned to office in 1980. But, in this period, she became increasingly involved in an escalating conflict with Sikh separatists in Punjab. She was later assassinated by her own Sikh bodyguards in 1984 for her role in storming the sacred Golden Temple. Shortly before her assassination, she spoke on the frequent threats to her life.

“I do not care whether I live or die. I have lived a long life and I am proud that I spend the whole of my life in the service of my people. I am only proud of this and nothing else. I shall continue to serve until my last breath and when I die, I can say, that every drop of my blood will invigorate India and strengthen it.” S elected Speeches of Indira Gandhi : January 1, 1982-October 30, 1984.

Indira married Feroze Gandhi in 1942. The couple had two sons Rajiv (b. 1944) and Sanjay (b. 1946). Her husband died of a heart attack in 1960 and Sanjay – who was destined to be her political heir – perished in a plane crash in 1980. Devastated by the loss of Sanjay, Indira persuaded a reluctant Rajiv to quit his job and enter into politics. After his mother’s assassination in 1984, he served as Indian Prime Minister from 1984-89. (Rajiv was assassinated by Tamil Tigers in 1991)

Indira Gandhi views on women

Indira Gandhi was a rare example of a woman rising to the most powerful position in Indian society. She did not consider herself a feminist but was concerned with issues relating to women and she saw her own success as proof that talented women could rise to the top. During her administration, equal pay for men and women was enshrined in the constitution. In a speech on “True Liberation Of Women”, March 26, 1980, she said:

“To be liberated, a woman must feel free to be herself, not in rivalry to man but in the context of her own capacity and her personality.”

She also sought to mobilise Indian woman for the cause of Indian Independence.

Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan . “ Biography Indira Gandhi ”, Oxford, UK. www.biographyonline.net , 11th March 2009. Last updated 17th February 2017.

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Smt. Indira Gandhi

Born on November 19, 1917 in an illustrious family, Smt. Indira Gandhi was the daughter of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. She studied at prime institutions like Ecole Nouvelle, Bex (Switzerland), Ecole Internationale, Geneva, Pupils’ Own School, Poona and Bombay, Badminton School, Bristol, Vishwa Bharati, Shantiniketan and Somerville College, Oxford. She was conferred Honorary doctoral degree by a host of Universities globally. With an impressive academic background she also got the Citation of Distinction from the Columbia University. Smt. Indira Gandhi was actively involved in the freedom struggle. In her childhood, she founded the ‘Bal Charkha Sangh’ and in 1930, the ‘Vanar Sena’ of children to help the Congress party during the Non-Cooperation Movement. She was imprisoned in September 1942, and worked in riot-affected areas of Delhi in 1947 under Gandhi’s guidance.

She got married to Feroze Gandhi on March 26, 1942 and had two sons. Smt. Gandhi became a Member, Congress Working Committee and Central Election of the party in 1955. In 1958 she was appointed as a Member for Central Parliamentary Board of Congress. She was the Chairperson, National Integration Council of A.I.C.C. and President, All India Youth Congress, 1956 and Women’s Dept. A.I.C.C. She became the President, Indian National Congress in 1959 and served till 1960 and then again from January 1978.

She had been Minister for Information and Broadcasting (1964- 1966). Then she held the highest office as the Prime Minister of India from January 1966 to March 1977. Concurrently, she was the Minister for Atomic Energy from September 1967 to March 1977. She also held the additional charge of the Ministry of External Affairs from September 5, 1967 to February 14, 1969. Smt. Gandhi headed the Ministry of Home Affairs from June 1970 to November 1973 and Minister for Space from June 1972 to March 1977. From January 1980 she was Chairperson, Planning Commission. She again chaired the prime Minister’s Office from January 14, 1980.

Smt. Indira Gandhi was associated with a large number of organisations and institutions, like Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and Kasturba Gandhi Memorial Trust. She was the Chairperson of Swaraj Bhavan Trust. She was also associated with Bal Sahyog, Bal Bhavan Board and Children’s National Museum in 1955. Smt. Gandhi founded the Kamala Nehru Vidyalaya in Allahabad. She was also associated with certain big institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University and North-Eastern University during 1966-77. She also served as a Member of Delhi University Court, Indian Delegation to UNESCO (1960-64),  Member, Executive Board of UNESCO from 1960-64 and Member, National Defence Council, 1962. She was also associated with Sangeet Natak Academy, National Integration Council, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society and Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund.

Smt. Gandhi also became a Member of Rajya Sabha in August 1964 and served till February 1967. She was the Member of Lok Sabha during fourth, fifth and sixth sessions. She was elected to the Seventh Lok Sabha from Rae Bareli (U.P.) and Medak (Andhra Pradesh) in January 1980. She chose to retain the Medak seat and relinquished the Rae Bareli seat. She was chosen as the leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party in 1967-77 and again in January 1980.

Interested in a wide array of subjects, she viewed life as an integrated process, where activities and interests are different facets of the whole, not separated into compartments or labelled under different heads.

She had many achievements to her credit. She was the recipient of Bharat Ratna in 1972, Mexican Academy Award for Liberation of Bangladesh (1972), 2nd Annual Medal, FAO (1973) and Sahitya Vachaspati (Hindi) by Nagari Pracharini Sabha in 1976. Smt. Gandhi also received Mothers’ Award, U.S.A. in 1953, Islbella d’Este Award of Italy for outstanding work in diplomacy and Yale University’s Howland Memorial Prize. For two consecutive years in 1967 and 1968 she was the woman most admired by the French according to a poll by the French Institute of Public Opinion. According to a special Gallup Poll Survey in the U.S.A. in 1971 she was the most admired person in the world. Diploma of Honour was conferred to her by the Argentine Society in 1971 for the Protection of Animals.

Her famous publications include ‘The Years of Challenge’ (1966-69), ‘The Years of Endeavour’ (1969-72), ‘India’ (London) in 1975; ‘Inde’ (Lausanne) in 1979 and numerous other collections of speeches and writings. She travelled widely in India and all over the world. Smt. Gandhi also visited neighbours like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, China, Nepal and Sri Lanka. She paid official visits to countries like France, German Democratic Republic, Federal Republic of Germany, Guyana, Hungary, Iran, Iraq and Italy. Smt. Gandhi was one to visit majority of the countries like Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Czechoslovakia, Bolivia and Egypt. She paid visits to many European, American and Asian nationals like Indonesia, Japan, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Switzerland, Syria, Sweden, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, U.A.E., the United Kingdom, U.S.A., U.S.S.R., Uruguay, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. She also marked her presence in the United Nations Headquarters.

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Indira Gandhi Biography

Indira Gandhi

Following her parents' example — they had joined the Indian independence movement after a visit from Mohandas Gandhi in 1919 — Indira Gandhi began fighting for Indian independence from Great Britain at around age 11, forming the Monkey Brigade, which among other activities, spied on the police. Her father, Jawaharlal Nehru, eventually became India's first Prime Minister. Two years after his death in 1964, Indira Gandhi assumed her father's post as the leader of the world's largest democracy. She was credited with India's increased industrialization and food production, but her regime received its share of criticism. She supported the breakaway province of East Bengal in its bid to achieve independence from India's rival Pakistan in 1971, sending Indian troops to the region in support. Her election in 1972 drew charges of electoral fraud, of which she was convicted in 1975. She responded by declaring a state of emergency and sending her political opponents to prison. Her party lost power in 1977, although she helped to form the Congress (I) (“I” for Indira) party, with which she regained power in 1978. During the 1980s, several Indian states sought independence, including Sikhs in the Punjab province. In response to a violent intervention to oust Sikh guerrillas from the Golden Temple of Armister, two of Gandhi's bodyguards, both Sikh's, assassinated her. She was succeeded by her son, Rajiv .

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Indira Gandhi, prime minister of India in the early 1980s, feared the growing power of the charismatic Sikh preacher and militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, sectarian tension and strife had been growing between Sikhs and Hindus in northern India.

Tensions in the region had grown so high that by June of 1984, Indira Gandhi decided to take action. She made a fatal choice - to send in the Indian Army against the Sikh militants in the Golden Temple.

Indira Gandhi's Early Life

Indira Gandhi was born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad (in modern-day Uttar Pradesh), British India . Her father was Jawaharlal Nehru , who would go on to become the first prime minister of India following its independence from Britain; her mother, Kamala Nehru, was just 18 years old when the baby arrived. The child was named Indira Priyadarshini Nehru.

Indira grew up as an only child. A baby brother born in November of 1924 died after just two days. The Nehru family was very active in the anti-imperial politics of the time; Indira's father was a leader of the nationalist movement and a close associate of Mohandas Gandhi and Muhammad Ali Jinnah .

Sojourn in Europe

In March 1930, Kamala and Indira were marching in protest outside of the Ewing Christian College. Indira's mother suffered from heat-stroke, so a young student named Feroz Gandhi rushed to her aid. He would become a close friend of Kamala's, escorting and attending her during her treatment for tuberculosis, first in India and later in Switzerland. Indira also spent time in Switzerland, where her mother died of TB in February of 1936.

Indira went to Britain in 1937, where she enrolled at Somerville College, Oxford, but never completed her degree. While there, she began to spend more time with Feroz Gandhi, then a London School of Economics student. The two married in 1942, over the objections of Jawaharlal Nehru, who disliked his son-in-law. (Feroz Gandhi was no relation to Mohandas Gandhi.)

Nehru eventually had to accept the marriage. Feroz and Indira Gandhi had two sons, Rajiv, born in 1944, and Sanjay, born in 1946.

Early Political Career

During the early 1950s, Indira served as an unofficial personal assistant to her father, then the prime minister. In 1955, she became a member of the Congress Party's working committee; within four years, she would be president of that body.

Feroz Gandhi had a heart attack in 1958, while Indira and Nehru were in Bhutan on an official state visit. Indira returned home to take care of him. Feroz died in Delhi in 1960 after suffering a second heart attack.

Indira's father also died in 1964 and was succeeded as prime minister by Lal Bahadur Shastri. Shastri appointed Indira Gandhi his minister of information and broadcasting; in addition, she was a member of the upper house of parliament, the Rajya Sabha .

In 1966, Prime Minister Shastri died unexpectedly. Indira Gandhi was named the new Prime Minister as a compromise candidate. Politicians on both sides of a deepening divide within the Congress Party hoped to be able to control her. They had completely underestimated Nehru's daughter.

Prime Minister Gandhi

By 1966, the Congress Party was in trouble. It was dividing into two separate factions; Indira Gandhi led the left-wing socialist faction. The 1967 election cycle was grim for the party - it lost almost 60 seats in the lower house of parliament, the Lok Sabha . Indira was able to keep the Prime Minister seat through a coalition with the Indian Communist and Socialist parties. In 1969, the Indian National Congress Party split in half for good.

As prime minister, Indira made some popular moves. She authorized the development of a nuclear weapons program in response to China's successful test at Lop Nur in 1967. (India would test its own bomb in 1974.) In order to counterbalance Pakistan's friendship with the United States, and also perhaps due to mutual personal antipathy with US President Richard Nixon , she forged a closer relationship with the Soviet Union.

In keeping with her socialist principles, Indira abolished the maharajas of India's various states, doing away with their privileges as well as their titles. She also nationalized the banks in July of 1969, as well as mines and oil companies. Under her stewardship, traditionally famine-prone India became a Green Revolution success story, actually exporting a surplus of wheat, rice and other crops by the early 1970s.

In 1971, in response to a flood of refugees from East Pakistan, Indira began a war against Pakistan. The East Pakistani/Indian forces won the war, resulting in the formation of the nation of Bangladesh from what had been East Pakistan.

Re-election, Trial, and the State of Emergency

In 1972, Indira Gandhi's party swept to victory in national parliamentary elections based on the defeat of Pakistan and the slogan of Garibi Hatao , or "Eradicate Poverty." Her opponent, Raj Narain of the Socialist Party, charged her with corruption and electoral malpractice. In June of 1975, the High Court in Allahabad ruled for Narain; Indira should have been stripped of her seat in Parliament and barred from elected office for six years.

However, Indira Gandhi refused to step down from the prime ministership, despite wide-spread unrest following the verdict. Instead, she had the president declare a state of emergency in India.

During the state of emergency, Indira initiated a series of authoritarian changes. She purged the national and state governments of her political opponents, arresting and jailing political activists. To control population growth , she instituted a policy of forced sterilization, under which impoverished men were subjected to involuntary vasectomies (often under appallingly unsanitary conditions). Indira's younger son Sanjay led a move to clear the slums around Delhi; hundreds of people were killed and thousands left homeless when their homes were destroyed.

Downfall and Arrests

In a key miscalculation, Indira Gandhi called new elections in March 1977. She may have begun to believe her own propaganda, convincing herself that the people of India loved her and approved of her actions during the years-long state of emergency. Her party was trounced at the polls by the Janata Party, which cast the election as a choice between democracy or dictatorship, and Indira left office.

In October of 1977, Indira Gandhi was jailed briefly for official corruption. She would be arrested again in December of 1978 on the same charges. However, the Janata Party was struggling. A cobbled-together coalition of four previous opposition parties, it could not agree on a course for the country and accomplished very little.

Indira Emerges Once More

By 1980, the people of India had had enough of the ineffectual Janata Party. They reelected Indira Gandhi's Congress Party under the slogan of "stability." Indira took power again for her fourth term as prime minister. However, her triumph was dampened by the death of her son Sanjay, the heir apparent, in a plane crash in June of that year.

By 1982, rumblings of discontent and even outright secessionism were breaking out all over India. In Andhra Pradesh, on the central east coast, the Telangana region (comprising the inland 40%) wanted to break away from the rest of the state. Trouble also flared in the ever-volatile Jammu and Kashmir region in the north. The most serious threat, though, came from Sikh secessionists in Punjab, led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Operation Bluestar at the Golden Temple

In 1983, the Sikh leader Bhindranwale and his armed followers occupied and fortified the second-most holy building in the sacred Golden Temple complex (also called the Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib ) in Amritsar, the Indian Punjab. From their position in the Akhal Takt building, Bhindranwale and his followers called for armed resistance to Hindu domination. They were upset that their homeland, Punjab, had been divided between India and Pakistan in the 1947 Partition of India .

To make matters worse, the Indian Punjab had been lopped in half once more in 1966 to form the Haryana state, which was dominated by Hindi-speakers. The Punjabis lost their first capital at Lahore to Pakistan in 1947; the newly-built capital at Chandigarh ended up in Haryana two decades later, and the government in Delhi decreed that Haryana and Punjab would simply have to share the city. To right these wrongs, some of Bhindranwale's followers called for an entirely new, separate Sikh nation, to be called Khalistan.

During this period, Sikh extremists were waging a campaign of terror against Hindus and moderate Sikhs in Punjab. Bhindranwale and his following of heavily armed militants holed up in the Akhal Takt, the second-most holy building after the Golden Temple itself. The leader himself was not necessarily calling for the creation of Khalistan; rather he demanded the implementation of the Anandpur Resolution, which called for the unification and purification of the Sikh community within Punjab.

Indira Gandhi decided to send the Indian Army on a frontal assault of the building to capture or kill Bhindranwale. She ordered the attack at the beginning of June 1984, even though June 3rd was the most important Sikh holiday (honoring the martyrdom of the Golden Temple's founder), and the complex was full of innocent pilgrims. Interestingly, due to the heavy Sikh presence in the Indian Army, the commander of the attack force, Major General Kuldip Singh Brar, and many of the troops were also Sikhs.

In preparation for the attack, all electricity and lines of communication to Punjab were cut off. On June 3, the army surrounded the temple complex with military vehicles and tanks. In the early morning hours of June 5, they launched the attack. According to official Indian government numbers, 492 civilians were killed, including women and children, along with 83 Indian army personnel. Other estimates from hospital workers and eyewitnesses state that more than 2,000 civilians died in the bloodbath.

