Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Notable Hindu women

Status of women:
  • O women, you are a lioness. destroy the enemies of ignorance, immaturity, negativity and savagery for the welfare, purity & happiness of all.– (Yajurveda 5.10)
  • O women, u r a lioness. We resolve to do everything for ur respect & glory. U r a lioness that leads to the birth of great legends in society, that nurtures intelligence & bravery, who provides bliss & prosperity. we appoint u for the welfare of all living beings.(Yajurveda 5.12)
  • You don’t deserve to be defeated by challenges & obstacles. on the contrary, you possess the power to defeat the stiffest challenge. defeat the enemies & their armies. you have valor of thousands of men. realize your true potential & demonstrate your valor.–(Yajurveda 13.26)
  • O Women, you have tremendous potentials. You are as stable as this Earth. You are the mother for the entire world. U support the world & Society. Protect the world from deviating to wrong paths, stabilize the world and ensure that there is never any violence.–(Yajurveda 13.18).
  • O Brave Women, obtain training in martial arts & warfare. Unleash your potential and destroy the enemies. capture them and do not mercy on those who spread hatred and vices in society. imprison them.–(Yajurveda 17.45)
  • I am the flag of the Nation. I am the head of the society. I am brilliant. I am loved by my husband. But in Battle-field, I demonstrate exemplary bravery that destroy the enemies.–(Rigveda 10.159.2)
  • "A woman is pure. Nothing about her is impure. Without her, no man would exist"- Kokashastra 
  • "Where women are revered, there the Gods rejoice"- Manusmriti
  • "Women have an unparalleled means of purification & they never become sullied, for month after month their menstrual flow washes away their sin. The Moon granted them purification; Gandharva-a sweet voice & Fire-the capacity to eat anything. Women, therefore, are free from taint"-Baudhyana Dharmasutra 2.4.4-5
  • RigVeda(6.61.4) says ~ 'प्र णो देवी सरस्वती वाजेभिर्वाजिनीवती। धीनामवित्र्यवतु॥ (ऋषि-भरद्वाजो बार्हस्पत्यः) The goddess of learning(Saraswati), endowed with divine virtues, powerful and protector of intelligence, may protect us by bestowing strength on us. Atharvaveda describes her as the symbol of Dharma or truthful behaviour.
  • महर्षि मनु says in मनुस्मृति (2.145) that the rank of one Acharya (principal) is equal to 10 ordinary teachers, the rank of one father is equal to that of 100 acharyas. The rank of one mother is equal to that of 1000 fathers. Because a learned mother inculcates in her children good संस्कार and education as a प्रथम गुरू.
  • Manusmriti(3-56) यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः । यत्रैतास्तु न पूज्यन्ते सर्वास्तत्राफलाः क्रियाः || Wherever women are honoured, there is heaven(abode of Devas) and where they are not, there all activities fail.
  • "Woman is creator of universe.
    She is the body of the universe.
    she is  foundation of three worlds.
    Essence of our body.
    There is no jewel rarer than woman"-
    Shaktisangama Tantra 
  • "Hindustan is the only country in the world whose women are well versed in the laws of religion, nature and medicine. In erudition, their women could put to shame any scholar from Baghdad and Rum(Rome)" -Abd-al-Razzāq Samarqandī (15th century)
  • Women of Vijayanagara recorded possessing property with financial independence, well dressed, safety enforced with strict laws, educated, contributing to literature, learned in arts, music, dance, finance, accounts, astronomy, astrology, cooking, guards, martial arts.
