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Period: 1525 to 1570
Pre-1900s : Rani Abbakka Chowta
Full Name : Rani Abbakka Chowta Leadership Role Achievements :
Queen of Ullal (1525–1570s) in present-day Karnataka.
Led multiple resistance battles against the Portuguese invaders.
Used guerrilla warfare and naval strength to defend her kingdom. Time Period (Years Active) : 1525–1570s Impact on Society Women’s Leadership :
One of India’s earliest female freedom fighters.
Inspired future generations to resist colonial rule.
Recognized as a symbol of defiance and bravery. -
Period: to
1900–1950 : Aruna Asaf Ali
Full Name : Aruna Ganguly Asaf Ali Leadership Role Achievements :
Hoisted the Congress flag during the Quit India Movement (1942) despite a British crackdown.
First Mayor of Delhi (1958), focusing on urban development and governance. Time Period (Years Active) : 1930s–1958 Impact on Society Women’s Leadership :
Worked extensively for women’s rights and education after independence.
Became a role model for female political activists. -
Period: to
1950–2000 : Kiran Bedi
Full Name : Kiran Bedi Leadership Role Achievements :
First woman officer in the Indian Police Service (IPS) (1972).
Superintendent of Tihar Jail (1993–1995), introduced major prison reforms.
Served as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry (2016–2021). Time Period (Years Active) : 1972–Present Impact on Society Women’s Leadership :
Broke gender barriers in law enforcement.
Improved conditions for prisoners through education and rehabilitation. -
Period: to
2000–Present : Falguni Nayar
Full Name : Falguni Sanjay Nayar Leadership Role Achievements :
Founder CEO of Nykaa (2012–Present), one of India’s biggest beauty and lifestyle companies.
Became India’s richest self-made woman billionaire in 2021. Time Period (Years Active) : 2012–Present Impact on Society Women’s Leadership :
Inspired women entrepreneurs to break into the business world.
Created a women-centric company in a male-dominated industry.