Among those killed were Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the other militants. To the further outrage of Sikhs worldwide, the Akhal Takt was badly damaged by shells and gunfire.

Aftermath and Assassination

In the aftermath of Operation Bluestar, a number of Sikh soldiers resigned from the Indian Army. In some areas, there were actual battles between those resigning and those still loyal to the army.

On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi walked out to the garden behind her official residence for an interview with a British journalist. As she passed two of her Sikh bodyguards, they drew their service weapons and opened fire. Beant Singh shot her three times with a pistol, while Satwant Singh fired thirty times with a self-loading rifle. Both men then calmly dropped their weapons and surrendered.

Indira Gandhi died that afternoon after undergoing surgery. Beant Singh was shot dead while under arrest; Satwant Singh and alleged conspirator Kehar Singh were later hanged.

When news of the Prime Minister's death was broadcast, mobs of Hindus across northern India went on a rampage. In the Anti-Sikh Riots, which lasted for four days, anywhere from 3,000 to 20,000 Sikhs were murdered, many of them burned alive. The violence was particularly bad in Haryana state. Because the Indian government was slow to respond to the pogrom, support for the Sikh separatist Khalistan movement increased markedly in the months following the massacre.

Indira Gandhi's Legacy

India's Iron Lady left behind a complicated legacy. She was succeeded in the office of Prime Minister by her surviving son, Rajiv Gandhi. This dynastic succession is one of the negative aspects of her legacy - to this day, the Congress Party is so thoroughly identified with the Nehru/Gandhi family that it cannot avoid charges of nepotism. Indira Gandhi also instilled authoritarianism into India's political processes, warping the democracy to suit her need for power.

On the other hand, Indira clearly loved her country and did leave it in a stronger position relative to neighboring countries. She sought to improve the lives of India's poorest and supported industrialization and technological development. On balance, however, Indira Gandhi seems to have done more harm than good during her two stints as the prime minister of India.

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Indira Gandhi summary

Indira Gandhi , orig. Indira Priyadarshini Nehru , (born Nov. 19, 1917, Allahabad, India—died Oct. 31, 1984, New Delhi), Prime minister of India (1966–77, 1980–84). The only child of Jawaharlal Nehru , she studied in India and at the University of Oxford. In 1942 she married Feroze Gandhi (d. 1960), a fellow member of the Indian National Congress . In 1959 she was given the largely honorary position of party president, and in 1966 she achieved actual power when she was made leader of the Congress Party and, consequently, prime minister. She instituted major reforms, including a strict population-control program. In 1971 she mobilized Indian forces against Pakistan in the cause of East Bengal’s secession. She oversaw the incorporation of Sikkim in 1974. Convicted in 1975 of violating election laws, she declared a state of emergency, jailing opponents and passing many laws limiting personal freedoms. She was defeated in the following election but returned to power in 1980. In 1984 she ordered the army to move into the Golden Temple complex of the Sikhs at Amritsar, with the intent of crushing the Sikh militants hiding inside the temple; some 450 Sikhs died in the fighting. She was later shot and killed by her own Sikh bodyguards in revenge.

7 Facts About Indira Gandhi

Her life involved politics from a young age

Almost from the moment she was born in 1917, Indira Nehru's life was steeped in politics. 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.

When she was 12, Indira played an even bigger role in India's struggle for self-determination by leading children in the Vanar Sena (the name means Monkey Brigade; it was inspired by the monkey army that aided Lord Rama in the epic Ramayana). The group grew to include 60,000 young revolutionaries who addressed envelopes, made flags, conveyed messages and put up notices about demonstrations. It was a risky undertaking, but Indira was happy to be participating in the independence movement.

Her marriage wasn't widely supported

Indira's father was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi . However, the fact that Indira ended up with the same last name as the iconic Indian leader wasn't due to a connection with the Mahatma; instead, Indira became Indira Gandhi following her marriage to Feroze Gandhi (who wasn't related to the Mahatma). And despite the fact that Indira and Feroze were in love, theirs was a wedding that few people in India supported.

Feroze, a fellow participant in the struggle for independence, was Parsi, while Indira was Hindu, and at the time mixed marriages were unusual. It was also out-of-the-norm not to have an arranged marriage. In fact, there was such a public outcry against the match that Mahatma Gandhi had to offer a public statement of support, which included the request: "I invite the writers of abusive letters to shed your wrath and bless the forthcoming marriage."

Indira and Feroze wed in 1942. Unfortunately, though the pair had two sons together, the marriage was not a great success. Feroze had extramarital liaisons, while much of Indira's time was spent with her father after he became India's prime minister in 1947. The marriage ended with Feroze's death in 1960.

A refugee crisis put pressure on her

In 1971, Indira faced a crisis when troops from West Pakistan went into Bengali East Pakistan to crush its independence movement. She spoke out against the horrific violence on March 31, but harsh treatment continued and millions of refugees began to stream into neighboring India.

Taking care of these refugees stretched India's resources; tensions also mounted because India offered support to independence fighters. Making the situation even more complicated were geopolitical considerations — President Richard Nixon wanted the United States to stand by Pakistan and China was arming Pakistan, while India had signed a "treaty of peace, friendship and cooperation" with the Soviet Union. The situation didn't improve when Indira visited the United States in November — Oval Office recordings from the time reveal that Nixon told Henry Kissinger the prime minister was an "old witch."

War began when Pakistan's air force bombed Indian bases on December 3; Indira recognized the independence of Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) on December 6. On December 9, Nixon directed a U.S. fleet to head for Indian waters — but then Pakistan surrendered on December 16.

The war's conclusion was a triumph for India and Indira (and, of course, for Bangladesh). After the conflict had ended, Indira declared in an interview, "I am not a person to be pressured — by anybody or any nation."

Millions were sterilized when she declared a state of emergency

In June 1975, Indira was found guilty of electoral malpractice. When rivals began advocating for her removal as prime minister, she opted to declare a state of emergency. Emergency rule would be a dark moment for India's democracy, with opponents imprisoned and press freedoms limited. Perhaps most shockingly, millions of people were sterilized — some against their will — during this period.

At the time, population control was seen as necessary in order for India to prosper (Indira's favored son and confidant, Sanjay, became particularly focused on reducing the birth rate). During the Emergency, the government directed its energies toward sterilization, with a focus on the simpler procedure of vasectomies. To encourage men to undergo the operation, incentives such as cooking oil and cash were offered.

Then government workers began to be required to meet sterilization quotas to get paid. Reports came out that vasectomies had been performed on boys, and that men were being arrested, then sent to be sterilized. Some began sleeping in fields so as to avoid sterilization teams. According to a 1977 article in TIME magazine, between April 1976 and January 1977, 7.8 million were sterilized (the initial target had been 4.3 million).

At the beginning of 1977, Indira called for elections, ending her Emergency rule. She'd expected to win this vote, but the fear and worries brought on by the sterilization policy contributed to her defeat at the polls, and she was kicked out of office.

She clashed with her daughter-in-law

In 1982, a disagreement between Indira and daughter-in-law Maneka led to a showdown. Practically from the moment Maneka wed Sanjay and entered Indira's household, the younger woman didn't fit in. After Sanjay died in 1980 (he was killed in a plane crash), tensions rose further. Things came to a head when Maneka defied Indira to attend a rally of Sanjay's former political allies (which didn't help the political interests of Rajiv, Sanjay's brother).

As punishment, Indira ordered Maneka to leave her house. In return, Maneka made sure the press captured her bags being unceremoniously left outside. Maneka also publicly decried her treatment, stating, "I have not done anything to merit being thrown out. I don't understand why I am being attacked and held personally responsible. I am more loyal to my mother-in-law than even to my mother."

Though the prime minister got Maneka to move out, she paid a price as well: Maneka took her son, Varun, with her, and being separated from a beloved grandson was a blow for Indira.

She was close with Margaret Thatcher

As a female leader in the 20th century, Indira Gandhi was a member of a very small club. Yet she had one friend who could understand what her life was like: the Iron Lady herself, Britain's Margaret Thatcher .

Indira and Thatcher first met in 1976. They got on well, despite the fact that Indira was engaged in her undemocratic Emergency rule at the time. And when Indira was temporarily out of power after her electoral defeat in 1977, Thatcher didn't abandon her. The two continued to have a good rapport after Indira returned to power in 1980.

When Thatcher came close to being killed by an IRA bomb in October 1984, Indira was sympathetic. Following Indira's own assassination a few weeks later, Thatcher ignored death threats to attend the funeral. The note of condolence that she sent to Rajiv stated: "I cannot describe to you my feelings at the news of the loss of your mother, except to say that it was like losing a member of my own family. Our many talks together had a closeness and mutual understanding which will always remain with me. She was not just a great statesman but a warm and caring person."

Her son succeeded her after her death

One significant factor that buoyed Indira's political career was her heritage. As the daughter of India's first prime minister, the Congress Party was happy to put her in a position of leadership, then later selected her to become prime minister.

After Indira's 1984 assassination, her son Rajiv succeeded her as prime minister. In 1991, he was also assassinated, but the Nehru-Gandhi clan still wasn't done with politics: though Rajiv's widow, Sonia, initially declined the Congress Party's request to step into a leadership role, she eventually became its president. By the 2014 election, Rajiv and Sonia's son Rahul had joined the Congress Party as well; however, the party went on to experience a big loss at the polls. At a press conference, Rahul admitted, "The Congress has done pretty badly, there is a lot for us to think about. As vice president of the party I hold myself responsible."

Yet not all Gandhis fared poorly in the 2014 election — as members of the victorious Bharatiya Janata Party, Maneka Gandhi and her son Varun are now in power, with Maneka serving as minister of women and child development (though considering her acrimonious relationship with Maneka, this development likely wouldn't thrill Indira). And despite their poor showing in 2014, the Congress Party refused to accept Sonia and Rahul's resignations. It seems that various members of Indira's family will continue to play a role in Indian politics for the foreseeable future.

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• Indira Gandhi Biography

Who was Indira Gandhi?

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi, a notable woman in the history of The Indian politics, the Iron Lady, was the first woman prime minister of India. She was an icon of the Indian National Congress. Indira Gandhi father, Jawaharlal Nehru, was the very first Prime Minister of India to support Mahatma Gandhi in the fight for independence. Indira Gandhi was the second prime minister to serve for a longer period of time, first from 1966 to 1977 and second from 1980 to her death in 1984. From 1947 to 1964, she continued as Chief of Staff in the Jawaharlal Nehru administration, which was highly integrated. In 1959, she was elected president of the Congress.

Indira Gandhi, as Prime Minister, was seen as ferocious, weak and extraordinary with the centralization of power. From 1975 to 1977, she placed an emergency in the country to suppress the political opposition. India gained popularity in South Asia with major economic, military and political changes under her leadership. Indira Gandhi was elected by the India Today Magazine in 2001 as the world's greatest Prime Minister. In 1999, BBC called her the "Woman of the Millennium."

Birth and Education

Born on November 19, 1917, Indira Gandhi family was an illustrious family. She was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru. Indira Gandhi Education was at prime institutions like Ecole Nouvelle, Bex, Ecole Internationale, Geneva, Pupils’ Own School, Poona and Bombay, Badminton School, Bristol, Vishwa Bharati, Shantiniketan and Somerville College, Oxford. A number of universities worldwide awarded her honorary doctoral degree. She also received a Citation of Distinction from Columbia University with an outstanding academic record. Smt. Indira Gandhi was deeply involved in the fight for independence. In her childhood, she established the 'Bal Charkha Sangh' and also in 1930 the 'Vanar Sena' of kids to assist the Congress Party in the Non-Cooperation Movement. She was arrested in September 1942 and served in the riot-affected areas of Delhi with Gandhi's supervision in 1947.

Marriage and Political Journey

Indira Gandhi Husband was Feroze Gandhi. On 26 March 1942, she married him and had two children. In 1955, she became a member of the working committee for the Congress and the Party's central election. She was appointed to the Central Parliamentary Congress Board in 1958. She was Chairman, National Council Integration for A.I.C.C. and President, All India Youth Congress, Women's Department, 1956. In 1959 she was President of the Indian National Congress, serving until 1960 and from January 1978 again.

She was Information and Broadcasting Minister (1964- 1966). From January 1966 through March 1977, she held the highest office as Indian Prime Minister. At the same time, from September 1967 until March 1977, she was Minister of Atomic Energy. From 5 September 1967 to 14 February 1969, she was additionally appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From June 1970 to November 1973, Gandhi headed the Ministry of Home Affairs and from June 1972 to March 1977 was Minister of Space. She was President of the Planning Commission from January 1980. From 14 January 1980, she again presided over the Prime Minister's Office.

Organisations and Institutions

Indira Gandhi has been affiliated with a number of organizations and institutions, such as Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and Kasturba Gandhi Memorial Trust. She was the Swaraj Bhavan Trust Chairman. In 1955, Bal Sahyog, Bal Bhavan Board and the Children's National Museum were also affiliated with her.   In Allahabad, she established Kamala Nehru Vidyalaya. During 1966-77, she was also linked to several major institutions including the University of Jawaharlal Nehru and the North-Eastern University. She was also a member of the Delhi University Court, the Indian Delegation to UNESCO (1960-64), a member of the Executive Board of UNESCO from 1960-64 and a member of the National Defense Council from 1962. She has also been involved with the Sangeet Natak Academy, the National Integration Council, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society and the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund.

In August 1964, Indira Gandhi also became a Rajya Sabha member and served until February 1967. During the fourth, fifth and sixth sessions, she was a Lok Sabha member. In January 1980, she was elected to the Seventh Lok Sabha, from Rae Bareli (U.P.) and Medak (Andhra Pradesh). She preferred the Medak seat to be held and gave up the Rae Bareli seat. In 1967-77 and again in January 1980, she was appointed as the leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party.

Achievements

To her credit, she had many achievements. In 1972, she was the receiver of Bharat Ratna, Mexican Academy Award for Liberation of Bangladesh (1972), FAO's 2nd Annual Medal (1973) and Nagari Pracharini Sabha's Sahitya Vachaspati (Hindi) in 1976.  In 1953, Gandhi was also awarded the Mothers' Award, U.S.A., the Italian Islbella d'Este Award for excellent diplomatic work, and the Howland Memorial Prize from Yale University. According to a poll by the French Institute of Public Opinion, she was the woman most respected by the French for two years, in 1967 and 1968. She was the world's most respected female in 1971, according to a special Gallup Poll Survey in the U.S.A. She was awarded Diploma of Honour by the Argentine Society in the year 1971 for the Protection of Animals.

Indira Gandhi Death

Indira Gandhi, the Iron Lady of India, died in 1984 on October 31. She was killed by two of her bodyguards. Her words, spoken at a public rally in Bhubaneswar just the previous day, had become prophetic. Indira Gandhi was reading from a speech prepared by her information advisor, HY Sharada Prasad. For a few moments, by removing the script written, Indira Gandhi talked about the chances of a tragic end to her life. She said, “I'm here today, and maybe tomorrow I won't be here. Nobody knows how many attempts to shoot me have been made. If I live or die, I do not care. I've lived a long life, and I'm proud that I've spent my entire life helping my country.”

Indira Gandhi History is perhaps one of the most popular Indian leaders in the world. She was India's first and only female Prime Minister, in addition to being the daughter of one of the founding fathers of the country, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Internationally, her strong presence helped to develop India's place as an emerging global superpower. At the time of her tenure, she was dubbed 'The Iron Lady of India' by many. She was praised as a 'goddess' by many political leaders after leading India to victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, with Atal Bihari Vajpayee naming her 'Goddess Durga' in particular. Her tenure was not short of controversy, for all her successes. 