  • विद्याः समस्तास्तव देवि भेदाः  स्त्रियः समस्ताः सकला जगत्सु । - "All sciences [and] all women in the world, with various attributes, are aspects of the Divine." - Mārkandeya Purāna 81-93
  • “May you be empress and lead all.”~ Rig Veda 10/85/46
  • “O brilliant woman, remove ignorance with your bright intellect and be the provider of bliss to all.”~ Rig Veda 4/14/3
  • “O woman, may you be strong and powerful as a rock. May you gain the brilliance of the sun and have a long prosperous life that benefits all.”~ Atharva Veda 14/1/47
  • “O woman, realize your potential. You are a lioness who can destroy criminals, ignorance, vices and protect the noble ones.”~ Yajur Veda 5/10
  • “O woman, you provide bliss and stability to the world. You are the source of valour.”-Yajur Veda 10/26
  • “O woman, you are as strong as earth and are on a very high pedestal. Protect the world from the path of vices and violence.”~ Yajur Veda 13/18
  • “O woman, you do not deserve to be defeated by challenges. You can defeat the mightiest challenge. Defeat the enemies and their armies. You have valour of thousands. Please us all (by upholding Dharm).”~ Yajur Veda 13/26
  • “May the scholarly woman purify our lives with her knowledge, noble actions and guidance.”~ Yajur Veda 20/84
  • “Noble woman motivates us to be on the path of truth, love, and harmony.”~ Yajur Veda 20/85
  • “O woman, you are the motherly force that provides direction to our life.” ~ Rig Veda 2/41/16
  • “The way a powerful river breaks down even the strongest of rocks and hills, in the same manner, an intelligent woman destroys the fraud propagated by perverted ones. May we bow to such intelligent women.”~ Rig Veda 6/61/2
  • “Whenever I am hurt emotionally or physically, woman – as a mother, wife, sister – provides the healing touch and rejuvenates me. I bow in humble respect to her.”~ Atharva Veda 7/57/1
  • “Noble woman motivates us to be on the path of truth, love and harmony.”~ Yajur Veda 20/85
  • Ritual for getting a scholarly daughter. अथ य इच्छेद्दुहिता मे पण्डिता जायेत, सर्वमायुरियादिति, तिलौदनं पाचयित्वा सर्पिष्मन्तमश्नीयाताम्; ईश्वरौ जनयितवै ॥ १७ ॥ - Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 6.4.17
  • Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira on women
Women education & rituals:
  • Upanayan or Yajyopavit Sanskar signifies that hereafter the boy or girl shall start the pursuit of Vedic knowledge and in modern terms shall begin his/her formal education.
  • Gobhilleya Grihyasutra 2-1-19 says "PRAAVRITAAM YAJJOPAVEETINEEM ABHYUDAANAYAN JAPET SOMO-ADADAT GANDHARVAAY ITI" i.e. the bride were required to wear yajyopavit
  • During ancient times Upanayan Sanskar was performed on the girls and they used to study Vedic texts as is evident from the Smriti Chandrika and Sanskar Prakash “पुराकल्पे हि नारीणां मौञ्जीबन्धनमिष्यते| अध्यापनं च वेदानां सावित्रीवाचनं तथा ||” 
  • As per Prasar Sanhita and Smriti Chandrika, there are two kinds of women - those who are brahmvaadinees and the other sadyovadhu. Brahmvaadinees whose ritual of upanayan has been carried out are required to perform Yajna, study the Vedas and those who conduct themselves in charity(bhiksha vritti). While Sadyovadvah women who used to get married early were required to go through Upanayan ceremony before getting married.
  • Baanbhatt the famous poet of 7th century writes in Kadambari about Mahashweta that her body is pure because of wearing a Brahm Sutra BRAHM SUTREN PAVITREEKRIT KAAYAAM.
  • Atharvaveda in Brahmacharya Sukta (11.5.18) says “A girl after having completed her studies and after having fulfilled her pledge of celebacy finds a youth as a suitable match for her.”
  • धार्मिक education including performance of अग्निहोत्र and other rituals was a part of women's day to day life.
  • Rigveda calls upon women to learn this all - यज्ञं दधे सरस्वती ॥ (Rig 1/3/11)
  • Rituals which are conducted with a wife - 'पत्नीवन्तो नमस्यं नमस्यन् ।।' (Rig Veda 1/72/5).
  • The Shatapatha Brahman calls her "Yosa Vai Saraswati" and invites wise women for Yajna(1/5/9).
