Who was the first women governor of an Indian state ?

Appeared in: NORCET 9 Prelims-2025

Explanation

Sarojini Naidu holds the distinction of being the first woman to be appointed as the Governor of an Indian state.
She was appointed as the Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) on 15 August 1947, following India's independence.
Her tenure as Governor lasted until her death in March 1949.
This appointment was a landmark event, symbolizing the entry of women into high political offices in independent India.

Option A: Indira Gandhi was the first woman Prime Minister of India, not the first woman Governor of a state.
Option C: Sucheta Kriplani was the first woman Chief Minister of an Indian state (Uttar Pradesh), not the first woman Governor.
Option D: Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was the first woman President of the UN General Assembly and the first Indian woman to hold a cabinet post, but not the first woman Governor of a state.

Visual 1: Infographic: A timeline showcasing 'Firsts by Indian Women in Politics', highlighting Sarojini Naidu, Sucheta Kriplani, Indira Gandhi, and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit with their respective achievements and timelines.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain First women in Indian politics as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests general knowledge about important figures in Indian history, which is a common component of the general awareness section in many competitive exams, including those for nursing.
Understanding the contributions of these pioneering women provides context to the social and political development of modern India.
What if the question asked for the first Indian woman to be President of the Indian National Congress? The answer would still be Sarojini Naidu (1925), showcasing her long and impactful political career even before becoming a governor.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from General Knowledge.
Read the question carefully to identify the specific achievement being asked: 'first woman governor of an Indian state'.
Evaluate each option based on your historical knowledge.
Recall the key political 'firsts' for prominent Indian women.
Differentiate between roles like Governor, Chief Minister, and Prime Minister.
Select the option that correctly matches the person with the specific achievement mentioned in the question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCET 9 Prelims-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.