Her declaration of a national emergency, which resulted in a ban on the press and media, received criticism from many; from the governments of the people and the opposition. While aimed at removing Sikh extremists from a shrine, Operation Blue Star was a highly contentious problem and was eventually seen as the cause of her death in 1984. Nonetheless, as one of India's greatest Prime Ministers, she leaves behind a legacy. After her assassination, Indira Gandhi was succeeded by her mother, Rajiv Gandhi.

FAQs on Indira Gandhi Biography

1. What is Indira Gandhi Date of birth?

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi, a notable woman in the history of Indian politics. Born on November 19, 1917, Indira Gandhi family was an illustrious family. She was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru.

2. Who was the first Woman Prime Minister of India?

The first women Prime Minister of India to serve three consecutive terms was Indira Gandhi. She was succeeded as PM by Lal Bahadur Shastri. Indira Gandhi was Jawaharlal Nehru's only child.

3. Who is Indira Gandhi?

The only woman who served as India's Prime Minister was Indira Gandhi, the daughter of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Born into a political family, she was, after her father, the second longest-serving prime minister in India.

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Indira Gandhi Biography: Birth, Family, Education, Political Career, Posthumus Awards, Legacy and more 

Indira gandhi biography: indira gandhi was the central figure of indian national congress and is the first and only women prime minister of india to date.  she was the daughter of the first prime minister of india, jawaharlal nehru. on this day, 45 years ago, she imposed emergency in india. .

On this day, 45 years ago, Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India declared Emergency in India in 1975. The proclamation was signed by the then President of India, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed. Indira Gandhi was the central figure of Indian National Congress and is the first and only women Prime Minister of India to date. 

Indira Gandhi: Birth, Family, Education

Indira Gandhi was born on 19 November 1917, to Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru in Allahabad, India. Her father was the leading freedom fighter and was the first Prime Minister of Independent India. After her younger brother died at an early age, Indira was raised by her mother at Anand Bhawan. When Indira was young, Kamala Nehru died an early death after suffering from tuberculosis. 

Indira was taught by tutors at home and she didn't attend school regularly. She attended Modern School in Delhi, St Cecilia's and St Mary's Christian convent schools in Allahabad, the International School of Geneva, the Ecole Nouvelle in Bex, the Pupils' Own School in Poona and Bombay, Vishwa Bharati in Santiniketan. She left Vishwa Bharti to attend her ailing mother in Europe and continued her education at the University of Oxford. After the death of her mother, she attended the Badminton School and then enrolled at  Somerville College in 1937 to study History. 

Indira Gandhi: Personal Life

Indira gandhi: career in indian politics.

After her marriage in 1942, Indira Gandhi served her father and the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru unofficially. In the late 1950s, she serves as the President of the Indian National Congress. In 1964, Jawaharlal Nehru died and she was appointed as a Rajya Sabha member. She served as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting under the then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. 

In 1996, after the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri, she was elected as the leader by the Congress legislative party. 

In January 1966, Indira Gandhi became the first and only female Prime Minister of India to date. Moraji Desai served as the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister under Indira Gandhi's cabinet. At the beginning of her first term as the Prime Minister, media and opposition parties criticised her as 'Goongi Gudiya'. 

In 1967 General Elections, Congress Party's magic started vanishing due to the widespread disenchantment over the rising prices of commodities, unemployment, economic stagnation and a food crisis. For the first time, Congress lost in the majority of states. Despite this, Indira Gandhi managed to win from the  Raebareli constituency and promised to devalue the rupee. The wheat import from the US fell due to political differences. 

In 1969, she faced differences due to her socialist policies. She supported independent candidate  V. V. Giri for the vacant post of President of India, rather than supporting the official Congress party candidate Neelam Sanjiva Reddy.   

She also announced bank nationalism without consulting the then Finance Minister, Moraji Desai. She nationalised 14 largest banks in India in 1969.  

After all these decisions, the then Congress President S. Nijalingappa expelled her from the INC citing indiscipline. This, in turn, angered Indira Gandhi and she formed her own Congress Party known as Congress (R) with most of the MP's from the party on her side. The other side was known as Congress (O). The Indira Gandhi faction lost its majority in the Parliament, but with the support of several regional parties remained in power. 

In 1971, 'Garibi Hatao' was the slogan for Indira Gandhi's political bid in response to the opposition's slogan as 'Indira Hatao'. The Garibi Hatao slogan and the proposed anti-poverty programs gave her independent national support. These programs were designed to bypass dominant rural castes. The voiceless poor will now gain political worth and weight. The anti-poverty programs were carried out locally and were funded by the Central Government. 

Indira Gandhi after winning the 1971 elections, served as the PM again. In 1971, despite facing pressure from America, Indira Gandhi defeated Pakistan in the Indo-Pakistan War and led to the liberation of East Pakistan into independent Bangladesh. After the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971, the then President, V. V. Giri awarded her with India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna. Opposition leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee hailed her as 'Goddess Durga'.  

Despite the Indira wave, Congress Government faced several problems in this term due to high inflation (caused by wartime expenses), droughts in India and the 1973 oil crisis. 

On June 12, 1975, the Allahabad High Court declared 1971 elections void on the grounds of electoral malpractice. In 1971, her opponent Raj Narain alleged several major as well as minor instances of the use of government resources for campaigning. She asked her colleague Ashok Kumar Sen to defend her in the court and also provided evidence herself in the court. However, 4 years later, in 1975, the High Court of Allahabad found her guilty of dishonest election practices, excessive election expenditure, and of using government machinery and officials for party purposes.

The court ordered her to strip off her parliamentary seat and banned her from running the office for the next six years. However, Indira Gandhi refused to resign and announced to move to the Supreme Court. As soon as the news of Allahabad's HC verdict spread, thousands of supporters demonstrated outside Indira's house and pledged their loyalty.   

On June 25, 1975, Indira Gandhi imposed a 21-month long emergency across India. The proclamation was signed a day before by the then President of India  Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed under Article 352 of the Constitution because of the prevailing internal disturbance. The emergency was withdrawn on March 21, 1977. The emergency allowed the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to rule by decree. The elections, freedom of the press and constitutional rights were suspended.  

Indira Gandhi: Things named after her

Awards and Competitions

1- Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director

2- Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration

3- Indira Gandhi Boat Race

4- Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar

5- Indira Gandhi Prize

1- Indira Gandhi Arena

2- Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium

3- Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts

4- Indira Gandhi Stadium, Alwar

5- Indira Gandhi Stadium, Solapur

6- Indira Gandhi Stadium (Una)

7- Indira Gandhi Stadium, Vijayawada

8- Indira Priyadarshini Stadium

9- Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture, Phoenix, Mauritius

10- Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium

1- Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital

2- Indira Gandhi Co-operative Hospital

3- Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences

4- Indira Gandhi Medical College

5- Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital

6- North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences

Current Government Programmes

1- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme

2- Indira Canteens

Former Central Government Schemes

1- Indira Awas Yojana 

2- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme

3- Indira Gandhi Canal Project (Funded by World Bank)

4- Indira Kisan Vikas Patra

5- Indira Gandhi Garib Kalyan Yojna

Former State Government Schemes

1- Indira Gandhi Utkrishtha Chhattervritti Yojna for Post Plus Two Students by Himachal Pradesh Government (Sponsored by Central Government)

2- Indira Gandhi Women Protection Scheme by Maharashtra Government

3- Indira Gandhi Prathisthan by Uttar Pradesh Government

4- Indira Kranthi Patham Scheme by Andhra Pradesh Government

5- Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana Scheme by Kerela Government

6- Indira Gandhi Vruddha Bhumiheen Shetmajoor Anudan Yojana by Maharashtra Government

7- Indira Gandhi Nahar Project (IGNP), Jaisalmer by Rajasthan Government

8- Indira Gandhi Niradhar Yojna by Maharashtra Government

9- Indira Gandhi Kuppam by Kerela Government 

10- Indira Gandhi Drinking Water Scheme, 2006 by Haryana Government

11- Indira Gandhi Niradhar Old, Landless, Destitute women farm labour Scheme by Maharashtra Government

12- Indira Gandhi Women Protection Scheme by Maharashtra Government

13- Indira Gaon Ganga Yojana by Chattisgarh Government

14- Indira Sahara Yojana by Chattisgarh Government

15- Indira Soochna Shakti Yojana by Chattisgarh Government

16- Indira Gandhi Balika Suraksha Yojana by Himachal Pradesh Government

17- Indira Gandhi Garibi Hatao Yojana (DPIP) by Madhya Pradesh Government

18- Indira Gandhi super thermal power project by Haryana Government

19- Indira Gandhi Water Project by Haryana Government

20- Indira Gandhi Sagar Project, Bhandara District Gosikhurd by Maharashtra Government

21- Indira Jeevitha Bima Pathakam by Andhra Pradesh Government

22- Indira Gandhi Priyadarshani Vivah Shagun Yojana by Haryana Government

23- Indira Mahila Yojana Scheme by Meghalaya Government

24- Indira Gandhi Calf Rearing Scheme by Chhattisgarh Government

25- Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Vivah Shagun Yojana by Haryana Government

26- Indira Gandhi Calf Rearing Scheme by Andhra Pradesh Government 

27- Indira Gandhi Landless Agriculture Labour scheme by Maharashtra Government

Museums and Parks

1- Indira Gandhi Planetarium

2- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya

3- Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary

4- Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

5- Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

Transport Infrastructure

1- Indira Gandhi Canal

2- Indira Gandhi International Airport

Universities and Institutes

1- Indira Gandhi Agricultural University

2-Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research

3-Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women

4- Indira Gandhi Institute of Developmental Research

5- Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences

6- Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology (Delhi)

7- Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology (Orissa)

8- Indira Gandhi Medical College

9- Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy

10- Indira Gandhi National Open University

11- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Akademi

12- Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education and Sports Sciences (University Of Delhi)

13- North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences

14- Gandhi Memorial International School

15- Srimati Indira Gandhi State Secondary School, Quartier Militaire, Mauritius

Indira Gandhi: Posthumous Honours

1- The Southernmost point of India 'Indira Point' is named after Indira Gandhi. 

Indira Gandhi: Legacy

1- Despite facing pressure from America, Indira Gandhi defeated Pakistan and led to the liberation of East Pakistan into independent Bangladesh. After the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971, the then President, V. V. Giri awarded her with India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.

2- In 1999, she was named as the 'Woman of the Millennium' in an online poll by BBC. 

3- 42nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution at the time of Emergency can be listed as a part of her legacy. 

4- In 2011, Bangladesh Swadhinata Sammanona, Bangladesh's highest civilian award was posthumously conferred on Indira Gandhi for her outstanding contributions in the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971. 

5- In 2020, she was named among world's 100 powerful women who defined last century by Time Magazine. 

6- Indira Gandhi was amongst the first Indians whose wax statue is at Madame Tussauds, London. 

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Indira Gandhi Biography

Birthday: November 19 , 1917 ( Scorpio )

Born In: Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India

Popularly known as the ‘Iron Lady of India,’ Indira Gandhi earned a formidable reputation across the globe as a stateswoman. Her sheer sense of politics and exceptional skills catapulted her position in the Indian politics, so much so that she went on to become the first woman elected to lead a democratic country. Till date, she is the only woman to have held the office in India. Born in a politically influential dynasty and growing up in an intense political atmosphere, Indira Gandhi had learned the trick of the trade quite early in her life. She possessed an authoritarian streak and became the central figure of the ‘Indian National Congress’ party, post her father’s death. She was known for her political ruthlessness and extraordinary centralization of power. It was during her premiership that India became the regional power in South Asia with considerable political, economic, and military clout. She also presided over a state of emergency and made considerable changes to the Indian Constitution. She used the army to resolve numerous internal disputes and encouraged a culture of sycophancy and nepotism, due to which she rubbed many Indians the wrong way. Gandhi initialized ‘Operation Blue Star,’ which gave her a critical reputation and eventually scripted her assassination.

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Also Known As: Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi, Indira Priyadarshini Nehru

Died At Age: 66

Spouse/Ex-: Feroze Gandhi (m. 1942–1960)

father: Jawaharlal Nehru

mother: Kamala Nehru

children: Rajiv Gandhi , Sanjay Gandhi

Born Country: India

Quotes By Indira Gandhi Prime Ministers

Died on: October 31 , 1984

place of death: New Delhi, India

City: Allahabad, India

Cause of Death: Assassination

Ideology: Socialists

education: Visva-Bharati University, Somerville College, Oxford

awards: 1971 - Bharat Ratna - Jawaharlal Nehru Award - Lenin Peace Prize

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Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in India in 1975, suspending civil liberties and arresting political opponents.

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Indira Gandhi played a key role in promoting agricultural modernization and the Green Revolution in India, which led to significant increases in crop yields.

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Indira Gandhi's nationalization of banks in India in 1969, aimed to promote economic growth and social welfare by increasing access to banking services for all citizens.

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Indira Gandhi played a strategic role in supporting the independence movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and leading India to victory in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

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Indira Gandhi's "Garibi Hatao" campaign focused on poverty alleviation through various social welfare programs, including rural development schemes and employment generation initiatives.

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Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi

Introduction.

• The mythical backdrop
• It's a girl !!!
• The little tigress
• Indira commandeers the 'vanar sena'

Complexed realities

Shantiniketan - the abode of peace, interface with death, the inner calling at the threshold of freedom, an interlude of growth, a tryst with destiny, a luminous presence fades into darkness, golden priod of great glory beckons indira, durga- the invincible, the turbulent 70s, on the brink of collapse, welcome to reality, fitting the pieces of a jisaw puzzle, back to the beginning, the cultural revolution, operation bluestar - a double edged sword, winds of wisdom, the final sunset, content on this page requires a newer version of adobe flash player..

The ancient and mythical Indian sub-continent is a confluence of multi-linguistic, multi-cultural communities bound together in a democratic framework. The entwined nature of politics, economics and religion leads us to deify our political leaders whilst they get entrenched in the public mindset as playing larger than life roles. One such magnanimous personality was Indira Gandhi- the Iron Lady of India. She served as the first woman Prime Minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and then for over four years from 1980 onwards. Indira’s indomitable leadership left an indelible mark on the psyche of the mass of Indian humanity. Indira Gandhi basked in the intense glorification and adulation of the common man who worshipped her as Durga- the invincible , and was haunted by public anger and resentment when she unleashed a reign of terror during the infamous emergency of 1975.Her subsequent humiliating downfall in the 1977 elections and resurgence as the supreme leader when she took oath as Prime Minister in January 1980,reigning over the hearts of millions of Indians, brings to the fore an unprejudiced insight into the subconscious values, fears and beliefs that defined the enigmatic persona of Indira Gandhi. The pragmatic impact her leadership had in building up India as a prominent, progressive nation with a global perspective is eminent even 28 years after her brutal assassination by her trusted security officers.

The Mythical Backdrop

The sacred town of Allahabad is a centre of pilgrimage attracting millions of devotees who throng the city to wash off their sins at the holy Sangam or Prayag; the site where the trinity of rivers Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswati merge in unison, symbolizing the balancing of centrifugal energies. The luxurious forty two room mansion ‘Anand Bhawan’ of the affluent and influential lawyer Motilal Nehru, who practiced at the Allahabad High Court, represented the clout of the Indian intelligentsia, the liberals who hobnobbed with British Lords and Viceroys. His wife Swaroop Rani was a staunch believer of the traditions and customs of their ancestors - the Kashmiri Pundits. She lavishly furnished their home with Persian carpets and bohemian cutlery; wore Saville Row suits and lived with élan. Motilal Nehru hired renowned tutors and bestowed an impeccable education on their three children: Jawaharlal Nehru, Vijayalakshmi and Krishna.