  • Katyanana & Patanjali refer to female teachers.
10th century CE, woman writing on a notebook. Chandela rock art, Khajuraho



Philosopher women:
  • Ubhaya Bharathi: Judge of the debate between Mandana Mishra (espousing Purva-Mimamsa) & Adi Shankara (espousing Uttara Mimamsa/Vedanta). Also, Mandana Mishra's wife. She judges that Mandana has lost, but demands another debate with Shankara with herself. Unable to defeat Shankara in philosophy, she questions him on householder life. Shankara requests time & comes back to answer her questions, wherein she admits defeat. Worshipped as Sharadhambal (a form of Sarasvati) in Shringeri.
  • Hemalekha: Young, beautiful, wise wife enlightens her husband, Rajakumara Hemachuda through graded steps, starting from the basics, by dissecting the truth behind love, beauty and pleasure experienced in the world in the Tripura Rahasya. Later, the entire kingdom is enlightened & is full of Jivanmukthas.
  • Gargi Vachaknavi: Debates with Yajnavalkya in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, venerated as Brahmavadini.
  • Maitreyi: Discusses philosophy with Yajnavalkya in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
  • Lopamudra: Rishiki with contributions to the Vedas & Lalitha Sahasranamam.
  • Ghosha: Rishiki contributor to the Rig Veda.
  • Devahuti: Rig Veda Rishka, mother to Kapila Kardama-the founder of Samkya
  • VakAbarini: Rig Veda Rishka
  • Sulabha: Yogini who wins a philosophical debate against the great philosopher king, Janaka in the Mahabharatha.
  • Akka Mahadevi: A Virashaivite devotee of Shiva, debated philosophy with mystic & poet Allama Prabhu.
  • Mukta Bai: Philosopher & sister of philosophers Nivritti, Jnaneshwar & Sopan.
  • Avvaiyaar: Tamil poetess & philosopher. Around 300 BCE, 100 verses of Avvaiyaar made it into Tamil Sangam texts like Puranaanuru. Also famous for the social reformist verse: there are only two Jatis (tribes/castes), the charitable & non-charitable. சாதி இரண்டொழிய வேரில்லை...
  • Andal: Tamil poetess & philosopher. Worshipped as an Azhvar-the highest Vaishnavite saint.
  • Meera Bai: Queen saint & poetess who is worshipped.
  • Kanhopatra: Courtesan saint & poetess worshipped in the Vittala temple.
  • Lalleshwari (Lal Ded): Kashmiri Shaivite saint & poetess.
  • Gangasati: Gujarati saint poetess.
  • Janabai: Dalit saint & poetess worshipped.
  • Sarada Devi: Saint & mystic, wife of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
  • Rani Rashmoni: Philanthropist. Constructed Dakshineshwar temple, later associated with Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Repaired Ghats on the Bhagirathi river banks (distributary of Ganga). Handsome endowments to the Hindu College (now Presidency College) & the Imperial Library (now National Library). Constructed road from the Subarnarekha river (flowing past Jamshedpur) to Puri for devotees.
  • Dokka Seethamma: Fed people off her personal funds for charity her entire life. Declined invite from the English king citing Nishkamya Karmana (charity without expectation & publicity). Honored as Apara Annapurna. Aqueduct of Vynateya river named after her & marked with her Vigraha.
  • Rig Veda references 30 Rishikas.
