Indira Gandhi

Profession: 4th Prime Minister of India

Nationality:

Biography: Indira Gandhi was the first and only female Prime Minister of India. She first served from 1966 to 1977, and then again from 1980 until she was killed in 1984.

Gandhi was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister and she grew up around politics which shaped her goals from a young age.

At first, Gandhi was thought to be a "puppet" of the Congress party leaders. Soon enough, however, she became a strong leader in her own right and took control of her power. Her policies would ultimately split the party.

Gandhi's biggest achievement was leading India to win the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War which made India the main power in South Asia.

In 1975, Gandhi declared a State of Emergency, thereby restricting personal freedoms and controlling the press. While she was criticized for this, it ultimately allowed her to implement socialist policies and programs for the benefit of poor people.

Gandhi was a strong supporter of India's nuclear program. She also dealt with the Punjab crisis and Operation Blue Star.

She was killed by two of her Sikh bodyguards in 1984, which then led to riots against Sikhs across India.

Even though she was controversial, Gandhi is still an important figure in Indian history and is remembered as the "Iron Lady" of India.

Born: November 19, 1917
Birthplace: Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Snake
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: October 31, 1984 (aged 66)
Cause of Death: Assassination