Jawaharlal completed his education from the esteemed Trinity College of London. Motilal Nehru chose a demure bride for him, the charming Kamala Kaul, who was brought up in a typically Indian household starkly in contrast with the anglicized environment at Anand Bhawan. An extravagant marriage ceremony was organized on Basant Panchami, 8 th February, 1916. Kamala experienced a great deal of trepidation on her entry into Anand Bhawan due to the domineering nature of her mother-in–law and the condescending attitude of her sister-in-law Vijayalakshmi, who was extremely possessive of her brother Jawaharlal and therefore resentful and envious of Kamala’s presence by his side.

It's a girl !!!

The family was overjoyed with the news of Kamala’s pregnancy and Swaroop Rani expected her ‘grandson’ to be welcomed by the customary beating of the thali. However, on 19 th November, 1917, an apprehensive Jawahar who waited with bated breath along with members of the Nehru clan got a nonchalant response from his mother Swaroop Rani who announced the birth of his child with the monosyllable ‘Hua’. The bewildered Motilal soon realized that Jawaharlal had been blessed with a little daughter whom he named Indira Priyadarshini. Indira was pampered by her doting parents and spoilt by her loving grandparents. She spent her time playing on the lawns, climbing trees, participating in the festivities of the annual Magh Mela with her grandmother Swaroop Rani. However, this idyllic childhood was short lived, as the enactment of the Rowlatt Act in 1919 which became a law to deal with the revolutionary protesters of the Indian freedom struggle, led to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre on 13 th April, 1919. The brutal killing of 379 peaceful protesters by General Dyer infuriated Motilal Nehru, who immediately gave up his flourishing legal practice and led to transformation of the hitherto liberal Nehrus who now staunchly opposed the British rule and vehemently dedicated their lives to the Indian freedom struggle. Bonfires were burnt of all the imported household furnishings and the doors of Anand Bhawan were thrown open to the commoner as it became the headquarters of the Indian Nationalist movement.

The Little Tigress

Indira’s early childhood memories were a vivid recollection of Motilal Nehru’s confinement which was followed by Jawaharlal being arrested in the wake of the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. The four year old Indira observed an embarrassed judge prosecuting her beloved ‘dadu’ or grandfather in a packed courtroom in December 1921. When a police team reached their house to usurp the family’s belongings, a valiant Indira broke free from the grip of her stoic mother and leaped towards the baffled policemen like a little tigress fending off an intrusion into her territory. She refused to allow the policemen to confiscate her dadu’s guns, silver and other valuables. Fifty years later, Indira said, “From the age of three I felt responsible for myself. Whether I was or not did not matter, I also felt fiercely responsible for my parents, for I thought they were defenseless and relations and friends took advantage of their goodness. I had a feeling of wanting to protect something very big.”

Indira used to dress up like a boy in khadi pyjamas with a cap and would delight in defying the guards who would prevent her from darting into secret meetings of the Congress Working Committee and settling in her dadu’s lap. Indira imbibed her grandfather’s values as was evident in a statement she made, “ My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was much less competition.” She spent her time boisterously flying kites and rejuvenated herself climbing trees, instinctively connecting to nature as she was encouraged to run to build up her stamina. Her room at Anand Bhawan was her haven of security where she fantasized herself to be the Joan of Arc or the Rani of Jhansi. Though she felt unnerved, Indira obeyed her father who forced her to walk alone across a long dark corridor towards her room, in the hope that she might overcome the terror of imaginary shadows lurking behind her in darkness.

The constant demands of the Indian freedom struggle and the commitment of the Nehru lineage to the larger cause of India’s sovereignty meant that Indira’s childhood lacked the security of a stable home as the stress of the traumatic imprisonment or the fear for the life of a family member was perennial. By the time Indira was six, she empathized with her mother Kamala, as the latter wilted due to the pressures of living with a neglectful husband who chose to ignore the overbearing dominative attitude of his mother and sister towards his docile wife. The traumatic death of a second son born to Kamala Nehru in November 1924 dragged her into the throes of depression. Her mysterious illness later flared up into a dreaded form of tuberculosis. In March 1926, Jawaharlal, accompanied by eight and a half year old Indira, took a frail Kamala to Geneva for treatment. ‘Indu’ as Indira was fondly called by her parents was a self reliant child and was confident enough to undertake alone by tram and train the daily journey to the L’ecole Internationale School where she had been enrolled. Being the daughter of a cultured father, she had the opportunity of meeting luminaries like scientist Albert Einstein, Romain Rolland – author and philosopher and others. When Kamala recovered from her illness, the family travelled extensively over London and Paris visiting museums, art galleries and historical monuments. As her father disapproved of reading fairy tales, Indira was veered towards reading about Simon Bolivar – the revolutionary Venezuelan general who took on the Spanish empire, Mazzini- the Italian nationalist and his comrade Garibaldi. While Jawaharlal was engrossed in the resolutions of the Indian National Congress, he communicated with Indira through a series of poignant letters which encompassed issues of endurance, familial obligations, perseverance and subservience of personal desires for larger objectives. International perspectives were considered while examining domestic issues in order to widen Indira’s horizon of learning.

Indira commandeers the 'vanar sena'

In 1929, Indira’s father Jawaharlal Nehru was elected the President of the Indian National Congress and the twelve year old Indira, being a voracious reader, independently read out the draft and committed herself to ‘PURNA SWARAJ’ – complete independence from the British Empire. In 1930, Mahatma Gandhi, who was like a father figure to Indira, launched the Salt Satyagraha – a movement aimed at breaking the Salt Law with the Dandi March. Under Gandhi’s patronage, peaceful satyagrahis were to march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, a village in Surat district around 385 kms away. Gandhi extolled the fervor of women as they played a revolutionary role by picketing shops selling liquor and imported cloth. Indira was possessed with an ardent desire to travel to Dandi to witness the historic event. The Nehru women, especially Kamala Nehru, astounded everyone by her tenacity and endurance as she addressed public meetings, picketed shops and stood undaunted in the face of a lathi charge. Indira inspired by her mother, at once withdrew herself from the Jesus and Mary convent and with an indomitable spirit formed the Vanar Sena - an army of children aged between 5 and 18. She displayed meticulous organizational skills and planned with precision, events like strikes in schools, distribution of pamphlets etc. In an incident, Indira was made to sit in the backseat of a car containing secret documents and she convincingly managed to persuade the sergeant who was checking the car to confiscate the papers, to let her off as she would be late for school!!!

Indira was bereaved at the loss of her dadu- beloved grandfather who pampered her with showers of indulgent affection; Motilal Nehru was snatched away by the cruel hands of death on 6 th February, 1931 marking the end of Indira’s carefree, boisterous childhood. Tensions were rife amongst women in the family and Indira overheard a casual remark by her aunt Vijayalakshmi, “She is ugly, stupid.” Indira - an adolescent struggling to come to terms with her grandfather’s death was torn apart and blemished forever with the thought that she did not possess either beauty or intelligence that were distinguishing characteristics of the Nehru clan. She was unforgiving and retreated into devastating, formidable silences. This trait of internalizing conflicts, due to the inherent Nehru pride which forbade an outward expression of grief or an impulsive outburst of emotions, was a distinctive trait of her personality all through life’s ups and downs.

The self willed and obstinate daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru was now sent into People’s Own boarding school at Poona without being taken into confidence by her parents. The alienation from her ailing mother and inability to visit her imprisoned father had a profound impact on Indira who also took the family’s changed financial situation in her stride by emulating the austere and frugal habits of her mother. Her mother, in view of the dwindling family income, sold off her ornaments and deposited the proceeds in a trust to secure Indira’s future with respect to financial requirements.

After her matriculation at Poona, Indira continued her education at Shantiniketan- ‘The Abode Of Peace’. Shantiniketan was a forum for Indira’s cherished unison with nature where she continued her study of languages like French, German and Bengali. Indira was initiated into discovering inner silences and began to appreciate creative expression in the form of art, drama and poetry. “ You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose”, was the result of the solitude she experienced at Shantiniketan. She revered Rabindranath Tagore and was in harmony with nature in the company of aesthetically inclined individuals. Around the same time, Feroze Gandhi , a young Parsee youth who volunteered to assist Kamala in her political pursuits as a representative of the Congress Party at Allahabad, proposed marriage to Indira. However, she declined it as too frivolous a concern in view of the grave and challenging political situation in India. Her education met with an interlude as she had to accompany her mother to Berlin in June 1935 due to the latter’s rapidly deteriorating health. Jawaharlal Nehru had complete faith in Indira’s ability to handle the crisis but emphasized that the journey should lead to her maturation from a shy, self-centered introvert to an extrovert who embraces international consciousness with open arms.

Kamala Nehru’s condition turned from bad to worse at the Badenweiler sanatorium and doctors gave up any hope of her recovery. A distraught Indira linked the ominous thunderstorms accompanied by lightning to the arms of death furiously closing in on her stricken and defenseless mother. This led to a lifelong fear of violent storms which left her feeling terrorized and drained out. Indira joined Mile Hemmerlin’s School at Bex , which she hardly enjoyed except for the ski lessons in the December snow. Jawaharlal Nehru was released from prison at Almora in September 1935 and boarded the first flight to meet his critically ill wife. This union between the father and daughter gave succor to the anguished Indira and lifted some of her burdens. Feroze Gandhi , who considered Kamala to be his mentor, visited her en route the London School of Economics. It is probable that Kamala discussed Indira’s marriage with the intellectual and trustworthy Feroze, implicitly seeking solace in the hope that her daughter would be well taken care of after her impending death. Indira was barely eighteen when she courageously faced her mother’s untimely death at the prime age of 37 on the fateful day of 28 th February, 1936. The traumatic and tragic death of Kamala Nehru inflicted a searing wound on Indira which even time could not heal. Indira had inherited a hard core and an indomitable spirit from her mother, yet, she felt hopeless and rootless with an uncertain bleak future. Jawaharlal Nehru was overwhelmed with a sense of obligation towards his motherland and took over the Presidentship of the Congress Party. He returned to India immediately, even if it meant leaving his daughter alone in moments of grief to fight her own battles. Indira’s misgivings towards her father’s complacency, with regards to Kamala Nehru’s oppression by his over bearing mother and scornful sister, along with his indifference and neglectful relationship with his wife, created a chasm in the father- daughter relationship. During this time, Indira was drawn towards Feroze who offered attentive companionship and shared warm memories of Kamala Nehru with her. Indira returned to India to find her father distant and emotionally entangled in a relationship with Padmaja Naidu , the attractive daughter of freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu . Indira, who was extremely proud and possessive of her legendary father felt disillusioned and dejected and decided to return to Paris.

It was in the romantic setting of Paris that the young Indira finally accepted the marriage proposal of Feroze. Not surprisingly, she remained furtive about her intimacy with Feroze in letters to her father. She joined Somerville College, Oxford University in October 1935, in order to concretize her father’s dreams as he envisioned her maturing into a dynamic leader. Indira had an unassuming personality and to the utter surprise of her contemporaries, she fumbled as she was forced to read out her father’s message of solidarity with China at a function organized by the Indo-China league. Indira returned to India in November 1938, in view of the strengthening of the Fascist forces and to recover, as she was diagnosed with Pleurisy, even before completing her course due to failure in the Latin examination. She made a second futile attempt to complete her education and returned to Oxford University a year later, but suffered with a relapse of the Pleurisy. One can relate to the emotional turmoil she experienced as an adolescent struggling to recuperate in a gloomy sanatorium traversing the same path and reliving the memories of her mother who eventually succumbed to her illness. Indira faced the tribulation with the resilience of a weed whose struggle for survival enables it to bend with every storm in order to live. Jawaharlal Nehru extolled her steadfastness and fortitude as he advocated that diseases of the body have to be fought with a strong mind. In order to instill emotional independence in her, he wrote: “be mistress of your own life, your present, your future and go ahead, consult me certainly , but decide for yourself.” The faithful Feroze showered her with gifts, care and affection knowing that the opposition of the Nehrus to this alliance would require them to tread upon a thorny path strewn with burning embers.

The Civil Disobedience Movement in October 1940, led to the arrest of Jawaharlal Nehru. Indira along with Feroze undertook an arduous journey back to India, a voyage fraught with danger and turbulence due to the escalation of World War 2. Indira met Jawaharlal at the Dehradun Jail and revealed her ardent desire to marry Feroze, citing the need for companionship and to raise her children in a stable home. Jawaharlal Nehru was engulfed with a sense of betrayal not only because Indira chose to marry a Parsee who did not belong to the elite classes like Nehru’s other associates, but also because the heir to the privileged Nehru lineage who seemed destined to lead the nation to glorious heights opted to settle for a mundane, domesticated existence as a mere housewife. Indira’s obstinacy to discard family heritage and marry Feroze made her father relent. The marriage was solemnized on Ram navami (a Hindu festival, celebrating the birth of the Hindu God Lord Rama) on 16 th March, 1942, followed by festive celebrations with the blessings of Mahatma Gandhi, relatives and friends.

The Quit India Movement was launched on 8 th August, 1942, and Indians were determined to seize control of their destiny and nation. A massive public rally was organized at Gowalia Tank in Mumbai where the national flag was unfurled in Indira’s presence. Jawaharlal Nehru’s arrest in Mumbai had a profound impact on Indira who returned to Allahabad to find Swaraj Bhawan, the headquarters of the Congress Party, sieged by army officers. Enraged by the brutality of the British and infused with patriotic fervor to defy the authoritative British rule, Indira addressed a mammoth public rally where she was attacked by the police and subsequently arrested. This was a turning point in Indira’s life, where all thoughts of personal gratification were vanquished in order to surrender oneself to the larger cause of India’s freedom. This marked the transformation of a shy, self- conscious Indira who swore never to speak in public, to an emphatic leader passionately connecting with the crowd and arousing them from slumber. Indira spent eight months in captivity, which served as a lesson in endurance and a voyage of self-discovery where she finally encountered her inner calling cajoling her towards a higher destiny.

Indira was overwhelmed with joy to embark into motherhood when she discovered her pregnancy. An equally elated Feroze ensured that she received the best medical facilities in India and brought her to Mumbai, where their first child Rajeev Ratna was born on 20 th August, 1944. Jawaharlal Nehru was released from Ahmednagar Jail in June 1945 and met his grandson at an emotional family re-union at Srinagar. By 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru was the interim prime minister. Indira took a momentous step forward to occupy the niche created for her by resolving to leave Allahabad and living with her father in Delhi. As the gracious official hostess to Presidents, philosophers and stalwarts of the Indian freedom struggle, an observant Indira mastered the nuances of protocol, diplomacy and political manipulation. The initial euphoria of companionship and marital intimacy wore off and gave way to ripples of tension, perhaps due to the infidelity of Feroze Gandhi. Feroze, a meticulous and accomplished journalist was working in Lucknow with National Herald, a news magazine founded by Jawaharlal Nehru, and during this period he got involved in an intimate relationship with a lady while staying away from Indira, who continued to live in Delhi. However, he was dutifully present besides Indira when she delivered their second son Sanjay on 18th December, 1946, in a complicated birth which even put Indira’s life in peril. Rajeev and Sanjay spent the formative years of their childhood at Teen Murti Bhawan which resembled a museum, despite Indira’s efforts to bring up her sons in a homely atmosphere. Enjoying the privilege of being the Prime Minister’s grandsons, Rajeev and Sanjay grew up amidst the grandeur of the luxurious spaces. They grew to love animals as they had pandas, tiger cubs, horses and even a crocodile as pets!!! Indira however, ensured that they were not spoilt by materialistic possessions like expensive toys and other fringe benefits, and sent them to a private school run by Elizabeth Gauba. Rajeev was soft-spoken, docile and suave which was a complete contrast to the rebellious, out-spoken and adamantly demanding Sanjay. The children basked in the adulation of the Indian masses whenever they accompanied their mother and grandfather at official functions like the fascinating and pompous Republic Day celebrations. Strangely, Indira’s sons did not inherit her voracious reading ability and a lifelong love for books.

