zoom_in Click to enlarge

Indira Gandhi

▲ ▼

description Indira Gandhi Overview

Indira Gandhi was an Indian stateswoman who served as the third Prime Minister of India, holding office from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She was the daughter of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and a central figure of the Indian National Congress party. Her tenure was marked by significant events such as the nationalization of banks, the Green Revolution, and the 1975-1977 state of emergency. Gandhi remains the only female Prime Minister in the country's history.

help Indira Gandhi FAQ

What major political event happened during Indira Gandhi's Emergency in India?

From 1975 to 1977, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency, granting herself the power to rule by decree. This period saw the suspension of civil liberties, censorship of the press, and a controversial mass sterilization campaign.

How is the politician Indira Gandhi related to Rajiv Gandhi?

Rajiv Gandhi was the elder son of Indira Gandhi and later succeeded her as the Prime Minister of India. Following her assassination in 1984, Rajiv took office, continuing the political legacy of the Nehru-Gandhi family.

Why was Prime Minister Indira Gandhi assassinated?

Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984, by her own Sikh bodyguards. This was in direct retaliation for her order to launch Operation Blue Star, a military action to remove Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

What role did Indira Gandhi play in the 1971 war with Pakistan?

As Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi oversaw India's military intervention in the 1971 war, which directly resulted in the creation of the independent nation of Bangladesh. Her leadership during this brief but decisive conflict significantly elevated India's standing in the global geopolitical theater.