At midnight, on 14 th August, 1947, when the world was in a slumber, India awoke, ready for its tryst with destiny. Indians rejoiced ecstatically when their motherland was liberated from the British rule. Almost numb with excitement, Indira stood in the background as Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the national flag from the historic Red Fort. The dark side of the celebration of freedom, so intensely yearned for, was the partition of India that brought with it massacres, communal riots and looting. Indira was returning from Missouri to Delhi by train along with her two kids, when the train was stopped by miscreants and a man presumed to be a Muslim was attacked. In a stunning move, a fearless Indira jumped out of the train and rescued this man from the fury of the hysterical crowd to the safety of her compartment. Indira served selflessly in Muslim refugee camps waking up at 5.00 a.m., helping out by cleaning streets, providing rations etc. and coming home late into night, often risking her life by confronting fanatic attackers. She rescued hapless victims of senseless violence, completely disregarding numerous threats to her life. The year 1948 brought with it the shocking assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, whom she had always considered to be an elder of the family. It served as a stark reminder of the price that the liberators of India paid for the sake of a better tomorrow. A deeply anguished Indira mourned along with the entire nation that was engulfed in the darkness of despair.

On the personal front, Indira’s equation with Feroze deteriorated further due to the humiliation he experienced while being considered low in protocol in comparison with his wife, who occupied a place of pride as the first lady presiding over all formal functions held at Teen Murti Bhavan, Jawaharlal’s official residence. Feroze Gandhi was aware of Indira’s inability to give off herself unconditionally, right from the inception of their relationship. On being elected to the Lok Sabha from Rae Bareilly in 1952, Feroze joined Indira and his endearing sons Rajeev and Sanjay at Teen Murti Bhava. However, he soon felt claustrophobic in the formal structure of Teen Murti Bhawan where the grimness of protocol had to be maintained. He eventually moved into an official residence and his sons looked forward to staying over with their enthusiastic father who spent qualitative time doting over them while they bonded over gardening and building cars in a relaxed environment, with laughter and mirth flowing uninhibited. The wall of conflict between Indira and Feroze created an insurmountable rift in their marriage. Feroze eventually sought solace in extra marital affairs and was at the brink of a divorce from Indira.

The children continued their education at a boarding school. Rajeev excelled in his studies while Sanjay, being disinterested in the conventional academic structure, eventually dropped out of the prestigious Doon School in Dehradun. The boys continued with their higher education in England following the footsteps of their mother and grand-father. As the children were away from her now, Indira Gandhi worked ceaselessly, electioneering for her father as a member of the Central Election Committee of the Congress.

She was a part of the Indian delegation as the prime minister travelled to U.S.A. and Soviet Union. Child welfare was her forte and she established Bal Bhawan . Tribal dancers and rural artisans received patronage from Indira and Jawaharlal, as creative expression enlivened their spirit. Indira was abreast of international trends and orchestrated the establishment of the prestigious National Institute of Design at the serene banks of Sabarmati, Ahmedabad. Reiterating her firm belief in the Doctrine of Karma, she stated emphatically, “ Have a bias towards action - let's see something happen now. You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away.”

Feroze Gandhi had revitalized the youth and was a formidable parliamentarian as his eye for detail and the thoroughness of a journalist gave him an in-depth understanding of national affairs. Jawaharlal Nehru interacted with Feroze with a tinge of conceitedness which led to a failure in building a close rapport with his son-in-law. Perhaps, it instigated Feroze who exposed scams and irregularities by Nehru’s trusted ministers like T.T.Krishnamachari and M.O. Mathai , the P.M.’s special assistant. This campaign to malign Nehru’s integrity further infuriated Indira, who climbed to greater heights within the Congress Parliamentary Board, much to the chagrin of her sidelined husband. The gloom and depression of a stormy marriage, marked with tempestuous arguments and ego clashes overshadowed Indira’s political success. Though her mind resembled a labyrinth, her outward demeanor exuded grace and poise. Feroze suffered a heart attack and Indira lovingly nursed him while they worked towards reconciliation and took their sons for a vacation in Srinagar.

Indira was elected to the highest post of Congress President in February 1959 at the young age of 41, an achievement which speaks volumes of her political acumen. Jawaharlal Nehru felt proud of her and in a touching tribute spoke, “At first Indira Gandhi had been my friend and advisor, then she became my companion and now she is my leader.” Indira and Feroze had major political confrontations which turned into malicious personal attacks on each other, on controversial issues like Indira’s obstinacy which led to the declaration of President’s rule by toppling a Marxist government in Kerala in the mid-1950s. However, the tragic and untimely death of Feroze Gandhi who suffered a fatal heart attack at 48 was devastating for Indira, as the couple shared a deep bond of commitment which anchored them together, irrespective of the grave misunderstandings. Indira immersed herself in working with UNESCO and with an unfathomable spirit she overcame self-pity and crushed every impediment to her meteoric rise.

Jawaharlal Nehru, under the influence of Defense Minister Krishna Menon, undermined the Chinese army which vanquished Indian troops in the Indo-China war of 1962. The Chinese army was stationed within thirty miles of Tezpur, Assam which led to hysteria as the entire administrative machinery, including the district commissioner abandoned their posts being crippled with fear. Indira, enraged by such cowardice, completely discarding all threats of her being taken hostage, defied her father and flew to Tezpur in order to provide solace and pacify the Assamese, who felt betrayed by the Indian Government. A unilateral ceasefire was announced the same day but Nehru withered away due to the scathing criticism by the media and suffered a massive paralytic stroke at the 68th session of the Congress held at Bhubaneswar. Indira was his lifeline and she served him whole-heartedly and channelized all his official work. However, the absence of a succession plan during Nehru’s illness triggered infighting amongst his ministers as there were plausible claimants to the prime minister’s seat.

Nehru collapsed at 1.40 p.m. on 27th May, 1964, and Indira seemed to witness the proceedings in a daze. Indira, touched by the exquisite beauty of a white rose placed in a vase, broke down when she was alone and registered the enormity of the loss. The practical implication of Nehru’s death was the disturbing reality of having to shift out from the regal Teen Murti Bhawan to a smaller bungalow at 1, Safdarjung Road. Indira took charge of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the Prime Ministership of Lal Bahadur Shastri. She always defended her stand on important issues like forcibly imposing Hindi on South-Indians even though it evoked criticism from the P.M. Indira paid homage to her father’s legacy by organizing an exhibition on Nehru’s life and work which was inaugurated at New York and travelled to Soviet Russia and London on its way to New Delhi. While Indira travelled to London for the exhibition, she spared some time from her busy schedule to meet Sonia Maino an affectionate Italian studying at Cambridge with whom Rajeev was deeply in love and wanted to formalize the relationship into marriage.

In the war of 1965, when Pakistan invaded Kashmir, Indira had the audacity to visit Haji Pir Pass, which was captured by the Indian Army after heavy bloodshed, much to the amazement of Indian troops. The shocking demise of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on 10th January, 1966, after being struck by a massive heart attack at the Tashkent Summit which was called to formalize the ceasefire, paved the way for Indira who came a step closer to her destined position.

Indira was approached to take over as the Prime Minister by veteran Congressman K.Kamaraj, in the mistaken belief that she would be a mere puppet, dancing to the tune of stalwarts of the Congress. The fact that she was well travelled and was recognized by the political fraternity meant that diplomats across the world associated her as the face of India. This further added to her credibility as being a worthy leader of the future generation. Indira faced stiff opposition from Morarji Desai, a Gujarati mastermind in politics, who expected the coveted position on account of seniority. Indira visited Rajghat to seek the blessings of the Mahatma and proceeded to the Teen Murti Bhawan to pay homage to her beloved ‘papu’ who dreamt about this glorious ascent since Indira’s childhood. Indira superseded Morarji Desai by a huge margin as she secured the support of most of the Congress chief ministers. Indira took oath as prime minister swearing allegiance to the Indian Constitution on 24 th January, 1966, and this was the beginning of a new chapter in the entwined destinies of India and Indira.

Indira attuned herself to the intrigues and maneuvers, masterminded by the chauvinistic stalwarts who undermined her maturity and dynamism as she galvanized the bureaucracy. Indira’s proactive style of governance meant she dealt with multifarious problems like drought relief, tackled riots in the North East and decisively carved out the state of Haryana for the Hindi speaking population of the erstwhile Punjab. She would meet around 500 people every morning at her residence and ensured prompt redressal of their grievances. As a novice parliamentarian, Indira would fluster as deliberate attempts were made to interrupt her while she read out well-rehearsed scripts. Ram Manohar Lohia , a senior member of parliament and her critic, referred to her lack of spontaneity as he mockingly labeled her ‘Gungi Gudiya’ or dumb doll.

Indira called upon President Charles de Gaulle at Paris who was impressed by her conduct. She visited President Lyndon Johnson who extended co-operation and released food aid. Indira resolved to steer India towards self–reliance and was the architect of the Green Revolution which led to the use of fertilizers and mechanization of agriculture. The White Revolution, which brought about self-sufficiency by increasing the production of milk, targeted the problem of malnutrition. Indira firmly believed that, “ A nation's strength ultimately consists in what it can do on its own, and not in what it can borrow from others.” With firmness, she executed the controversial devaluation of the Indian Rupee on the advice of International Monetary Fund. Indira’s steadfastness can be gauged from the following incident in Orissa. As she addressed a public rally campaigning for the elections of 1967, a stone was hurled at her inflicting a wound on her nose. Displaying exemplary resilience she used her saree to soak up the blood and continued interacting with the stunned crowd. Indira won the elections of 1967 and entered the Prime Minister’s office on the 20th of January, 1968, exuding energy and confidence at the prime age of 47.

Within a month, her elder son Rajeev, who was now a pilot with Indian Airlines, tied the knot with his soul-mate and companion Sonia Maino on the 25th of February, 1968, at their residence, 1, Safdarjung Road. The marriage was registered by a magistrate and solemnized in simplicity. Rajeev and Sonia sought their privacy and were blessed with a son Rahul who was born in 1970 and a beautiful daughter Priyanka born a year later on 12th January, 1972. Indira glowed with pride as she doted over her grand-children and loved playing word-games with them.

On the political landscape, Indira emerged stronger within the party as veteran politicians belonging to the inimical syndicate like Kamaraj, S.K. Patil, Atulya Ghosh stood defeated in their respective constituencies. Indira supported Zakir Hussain’s candidature as President of India despite stiff opposition from the syndicate and was vindicated when he won. However, the sudden death of Zakir Hussain brought victory for Sanjiva Reddy who was supported by the syndicate as against Jagjivan Ram , Indira’s candidate. Indira, as usual, tactfully avoided impulsive confrontation but never forgave an insult, often inflicting a lethal attack when the opponent disarmed himself in an illusion of security. Indira relieved Morarji Desai and took charge of the Finance ministry to discourage others from inviting her wrath. The much acclaimed nationalization of banks was credited to Finance Minister Indira Gandhi. Due to irreconcilable differences, the syndicate expelled Indira from the Congress on 1 st November, 1969. “ All my games were political games; I was, like Joan of Arc, perpetually being burned at the stake”, this statement by Indira revealed her resolute temperament in the face of adversity. Indira was hurt by this situation but was hopeful and requested the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha, banking on the strength of the ‘ Young Turks’ as her followers were called.

Indira was sworn in as the prime minister for a second time after elections held in February 1971. She was hailed by the public as she chanted “Garibi Hatao”, promising the masses emancipation from the curse of poverty, as against her opponents who reduced the election to execute a personal vendetta solely aimed at dislodging Indira Gandhi.

One of the challenges Indira faced as prime minister was the crisis that originated across the border due to elections in Pakistan. In the election to the Pakistan National Assembly, majority seats were won by Awami League of Sheikh Mujib-Ur Rehman of East Pakistan. Refusing to accept the mandate, President Yahya Khan sent troops to brutally massacre innocent people who demanded a government chosen in the polls. The exodus of millions of refugees into India led to enormous economic and social burden. Despite repeated appeals, the international community chose to ignore the issue due to U.S. President R Nixon’s antagonistic and condescending attitude towards India and Indira. On 4 th December, 1971, Indira Gandhi declared war to liberate East Pakistan. The Indian Army led by General S. Maneckshaw along with members of Mukti Bahini – a revolutionary outfit of East Bengal, strategized the Indian victory. The U.S. exerted pressure on the Indian side by ordering the Seventh Fleet into Indian waters but so vociferous was the Indian attack that the Pakistanis were battered. They retreated and surrendered even before the Seventh Fleet arrived. The entire nation cutting across party lines rallied behind the prime minister who now entrenched herself in the minds of the masses as ‘ Durga – the invincible Goddess’ valiantly destroying evil forces to preserve justice. Indira displayed equanimity in midst of the euphoria of victory and declared a ceasefire on the battle ground in West Pakistan to avoid the escalation of the situation into a World War. Indira received a standing ovation in the parliament and stood tall as a world leader respected for her stature and impeccable integrity. The success of the Shimla Agreement with the president of Pakistan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was a feather in her cap as she reiterated her commitment towards peace, while preserving national pride.

The period between 1973 and 1975 was a turbulent period due to the cessation of U.S. food aid, economic burden of the war, inflationary pressures etc. The only exception to this dismal state of affairs was Indira’s successful foray into harnessing nuclear power, when Indira Gandhi directed scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre to conduct India’s first nuclear test at Pokhran, Rajasthan on 7 th September, 1974.Gujarat was in turmoil on account of a violent agitation supported by Jaiprakash Narain against Chimanbhai Patel’s corrupt government. A massive railway workers strike, masterminded by Union leader George Fernandes was crushed with stringent penalties against the culprits. Indira was the target of a malicious campaign accusing her government of blatant nepotism in the controversial Maruti project , a venture promoted by her younger son Sanjay Gandhi. The opposition exposed irregularities in sanctioning of land, obtaining credit from nationalized banks and mismanagement, which ultimately led to directives to banks to cut off further supply of funds. The prime minister shrouded herself in an impregnable wall of secrecy alarmed by rumors of a conspiracy to destroy her, while further alienating her well-wishers due to arrogance stemming from the victory. Sanjay’s disclosure about his love affair further aggravated Indira’s volatile mental framework. Indira, who in normal circumstances, wished to find a demure Kashmiri bride for Sanjay, was perturbed to be informed that Sanjay had set his mind on marrying Maneka Anand whose father was a Sikh Colonel serving in the Indian Army. Sanjay’s wedding on 23rd September,1974, was a private affair and was made public by writing letters seeking blessings from friends and family. Maneka was barely seventeen, throbbing with wild energy and enthusiasm, and was passionate about Sanjay’s political endeavors as he was a friend, confidant and advisor to his mother.

In an out-of-the blue catastrophic development, a suit filed by Indira’s defeated opponent Raj Narain , pertaining to fabricated charges of technical malpractices which led to her unanimous victory in February 1971, was judged against her on 12 th June, 1975. The Allahabad Judgment nullified Indira’s election and she was barred from holding office for six years. A massive public rally was mobilized by J.P.Narain and Morarji Desai instigating the police and army to defy her orders, thus posing a grim threat to the law and order situation in the country. Indira Gandhi sought the advice of Sidharth Shankar Ray , the Education Minister who prescribed the imposition of emergency laws, on account of an internal crisis on 25 th June, 1975. President Fakhrudin Ali gave his approval on the assurance that the declaration would be ratified by the cabinet.

A stunned nation watched with disbelief the horrific measures that forfeited their fundamental rights and led to mass arrests and other atrocities which included complete censorship of the press. Television bulletins were broadcasted after the approval of the prime minister and electricity was cut off to newspaper offices. Sanjay Gandhi, Indira’s younger son who was her primary advisor and trusted confidant, authoritatively controlled the bureaucracy with an air of arrogance turning a democracy into a monarchy. The censorship meant international journalists were asked to leave the country, tarnishing India’s image. J. P. Narain, Morarji Desai, George Fernandes and other critics were arrested by a savage Indira, overriding fundamental rights in an unparalleled manner. 85 year old freedom fighter Bhimsen Sachar wrote an open letter to the prime minister conveying anguish and distress at the unconstitutional, authoritarian and dictatorial suppression of the fundamental right of speech and freedom of press. On 25 th July, all the senior citizens who were signatories to the letter were arrested. Indira was betraying the very ethics which defined the integrity of Jawaharlal Nehru. Though it was expected that Indira would lift the emergency on 15 th August, 1975, she was mortified by insecurity and dismay when she heard of the brutal assassination of Sheikh Mujib –ur- Rehman, the prime minister of Bangladesh along with his family at dawn on 15 th August. She had been warned about similar plots being hatched for her as the next target by R.N.Kao, chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Indira was so overwhelmed by the mental turmoil that she came under the influence of tantriks (alchemists) and astrologers who predicted doom unless Sanjay’s proximity to Indira ended. Sanjay, young at barely 29, was dynamic and felt red tapism must be avoided and the Indian economy must bounce out of the vicious circle of poverty and over population rapidly, whatever may be the cost!! With complete disregard for psychological counseling, men were forcibly sterilized, the entire government machinery went berserk recruiting men for vasectomy, taking the number of cases to a mind boggling 1,07,56,964 in two years from 1975 to 1977.

An over ambitious beautification drive meant that orders were given to demolish refugee colonies encroached upon public land around monuments. The urgency of the operation was flabbergasting as hutments were demolished with insensitivity to the hardships caused by heavy flooding. Thoughtless demolitions of heritage structures in the ancient city of Varanasi outraged the public. Indira was alienated from the resentment of the public due to the sycophancy of her ministers who filtered the disturbing outcry.

Drawing a parallel from Indian mythology where inner conflict and confusion is cleared from the clouded mind of the protagonist by a divine sage, the storm-swept almost hysterical demeanor of Indira was pacified in the presence of J. Krishnamurti, the enlightened philosopher who initiated self-realization in moments of silent contemplation, and Indira made a conscious decision to redeem the masses from the excesses of emergency. The ideal of democracy which was a luminous jewel in India’s crown and so deeply cherished by the architects of the Indian constitution had to be restored to its previous glory. On 18 th January, 1977, Indira took a momentous decision to release all opposition leaders and hold elections on the 19 th of March. Indira was dissuaded by Sanjay and her political advisors who felt that a cooling off period to erase the memory of the oppressive emergency was necessary, but a strong believer in the Doctrine of Karma as preached in the Bhagvad Gita , Indira was committed to taking the right action, irrespective of the consequences that may follow. Indira’s troubles multiplied manifold when seasoned politician and the undisputed leader of the Harijan community, Babu Jagjivan Ram , along with other stalwarts of the Congress Party who were miffed by Indira’s refusal to lift the emergency laws, formed their own party Congress for Democracy. Indira realized instinctively that this fatal blow would turn the tide against her in the ensuing elections.

Indira campaigned relentlessly for over five weeks, and intuitively realized that the twinkle of admiration in the eyes of the public had given way to disillusionment with her governance and a stoic resolve to bring about change. The turmoil of the emergency, especially the vasectomy, had engulfed the minds of the public in a wildfire of hatred that penetrated deep in the psyche of the wide expanse of Indian humanity which equated virility with manhood. The unprecedented defeat of the Congress Party which won only a single seat in all of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Haryana was numbing. Indira herself was defeated by Raj Narain who, capitalizing on Indira’s disfavour with the masses projected himself as the son of the soil. The grace and dignity with which Indira, the supreme authority who always hogged the limelight, accepted defeat was an example of immense strength. Indira’s political career was deemed to have hit a dead end, burying her into the depths of obscurity. Rajeev, who had strongly disapproved of the Emergency, personally held Sanjay responsible for his mother’s humiliating downslide from the pinnacle of power and authority.

Indira’s defeat in the parliamentary elections and ceasing to be the prime minister meant she had to search for alternative accommodation, as the present Janata Government was adamant on dislodging her. The frills in the form of furniture, servants et all were skimmed away. Unable to afford the rent demanded, she shifted to the rather cramped setting of 12, Willingdon Cresent . The Janata Government unleashed a fierce onslaught of travails beginning with a malicious propaganda and set up the Shah Commission inquiry into all the excesses of

emergency . Indira and her son Sanjay were the target of palpable antagonism of the present ministers who were seething with the desire to take revenge for their past arrests. The future held grave misgivings for Indira whose maternal instinct made her extremely protective of Sanjay, her favoured son and she shielded him like a tigress who kept predators at bay. CBI investigators could not find substantial documentary evidence against Sanjay for any willful wrongdoing.

In 1977, massacre of landless Harijan villagers in Belchi by the landowning community exemplified the helplessness of the downtrodden. Indira undertook a perilous journey wading through chest deep waters, as heavy flooding had caused tractors to remain stranded; boatmen were unwilling to ferry passengers,, and ultimately an elephant was called to carry the unrelenting minister and two of her terrified supporters. The heart rending cries of terrorized Harijans tormented Indira who regretted her failure to uplift them from the shackles of poverty and oppression despite being at the helm of affairs for twenty eight years. However, they were deeply moved by the tenderness with which she girdled them towards protection and were repentant for having betrayed her by voting against her party. Time had come a full circle. Dissatisfied by the chaos in the conflict stricken Janata Government which held together disparate elements that made cohesive governance impossible, the public hailed Indira at various forums. The Janata Government arrested Indira on flimsy charges pertaining to use of jeeps in elections, even without a proper warrant and she was later unconditionally released by the magistrate for want of documentary evidence. Indira was now elevated to the position of a martyr in the eyes of the common man, who was appalled at the Janata Government’s mission to annihilate Indira Gandhi in person rather than undoing the undemocratic measures instituted by her. Indira now travelled across India in order to reconnect with the masses at the grassroots. She garnered support from the array of devoted supporters in Gujarat and experienced the fury of angry, protesting mobs who vandalized the train in which she was meant to travel en route Kanchipuram to seek the blessings of the spiritual Shankaracharya of Kamakothi Math . The personal vendetta of the Janata Government against Indira Gandhi now resulted in pressure tactics and threats to her former supporters to testify against her in the courts of law. This led to her resignation from the Congress Working Committee and the subsequent expulsion of Indira from the Congress itself. Indira, wounded deeply at the hurtful expulsion after having served as a member for over forty years, on 3 rd January,1978, carved out the Congress (I) with the palm as its symbol – figuratively denoting blessings.

The atmosphere at Indira’s home was politically charged due to ceaseless activity, ranging from CBI officers interrogating her at the behest of her sinister prosecutors, aggrieved commoners approaching her for redressal, to Sanjay strategizing the future course of action in consultation with his lawyers, much to the annoyance of Rajeev who deplored the ominous meetings and the ensuing lack of privacy. Tensions cropped between her daughters-in-law due to extreme differences in their conditioning and mental makeup, thereby tearing Indira apart. Sonia was concerned about the effect the chaotic environment would have on the safety and growth of her children. Maneka took the challenges in her stride but flared up as Sanjay was under pressure due to the changed political equation.

Politically speaking, the next battleground for Indira was the election at Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. Indira personally nominated her candidate Mohsina Kiddwai , a Muslim woman belonging to a family of staunch Congress supporters. Indira campaigned relentlessly for over 14 hours a day and appealed to the Harijans and landless labourers.

  Indira’s uncanny shrewdness of political calculations was evident in Mohsina Kidwai’s landslide victory. The Janata Government’s loss of prestige due to Azamgarh defeat pushed them into panic mode and they squashed Sanjay Gandhi’s bail in one of the cases pertaining to the emergency and imprisoned him at Tihar Jail. Indira Gandhi was hemmed in by fears of her son being tortured in prison and the various threats of her disenfranchisement reposed by the Janata Government.

Indira visited ‘Chikmaglur’ literally meaning the ‘abode of the younger daughter’ and the warm felicitation she received from the local population who addressed her as “Indira ma” melted her heart. The probability of victory was higher in this constituency dominated by women especially because a majority of the households were still below the poverty line. Chikmaglur took centre stage in Indira’s political reincarnation. The opposition parties disrupted her canvassing by organizing stone pelting and roadblocks. However, Indira outmaneuvered them by disguising herself as a nun and travelling in a shambled car. The electorate empathized with a frail, widowed woman waging a lonely battle against a vindictive and chauvinistic government hell-bent on intimidating her in a labyrinth of woes. Indira won the Chikmaglur election with a lead of 70,000 votes!

Indira entered the parliament and got a hostile reception from the ruling party and reiterated amidst pandemonium and furore that she had never committed any breach of the ‘Privilege of the House’ in her reign as the prime minister. Indira was however held guilty, and imprisoned at the Tihar Jail on 19 th December, 1978.

At the peak of her hardship, Indira’s mind reverberated with the words of famous singer Beethoven, “I will seize fate by the throat. It shall never wholly overcome me.” Indira refused to be overwhelmed by the tribulations and serpentine twirling of unceasing burdens that had befallen her. Indira drew upon her inner resources and her sixth sense to exploit the weaknesses of the Janata Government fragmented by infighting and jealousies. Staunchly believing that everything is fair in love and war, Indira justified her political agenda by saying, “ My father was a statesman, I am a political woman. My father was a saint. I am not.” The shrewdly manipulative trait of her personality came to the fore when she extended a hand of friendship to Charan Singh who was bruised at having to yield Prime Ministership to Morarji Desai. Indira and Sanjay worked in tandem to execute the intricately designed “Divide and Rule” policy, in order to create a split within the Janata Party. Party politics were dynamic and intriguing like a game of chess, and Sanjay made the next move by subtly befriending Raj Narain, Indira’s foe who challenged her victory in the 1971 elections. Indira intentionally maintained a low profile to eliminate traces of her involvement in the growing hostility within the Janata Party. The Special Courts bill was legalized by President Sanjiva Reddy. The incredulous execution of President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on 17th May,1979, traumatized Indira and added to her hysteria. It was imminent that she and Sanjay would be subject to a similar categorically ruthless persecution. In order to plan her next strategy, Indira immediately left for a holiday to Darjeeling with Maneka and Sanjay where summons for the first hearing were served to her. However, the breather at Darjeeling strengthened Sanjay’s bond with Maneka who made Indira ecstatic with the news of her pregnancy.

In a twist of fate, a high spirited Prime Minister Morarji Desai still beaming from the success of his Soviet tour faced a ‘No Confidence Motion’ initiated by the leader of the opposition. Providence smiled at Indira when a baffled prime minister resigned from his post as he could not garner support from his party loyalists. Charan Singh was sworn in as the Prime Minister and Indira assured him of her support on the condition that she would be consulted on major policy decisions. However, Charan Singh blundered by emphatically stating in an interview that the Special Courts would probe the emergency cases. Indira, true to her style, uncannily withdrew support just one day prior to the confidence motion due on 20 th August. Charan Singh, certain to be defeated, requested the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha.

Life always gives one a second chance. It is called ‘Tomorrow ’. This prophecy held true for Indira who brought her best foot forward to connect with the electorate in what was a golden chance to override her troubles. Indira traversed around 1000 kilometers a day for almost two months, beating fatigue and personally addressing around ten crore Indians. Displaying the agility of a person half her age, Indira, tireless at 60, awed the masses who were impressed with her immaculate appearance in spite of the humid, dusty environment. Indira won 351 of the 529 seats in the Lok Sabha. An ecstatic Indira glowed in the adulation, waving to cheering crowds as she was flanked by her sons Sanjay and Rajeev.

Indira’s government announced a four point agenda to reduce inflation, generate employment, conserve nature and use alternative energy resources. In order to reduce any frictions in the effective implementation of the central policy, Indira dissolved the state assemblies where non –Congress parties were in power. Sanjay Gandhi, a dynamic and spirited leader, personally handpicked enthusiastic members to infuse the Congress Party with young blood. He planned to challenge the old order by way of recruiting youngsters who were determined to achieve targets. This revitalization was termed the ‘cultural revolution’ . World leaders were eager to meet Indira, a woman who refused to be swayed by the superpowers and stood unintimidated while being firmly rooted in national pride.

A major change that stemmed from the difficult years was Indira’s growing belief in rituals and superstitions. She took a keen interest in the powers of alchemists, the influence of the planets on earthly existence, the protection granted by a talisman and the like. Indira had an intuitive sense of impending doom, probably due to subconscious fears of conspiracies to destroy Sanjay and her. Astrologers made predictions of an unfavourable configuration of planets that reflected ambiguity and dark shadows marring glittering days. Indira was wary of unsustainable development that was antagonistic to the balance in nature. Congress (I) swept the elections to the state assemblies. Indira was overjoyed to be a grandmother again, when Sanjay and his wife, Maneka were blessed with a son who was named Feroze Varun on 13th March, 1980. Sanjay was admired by the youth who were inspired by his maturity and confidence, as he steered them towards a brighter tomorrow, enabling them to live a life of dignity. Indira Gandhi was requested to appoint him as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh but she wished to further hone his expertise under her tactful mentorship. Sanjay, so full of the spirit of adventure, took to soaring to newer heights taking flight in a two seater aircraft at Delhi Flying Club, often chiding away his mother’s advice on exercising caution.

On the fateful morning of 23 rd June, 1980, Indira had to face the grotesque reality of having her cherished son snatched away forever by the cruel hands of death, leaving behind a stunned wife and an infant son.

Sanjay Gandhi was diving into a loop in his two seater aircraft and could not swerve it upwards quick enough to prevent it from crashing into a drain. Indira rushed past visitors to dash into her car and sped to the accident site where she let out a heart rending cry when she came in sight of the badly mutilated body of her son. Even in this hour of grief, Indira displayed enormous courage as she took charge and unflinchingly stood in the ambulance right next to her son, accompanying him on his last journey to Ram Manohar Lohia hospital , where he was declared ‘brought dead’ . Indira spent a few private moments bidding farewell after the doctors prepared his body for the final rites. Indira wore dark glasses to shield her eyes from public glare as she maintained a graceful composure - a complete surrender to the will of God. Indira’s immeasurable grief at the loss of her dearly loved son, who was perhaps the only one she trusted completely and loved unconditionally, her pillar of strength and the apple of her eye, was buried within the recesses of her being. She protectively consoled a distraught Maneka, who was hysterical with grief. Indira once again displayed her sense of being in complete control of any situation when she spotted the Congress flag about to be burnt with her son’s body and got the logs lifted for the removal of the flag. Sanjay Gandhi was cremated next to his grandfather at Shantivan , as huge crowds shed silent tears mourning the tragic demise of a leader who had the potential of lifting India to glorious heights.

Feroze Varun, her grandson, was like a beacon of hope in Indira’s overwhelming despair as she visualized Sanjay in every childish antic. Though Indira was very compassionate with Maneka in the initial period, her effort to keep Maneka closely involved in party politics upset her other daughter-in-law Sonia, and thus Indira stepped backwards. She now needed Rajeev and his family to assuage her insecurities and share her burdens. Maneka was always somewhat jittery about her mother-in-law’s willful obstinacy but she was lovingly shielded under Sanjay’s umbrella. Maneka devoted herself to the task of publishing a photo biography as a tribute to the memory of Sanjay. There were certain misunderstandings between the prime minister and Maneka with regards to certain aspects of the book. Articles in newspapers highlighting Maneka’s political ambitions, certain business transactions carried out with Indira’s known foes and Maneka’s own insecurities brought on with widowhood, created a vicious circle of suspicious accusations and counter accusations which culminated in Maneka leaving Indira’s house along with baby Varun, who was a source of great solace to his bereaved grandmother. Indira once again absorbed the grief and continued with her political responsibilities, aided by Rajeev who was finally persuaded to join politics.

Indira took keen interest in the prospects of computerization in India in order to keep pace with the international standards of progress. Indira visited the U.S., graced the festival of India in Great Britain. She assumed the role of a gracious hostess when the Non-Alignment Movement summit was hosted in New Delhi in March 1983. Indira glowed with an air of accomplishment as she was looked upon as a beacon of enlightenment amongst the international fraternity, advocating peaceful co-existence and nuclear non-proliferation.

The country slipped back into turmoil as infiltration of spies was reported from across the border into Kashmir. Indira’s supporters in Andhra Pradesh caused the Telugu Desam Government in Andhra Pradesh to topple and communal riots tore Punjab- the prosperous hub of the Green Revolution. The Punjab problem had germinated around five years ago, when Sanjay Gandhi selected J.S.Bhindrawale , a village preacher as the emissary of the Congress (I) which was sidelined due to the growing influence of the rival party Akali Dal . Bhindrawale grew into a formidable fanatic, breaking free of the party and openly demanded secession and the creation of ‘Khalistan’. Punjab, on whose sacred soil the Sikh Gurus preached unity and devotion, turned into a battle ground engulfed with the tentacles of hatred and intolerance. There was incoherence due to the intrigues of opposing forces like the militant outfits sponsored by NRIs and the State and Central Governments each planning their strategic moves as if the state was a chessboard, to fuel their selfish, narrow political ambitions. Looting, massacres of non-Sikhs and assassinations of heads of the bureaucracy were masterminded to create a stifling reign of terror. Bhindrawale and his supporters took refuge in the Akal Takht, the sanctum in the sacred ‘Golden Temple’ of Amritsar – a jewel representing the essence of Sikhism. Indira’s attempts to seek an amicable solution proved futile and the mounting death toll pushed the public into the realms of ravaging sorrow.

In response to the death sentences issued by Bhindrawale, Indira ordered a battalion of military officers to vanquish the militant contingent in a fierce battle fought for over twenty four hours. Operation Blue Star culminated in the death of Bhindrawale along with innocent pilgrims who were a target of counter-violence firing. The Golden Temple was completely desecrated.

Indira maintained that the operation aimed at dislodging militant forces and preserving the security of the common man. She vehemently dismissed the suggestion of replacing Sikh bodyguards amongst her security personnel, as she did not want to fuel the perception that her stand was anti-Sikh in nature.

The gravity of the decision to execute the chilling storming of the Golden Temple, had a profound impact on Indira’s subconscious mind who instinctively felt veered towards the reality of a communion with death. Her premonition of death was evident from a sudden urgency to perform ‘yagnas’ or rituals, to invoke the protection of ‘Chandi’ - the primordial female energy through oblations to fire. On 10 th December, she inaugurated the international conference of the ‘Buddha’ , where she referred to the perils of aggression as she said, “Victory only left a trail of sorrow and bred hatred.”

In the autumn of life, Indira radiated an aura of fulfillment. She symbolized a courageous woman who bore the brunt of ruthless politics, the death of a parent in her formative years, a stormy marriage, a humiliating downfall from glorious heights, the devastating death of a cherished son, the bloodshed of wars and yet stood tall by drawing upon her inner reserves to emerge unscathed, ready to withstand greater challenges without compromising on her convictions and integrity. On a visit to Srinagar along with her grandchildren, she sought solace in the majestic mountains, shielding the hinterland with the same tenacity of her protectiveness towards India. On the 28thof October, she visited the temple of Sharika , the patron Goddess of the Kashmiri Brahman community. Lakshman joo, a religious head who often met Indira, sensed restlessness in her, when in reply to a request to inaugurate a building elicited a curious response “I will come if I am alive.” She was deeply concerned and obsessed about the security of her grand-children and was tormented by the notion that they would be kidnapped, harmed or hurt. On 30th October, she addressed a public rally in Orissa, where a sea of people thronged to come face to face with their enigmatic leader,

“I am here today; I may not be here tomorrow. But the responsibility to look after national interest is on the shoulder of every citizen of India. I have often mentioned this earlier. Nobody knows how many attempts have been made to shoot me; lathis have been used to beat me. In Bhubaneswar itself, a brickbat hit me. They have attacked me in every possible manner. I do not care whether I live or die. I have lived a long life and I am proud that I spent the whole of my life in the service of my people. I am only proud of this and nothing else. I shall continue to serve until my last breath and when I die, I can say, that every drop of my blood will invigorate India and strengthen it.”

The morning of 31 st October,1984, she prepared herself for an interview with Peter Ustinov, the British actor. She poured over some official paperwork, met her grandson Rahul as usual and sprightly headed towards the gate of her residence, graciously folding her hands to acknowledge Beant Singh, one of her trusted security officers who raised his hand as if to salute her but instead chose to brutally shoot Indira in the abdomen from close range. As if to complete the mission to perfection, Constable Satwant Singh fired a volley of bullets that pierced through the body of the slain leader. Indira’s assassination rocked the nation which revulsed from the dastardly act of betrayal and reeled with a wave of mass hysteria which surfaced in the form of anti-Sikh massacres killing around 3000 Sikhs in three days. The spirit of valour that Indira personified, resounded in the ears of an outraged nation, “ If I die a violent death as some fear and a few are plotting, I know the violence will be in the thought and the action of the assassin, not in my dying – for no hate is dark enough to overshadow the extent of my love for my people and my country; no force is strong enough to divert me from my purpose and my endeavor to take this country forward.”

Rajeev Gandhi, her firstborn, filled the political vacuum as he was sworn in as the prime minister late in the evening.

Indira was cremated at the land next to Shanti Van, nestled closed to the resting place of her beloved father and cherished son in unison with nature. Her cremation site, ‘Shakti Sthal’ has a hard rock of Jasper holding forte over a landscape of expansive lawns, flaunting veins of iron ore in testimony to her determination and the endurance with which she weathered the fury of life’s storms, standing undeterred and resolute in her convictions.

Indira’s legacy lived on through her son Rajeev, who was a dynamic leader determined to liberalize the Indian economy so that India, his beloved motherland in service to whom his mother sacrificed her life, scaled newer heights of development. Sadly, his tryst with India’s destiny was cut short on the fateful day of 21 st May, 1991, when he was assassinated in cold blood by a suicide bomber ‘ Dhanu’ , who was a part of the crowd hailing him during an election meeting in the temple town of Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. History repeated itself once again in this cowardly act of betrayal which led to the savage death of a 46 year old Rajeev. The blood splattered saga of violence and hatred that engulfed Indira, spilled over, sapping the life of another promising and able leader of the Indian masses. The members of the Congress Party now looked up to Sonia Gandhi, Rajeev’s widow, who was bereaved at the sudden snatching away of her beloved husband by the cruel hands of death leaving her with the burden of raising her children Priyanka and Rahul single-handedly. Sonia Gandhi, in order to revive the fading glory of the Congress (I) which was losing its sheen due to the absence of an able successor to Rajeev, was finally persuaded to take over the reins of the Party as President in 1998. Sonia Gandhi carried forward the beacon of the Gandhi dynasty in a maturation that is strikingly in contrast to her hitherto disdain of politics in order to keep the legacy of Indira alive. Sonia’s predicament can be clearly understood from the following quote in Paul Dettman's book “ India Changes Course”:

“In the years since Rajeev Gandhi left us, I had chosen to remain a private person and live a life away from the political arena. My grief and loss have been deeply personal. But a time has come when I feel compelled to put aside my own inclinations and step forward. The tradition of duty before personal considerations has been the deepest conviction of the family to which I belong.”

Indira’s grandson Rahul Gandhi entered the political fray in the elections of 2004, when he became a member of Parliament representing Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, stepping into the shoes of his father and mother. He is currently serving as the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee and is at the helm of affairs in the youth wing of the party. Rahul has recently been elevated to the post of Vice-President of the Congress Party and is the Prime Ministerial candidate in the forthcoming general elections. It is in the future generations of the Gandhi dynasty, that the legacy of Indira lives on…

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Indira Gandhi Biography

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Indira Gandhi , born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, India, was a trailblazing Indian politician who made history as the first female prime minister of India. Her remarkable political career spanned several terms, with her first tenure from 1966 to 1977 and a return to power in 1980, leading until her tragic assassination in 1984. Indira Gandhi’s leadership left an indelible mark on Indian politics, and she was known for her strong and often controversial decisions during her time in office. Her legacy continues to be a topic of interest and discussion in the realm of Indian politics, making her a significant figure in the nation’s history. In this article you will get to know about Indira Gandhi’s Early life, her role as India’s Prime Minister , her political roller coaster ride and many more things.

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Indira Gandhi Biography: Early Life

Indira Nehru, the only child of India’s iconic leader Jawaharlal Nehru, played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence from British rule. Her lineage was steeped in the fight for freedom, as her grandfather Motilal Nehru was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. Indira’s journey to prominence began with her education, including a brief stint at Visva-Bharati University and later at the University of Oxford in England. In 1938, she joined the Indian National Congress, a party that was at the forefront of India’s quest for independence .

In 1942, Indira Gandhi married Feroze Gandhi , a fellow Congress Party member, and the couple had two children, Sanjay and Rajiv. Although their marriage was often marked by estrangement, Indira’s role as her father’s hostess and her travels with him kept her deeply involved in the political sphere. The Congress Party came to power with her father’s ascent to the position of prime minister in 1947, and Indira Gandhi’s political career gained momentum. In 1955, she became a member of the party’s working committee, and in 1959, she was elected as the party president, a largely honorary position. Her formal entry into the Indian parliament’s upper chamber, the Rajya Sabha, occurred in 1964. That same year, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Nehru’s successor as prime minister, appointed her as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting in his government. Indira Gandhi’s early life and gradual ascent within the Congress Party marked the beginning of a remarkable political career that would eventually see her become the first female Prime Minister of independent India and an influential global figure.

List of India’s Prime Minister

Indira Gandhi: A Turbulent Tenure as India’s Prime Minister

During Indira Gandhi’s first term as Prime Minister, She faced various challenges within her own party. After the sudden death of Lal Bahadur Shastri in January 1966, Gandhi was chosen as the leader of the Congress Party through a compromise between its right and left wings. However, her leadership was constantly challenged by the right wing, led by Morarji Desai , a former finance minister. In the 1967 elections, although Gandhi won a seat in the Lok Sabha , the Congress Party only managed to secure a slim majority, leading her to accept Morarji Desai as deputy prime minister.

Tensions continued to escalate within the party, leading to Gandhi’s expulsion in 1969 by Desai and other senior members. Undeterred, she formed a new faction known as the “New” Congress Party, which gained significant support among party members. In the 1971 Lok Sabha elections, the New Congress group secured a resounding victory over a coalition of conservative parties.

During this time, Gandhi strongly supported East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in its struggle for independence from Pakistan. India’s armed forces achieved a swift and decisive victory over Pakistan, leading to the creation of Bangladesh, with Gandhi being the first world leader to recognize the new country.

In March 1972, riding on the wave of India’s success against Pakistan, Gandhi’s New Congress Party won landslide victories in many state legislative assembly elections. However, her political opponent from the 1971 national election accused her of violating election laws, leading to a ruling by the High Court of Allahabad in June 1975 that would have barred her from politics for six years. Gandhi appealed to the Supreme Court but received an unsatisfactory response. Consequently, she declared a state of emergency across India, imprisoned her political adversaries, and assumed emergency powers. During this period, she implemented several controversial policies, including widespread sterilisation as a means of birth control, alongside other laws that limited personal freedoms.

Indira Gandhi’s Political Rollercoaster: From Power to Defeat and Back Again

In the early 1970s, Indira Gandhi faced significant public opposition during her two-year emergency rule. When this period ended in 1977, her political rivals were determined to remove her and the New Congress Party from power. National parliamentary elections held later that year resulted in a resounding defeat for Gandhi and her party, leading her to step down as prime minister. The Janata Party took over, with Morarji Desai as the new prime minister.

In 1978, Gandhi and her supporters formed the Congress (I) Party, with the “I” signifying Indira. She faced brief imprisonments in 1977 and 1978 on corruption charges. Despite these setbacks, she won a seat in the Lok Sabha in November 1978, and her Congress (I) Party began to gain strength. Internal divisions within the ruling Janata Party eventually led to its downfall in August 1979. New elections in January 1980 saw a landslide victory for Gandhi and Congress (I), as she returned to power. Her son Sanjay, who had become her chief political adviser, also secured a seat in the Lok Sabha, and all legal cases against both Indira and Sanjay were dropped.

However, tragedy struck in June 1980 with the untimely death of Sanjay in an aeroplane crash, leaving Indira without her chosen successor. She then began grooming her other son, Rajiv Gandhi , for leadership. Indira continued her father’s quasi-socialist policies of industrial development and strengthened ties with the Soviet Union for support in India’s ongoing conflict with Pakistan.

During the early 1980s, Indira faced challenges to India’s political unity, as several states sought greater autonomy from the central government. In Punjab, Sikh separatists, led by Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, occupied the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. Tensions escalated, leading to Gandhi’s decision in June 1984 to order the Indian army to oust the separatists. This operation resulted in damage to the shrine and the loss of many lives.

Indira Gandhi Death

Tragically, in revenge for the Amritsar attack, Indira Gandhi was assassinated in her garden in New Delhi on October 31, 1984, by two of her Sikh bodyguards, Satwant Singh and Beant Singh. This shocking event sent shockwaves across India and the world, as it marked a significant turning point in the country’s history. Indira Gandhi’s death left a void in Indian politics, as she had been a formidable leader and a central figure in shaping the nation’s post-independence trajectory.

Following her assassination, her son, Rajiv Gandhi, was thrust into the political limelight and took over as the Prime Minister of India. Rajiv’s tenure was marked by both significant achievements and challenges, including economic reforms, improved relations with some neighbouring countries, and also controversies. He served as Prime Minister until 1989, leading the nation through a pivotal period in its history, during which India continued to navigate complex political, economic, and social changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Indira Gandhi

Who was indira gandhi.

Indira Gandhi was a prominent Indian politician who served as the first female Prime Minister of India. She played a significant role in India's struggle for independence and left a lasting impact on the nation's political landscape.

When and where was Indira Gandhi born?

Indira Gandhi's birthplace was Allahabad, India, and she was born on November 19, 1917.

What was Indira Gandhi's family background?

She was the only child of Jawaharlal Nehru, a key figure in India's independence movement and its first Prime Minister. Her family was deeply involved in the fight for India's freedom.

How did Indira Gandhi enter politics?

Indira Gandhi's political journey began with her education and her association with the Indian National Congress, the party at the forefront of the independence movement. She joined the Congress Party in 1938 and gradually rose through the ranks.

What were some of Indira Gandhi's notable achievements as Prime Minister?

Indira Gandhi led India to victory in the 1971 war with Pakistan, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. She also implemented various socio-economic policies during her tenure.

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Mahatma Gandhi

By: History.com Editors

Updated: June 6, 2019 | Original: July 30, 2010

Revered the world over for his nonviolent philosophy of passive resistance, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was known to his many followers as Mahatma, or “the great-souled one.” He began his activism as an Indian immigrant in South Africa in the early 1900s, and in the years following World War I became the leading figure in India’s struggle to gain independence from Great Britain. Known for his ascetic lifestyle–he often dressed only in a loincloth and shawl–and devout Hindu faith, Gandhi was imprisoned several times during his pursuit of non-cooperation, and undertook a number of hunger strikes to protest the oppression of India’s poorest classes, among other injustices. After Partition in 1947, he continued to work toward peace between Hindus and Muslims. Gandhi was shot to death in Delhi in January 1948 by a Hindu fundamentalist.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, at Porbandar, in the present-day Indian state of Gujarat. His father was the dewan (chief minister) of Porbandar; his deeply religious mother was a devoted practitioner of Vaishnavism (worship of the Hindu god Vishnu), influenced by Jainism, an ascetic religion governed by tenets of self-discipline and nonviolence. At the age of 19, Mohandas left home to study law in London at the Inner Temple, one of the city’s four law colleges. Upon returning to India in mid-1891, he set up a law practice in Bombay, but met with little success. He soon accepted a position with an Indian firm that sent him to its office in South Africa. Along with his wife, Kasturbai, and their children, Gandhi remained in South Africa for nearly 20 years.

Did you know? In the famous Salt March of April-May 1930, thousands of Indians followed Gandhi from Ahmadabad to the Arabian Sea. The march resulted in the arrest of nearly 60,000 people, including Gandhi himself.

Gandhi was appalled by the discrimination he experienced as an Indian immigrant in South Africa. When a European magistrate in Durban asked him to take off his turban, he refused and left the courtroom. On a train voyage to Pretoria, he was thrown out of a first-class railway compartment and beaten up by a white stagecoach driver after refusing to give up his seat for a European passenger. That train journey served as a turning point for Gandhi, and he soon began developing and teaching the concept of satyagraha (“truth and firmness”), or passive resistance, as a way of non-cooperation with authorities.

The Birth of Passive Resistance

In 1906, after the Transvaal government passed an ordinance regarding the registration of its Indian population, Gandhi led a campaign of civil disobedience that would last for the next eight years. During its final phase in 1913, hundreds of Indians living in South Africa, including women, went to jail, and thousands of striking Indian miners were imprisoned, flogged and even shot. Finally, under pressure from the British and Indian governments, the government of South Africa accepted a compromise negotiated by Gandhi and General Jan Christian Smuts, which included important concessions such as the recognition of Indian marriages and the abolition of the existing poll tax for Indians.

In July 1914, Gandhi left South Africa to return to India. He supported the British war effort in World War I but remained critical of colonial authorities for measures he felt were unjust. In 1919, Gandhi launched an organized campaign of passive resistance in response to Parliament’s passage of the Rowlatt Acts, which gave colonial authorities emergency powers to suppress subversive activities. He backed off after violence broke out–including the massacre by British-led soldiers of some 400 Indians attending a meeting at Amritsar–but only temporarily, and by 1920 he was the most visible figure in the movement for Indian independence.

Leader of a Movement

As part of his nonviolent non-cooperation campaign for home rule, Gandhi stressed the importance of economic independence for India. He particularly advocated the manufacture of khaddar, or homespun cloth, in order to replace imported textiles from Britain. Gandhi’s eloquence and embrace of an ascetic lifestyle based on prayer, fasting and meditation earned him the reverence of his followers, who called him Mahatma (Sanskrit for “the great-souled one”). Invested with all the authority of the Indian National Congress (INC or Congress Party), Gandhi turned the independence movement into a massive organization, leading boycotts of British manufacturers and institutions representing British influence in India, including legislatures and schools.

After sporadic violence broke out, Gandhi announced the end of the resistance movement, to the dismay of his followers. British authorities arrested Gandhi in March 1922 and tried him for sedition; he was sentenced to six years in prison but was released in 1924 after undergoing an operation for appendicitis. He refrained from active participation in politics for the next several years, but in 1930 launched a new civil disobedience campaign against the colonial government’s tax on salt, which greatly affected Indian’s poorest citizens.

A Divided Movement

In 1931, after British authorities made some concessions, Gandhi again called off the resistance movement and agreed to represent the Congress Party at the Round Table Conference in London. Meanwhile, some of his party colleagues–particularly Mohammed Ali Jinnah, a leading voice for India’s Muslim minority–grew frustrated with Gandhi’s methods, and what they saw as a lack of concrete gains. Arrested upon his return by a newly aggressive colonial government, Gandhi began a series of hunger strikes in protest of the treatment of India’s so-called “untouchables” (the poorer classes), whom he renamed Harijans, or “children of God.” The fasting caused an uproar among his followers and resulted in swift reforms by the Hindu community and the government.

In 1934, Gandhi announced his retirement from politics in, as well as his resignation from the Congress Party, in order to concentrate his efforts on working within rural communities. Drawn back into the political fray by the outbreak of World War II , Gandhi again took control of the INC, demanding a British withdrawal from India in return for Indian cooperation with the war effort. Instead, British forces imprisoned the entire Congress leadership, bringing Anglo-Indian relations to a new low point.

Partition and Death of Gandhi

After the Labor Party took power in Britain in 1947, negotiations over Indian home rule began between the British, the Congress Party and the Muslim League (now led by Jinnah). Later that year, Britain granted India its independence but split the country into two dominions: India and Pakistan. Gandhi strongly opposed Partition, but he agreed to it in hopes that after independence Hindus and Muslims could achieve peace internally. Amid the massive riots that followed Partition, Gandhi urged Hindus and Muslims to live peacefully together, and undertook a hunger strike until riots in Calcutta ceased.

In January 1948, Gandhi carried out yet another fast, this time to bring about peace in the city of Delhi. On January 30, 12 days after that fast ended, Gandhi was on his way to an evening prayer meeting in Delhi when he was shot to death by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu fanatic enraged by Mahatma’s efforts to negotiate with Jinnah and other Muslims. The next day, roughly 1 million people followed the procession as Gandhi’s body was carried in state through the streets of the city and cremated on the banks of the holy Jumna River.

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Indira Gandhi: Death, Iron Lady of India, Biography and Legacy

Context: October 31st marks the 39th death Anniversary of the former Prime Minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi.

Indira Gandhi’s Death: Transformative Legacy and Tragic Assassination

• Indira Gandhi, was assassinated on October 31, 1984, by two of her bodyguards in response to the military operation conducted at the Golden Temple, known as Operation Blue Star.
• Indira Gandhi’s leadership transformed India’s socio-political and economic landscape, and she is considered one of India’s strongest and most influential leaders.

Indira Gandhi: The Iron Lady Who Shaped India’s Destiny

• Birth Date: Indira Gandhi, born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, was the only child of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister , and Kamala Nehru, a freedom fighter.  
• Education: She attended various schools in India and abroad , including Shantiniketan, where she was named Priyadarshini by Rabindranath Tagore. 
• Personal Life: In 1942, she married Feroze Gandhi and had two sons, Rajiv and Sanjay Gandhi.
• President of the INC: Indira Gandhi began her political career assisting her father and later served as the president of the Indian National Congress in 1960 . 
• During her tenure, she implemented significant reforms such as bank nationalization and abolition of royal families’ privy purses.
• Emergency: In 1975, she declared a state of Emergency in response to her conviction for an election offence, leading to widespread protests. 
• She called for elections in 1977 and lost, but she returned to power in 1980.
• Liberation of Bangladesh: Gandhi supported the liberation movement in East Pakistan (resulting in the creation of Bangladesh) and led India to victory in the 1971 India-Pakistan War.
• The Harmandir Sahib was then under the control of extremists led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who wanted an independent state for Sikhs.
• Gandhi’s legacy is marked by her determination, political acumen, and significant contributions to India’s progress.

Political Dynamics in Indira Gandhi’s Era: Transformative Shifts and Challenges in Indian Politics

• The rise of Indira Gandhi: Indira Gandhi emerged as a powerful leader within the Congress party.
• The Syndicate’s opposition: The Syndicate, a group of old-guard Congress leaders, opposed Indira Gandhi’s policies.
• The split in the Congress party: The Congress party split into two factions: Congress (R) led by Indira Gandhi and Congress (O) led by the Syndicate.
• Decline of Congress dominance: The Congress party’s dominance declined due to internal problems and the rise of opposition parties.
• Rise of regional parties: Regional parties gained prominence, reflecting the growing aspirations of different regions.
• Era of coalition governments: The 1967 elections marked the beginning of the era of coalition governments in India.
• Defections and instability : Frequent defections of legislators led to instability in state governments.
• Anti-defection law: The anti-defection law was passed in 1985 to curb the practice of defections.
• JP Movement: Jayaprakash Narayan launched the Total Revolution movement, calling for social, economic, and political change.
• Impact of the JP Movement : The JP Movement contributed to the imposition of the Emergency and the rise of the Janata government.

• Emergency and its aftermath: The Emergency, imposed by Indira Gandhi, led to widespread protests and the defeat of the Congress party in the 1977 elections.
• Janata Party victory: The Janata Party, a coalition of opposition parties, came to power in 1977.
• Fall of the Janata government: The Janata government collapsed in 1979 due to internal divisions and the resurgence of Indira Gandhi.
• Challenges of coalition politics: Coalition governments face challenges such as ideological differences and the risk of instability.
• Rise of regional parties: Regional parties have become increasingly important in coalition politics.
• Impact on federalism: Coalition politics has contributed to the strengthening of federalism in India.

Indira Gandhi’s Economic Reforms: Bank Nationalization, PDS, and Social Welfare Initiatives

• India faced economic challenges like recession, unemployment, inflation, and scarcity of food grains . 
• The PL-480 program, also known as ‘Food for Peace’, provided aid in the form of food, leading to India’s dependence on foreign-supplied food.
• In the face of acute shortages due to two successive droughts, India devalued its currency by 36.5% in 1966 . 
• This move averted famine, and India imported high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds from Mexico , heralding the Green Revolution and making India self-sufficient in agriculture.
• Nationalization of Banks: In 1969, Indira Gandhi’s government nationalized 14 commercial banks, controlling 70% of the country’s deposits. This move aimed to improve banking operations, especially in the agricultural sector.
• Insurance Sector Nationalization: The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) was established in 1956, and in 1972, the General Insurance Business (Nationalization) Act was passed, leading to the nationalization of the general insurance sector in 1973.
• PDS and FCI: The Public Distribution System (PDS) was launched in 1947 to distribute subsidized food and non-food items. Food Corporation of India (FCI) was established in 1964 to check food shortages and black marketing.
• Revamped PDS and Targeted PDS : PDS evolved from untargeted to Revamped PDS (RPDS) in 1992, and later, Targeted PDS (TPDS) was introduced in 1997, aiming to stabilize food prices and ensure food availability to the needy
• Privy Purse Abolition: In 1971, Indira Gandhi’s government proposed and passed the Constitutional (Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Act, abolishing Privy Purses given to the royal families of princely states. This move aimed for equality and social justice, aligning with constitutional principles.
• Slogan and Anti-Poverty Measures: During the 1971 elections, Indira Gandhi’s “Garibi Hatao Desh Bachao” (Abolish Poverty, Save the Nation) campaign targeted poverty alleviation. The slogan resonated with the masses and emphasized anti-poverty measures to uplift the marginalized sections of society.
• Transformative Reforms and Social Justice Initiatives
• Economic Reforms and Social Justice: These economic developments reflected Indira Gandhi’s focus on economic reforms, agricultural self-sufficiency, and social justice. Nationalization, PDS, and poverty alleviation initiatives aimed at inclusive growth and reducing economic disparities.
• Indira Gandhi’s economic policies, including bank nationalization and poverty alleviation campaigns, left a lasting impact on India’s economic landscape , shaping the country’s approach toward social and economic welfare. 
• These policies also laid the foundation for future economic reforms and social welfare programs.

India’s Socio-Political Landscape: Key Events during the Indira Gandhi

• The Naxalites, inspired by Maoist ideology , started as a radical left-wing movement in India, particularly in states with high poverty and social inequality. 
• It began in 1967 and has persisted , leading to the formation of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in 2004. 
• The movement focuses on the rights of landless laborers and tribal people.
• This crisis was the result of the Bangladesh Genocide in 1971, leading to a massive influx of refugees into India. 
• The crisis eventually led to the Indo-Pak War of 1971 and the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
• The 1971 war between India and Pakistan was a significant politico-military conflict that resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. 
• The war lasted from December 3 to December 16, 1971, and is commemorated as Vijay Diwas.
• The Simla Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan in 1972 to establish durable peace, friendship, and cooperation between the two nations. 
• It included principles like respect for territorial integrity and peaceful conflict resolution.
• In 1971, India signed a treaty with the Soviet Union to ensure support in case of an attack. 
• This treaty played a crucial role in securing India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during the 1971 war.
• The JP Movement was initiated by social activist Jaya Prakash Narayan in Bihar in 1974. 
• It began as a student protest against rising prices and corruption and later turned into a national movement against the government. 
• It eventually led to the declaration of Emergency by the Indira Gandhi government in 1975.

Indira Gandhi’s Second Term: Political Shifts, Turmoil, and Tragic Demise

• During the second phase of Indira Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister of India (January 1980 – October 1984), several significant events and developments took place:
• In the 1980 General Elections for the Seventh Lok Sabha, the Congress (I) was returned to power with a strong majority. 
• Indira Gandhi won from Rae Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh as well as from Medak in Andhra Pradesh and chose to keep the Medak seat. 
• She became the Prime Minister of India once again.
• Indira Gandhi paid immediate attention to the economy. 
• A new Sixth Five-Year Plan (1980–85) was launched, focusing on increasing growth, industrialization, reducing poverty, and unemployment. 
• Several programs like the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) and the National Rural Employment Programme (NREP) were initiated to promote rural development and employment.
• Indira Gandhi took steps to improve the ecological and environmental aspects of the country. 
• Acts like the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 were enacted during her tenure to address environmental issues.
• She was unhappy with Sri Lanka’s alignment with the West after Sirimavo Bandaranaike lost power. 
• India supported LTTE militants in the 1980s to pressurize Sri Lanka but stopped short of military intervention. 
• India-Pakistan relations deteriorated, leading to military skirmishes and conflict over the Siachen Glacier.
• India reasserted its prominence in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) under Indira Gandhi. 
• She chaired the 1983 NAM summit in Delhi and emphasized the relationship between disarmament and economic development.
• Political and communal tensions rose in different parts of India during her second term. 
• There were movements for separate statehood in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. 
• In Punjab, there was a demand for greater autonomy and escalating communal issues between Sikhs and Hindus.
• Punjab faced significant political turmoil with demands for autonomy and the rise of Sikh separatism. 
• Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale gained prominence and militant activity increased. In June 1984, Indira Gandhi ordered “Operation Blue Star ” to regain control of the Golden Temple in Amritsar from Sikh militants. 
• The operation led to substantial casualties and was met with strong opposition from the Sikh community worldwide.
• On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh security guards in retaliation for Operation Blue Star. 
• Her death had a profound impact on the nation and led to the swearing-in of her son, Rajiv Gandhi, as the next Prime Minister of India.

Conclusion:

• Indira Gandhi’s legacy is a complex blend of transformative policies and political turbulence, culminating in a tragic end that continues to shape India’s political history.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Indira Hardcover – 7 Jan. 2002

• Print length 592 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Houghton Mifflin (Trade)
• Publication date 7 Jan. 2002
• Dimensions 15.88 x 4.45 x 22.86 cm
• ISBN-10 039573097X
• ISBN-13 978-0395730973
• See all details

Product description

About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Houghton Mifflin (Trade); First Edition (7 Jan. 2002)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 592 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 039573097X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0395730973
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.88 x 4.45 x 22.86 cm
• 2,803 in Indian Subcontinent Historical Biographies

About the author

Katherine frank.

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