    • Name/Number/Mandal/Sukta/Richa
    • Aditi (4.18)
    • Aditi Dakshayani (10.72)
    • Apala Atreyi  8/91/1-7/6
    • Dakshina Prajapatya 10/107/1-11/12
    • Ghosha Kakshivati 10/39-40/1-18/8
    • Godha 10/134/7/17
    • Indramatra 10/153/1-5/20
    • Indrani 10/86/1-23/10, 10/145/1-6/18
    • Juhu Bramhajaya 10/109/1-7/14
    • Lopamudra 1.171, 1/179/1-6/3
    • Ratri Bharadvaji 10/127/1-78/16
    • Romasha 1/26/7/2
    • Sarama Devashuni 10/108/2,4,6,8,10,11/13
    • Sarparajni 10/189/1-3
    • Shashwati 8/1/38/5
    • Sashvatyangirasi (8.1)
    • Shachi Paulomi 10/159/1-6/21
    • Shradhda Kamayani 10/151/1-5/19
    • Sikata Nivavari (9.86)
    • Surya Savitri 10/85/1-47/9
    • Urvashi (10.85) 10/95/2,4,5,7,11,13,15,16,18/11
    • Vagambhrni 10/125/1-8/15
    • Vasukrapatni (10.28)
    • Vishvavara Atreyi  5/28/1-6/4
    • Yami Vaivasvati 10/10/1,3,5,7,11,13/7

Warrior women:
  • Malwa Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar: Martial artist. Defended against invaders. Rebuilt & restored multiple destroyed Hindu temples, notably the holy Kashi Vishwanatha temple destroyed by Aurangzeb, the Somnath temple destroyed by Ghaznavi, the Gaya Vishnupad temple & the Varanasi Ghats. Restored tirthas & irrigational tanks. Built pilgrimage housing. She used her inherited property for these efforts rather than state funds. An ascetic, she would sleep on the floor while constantly doing nama japam (repeating holy name) of Shiva. Paramahamsa Yogananda, the second person to introduce Yoga to the west after Swami Vivekananda, has called Ahilyabai the greatest woman of modern India.
  • Ullal Rani Abakka Chowta: The first queen to rebel against a colonial power & the first woman freedom fighter. Martial artist. Successfully repelled the colonial Portuguese.
  • Velu Nachiyar: The first queen to rebel against the British East India company. Martial artist & multi-lingual scholar. Successfully recaptured the throne of Sivagangai. After her, Sivagangai was ruled by the Marudhu Pandyar brothers who made the first known pan-India nationalist proclamation. They resisted against the British East India Company & won some battles. They lost other battles and surrendered when the Kaalaiyar Kovil Shiva temple was threatened to be blown up. They were tried & hanged in front of the temple. Sivagangai came under the control of the British East India company.
  • Kuyili: Army commander (of the Udayal Padai) of Velu Nachiyar & first recorded woman suicide attacker, who destroyed British ammunition.
  • Travancore Rani Gowri Lakshmi Bayi: Abolished slavery in 1812, 22 years before the British, 53 years before USA, 150 years before Saudi.
  • Kittur Rani Chennamma: The second queen to rebel against the British East India company. Martial artist. Won battles against the British but later lost.
  • Keladi Rani Chennamma: Resisted Aurangzeb's army & provided safe passage to Rajaram, son of Shivaji.
  • Maratha Rani Tarabai Bhosale: Daughter-in-law of Shivaji, warrior queen & cavalry general who wrested back Maratha territories & once Mughal provinces from Aurangzeb. Unsuccessfully rebelled against Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao.
  • Gondwana Rani Durgavati: Rajput princess who rebelled against family tradition & married the Gond tribal prince, Dalpat Shah. Won battles against Baz Bahadur (Malwa Sultan), Miyana Afghans & Mughal Akbar's army and killed herself when losing a battle & wounded by two arrows in her ear & neck. Her death day is celebrated as a festival. Asif Khan's forces would later defeat & kill her son, Bir Narayan (who was carried to safety after getting injured in Durgavati's final battle), capture Chauragarh (the capital) & send Durgavati's sister, Kamalavati to Akbar's harem.
  • Gond Rani Avantibai: At age 26, defeated the British EIC in the Battle of Kheri, 1857. Resisted fiercely & died in a subsequent battle with the British in 1858.
  • Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai Manikarnika: Women freedom fighter who fought the British East India company in the pan India 1857 rebellion. Martial artist. Formed Durga Dal, a female batallion that would be emulated later by Subhash Chandra Bose's INA. Organized women medical corps. Died fighting the British at age 29.
    • Jhalkari Bai: Advisor to the queen, Lakshmibai. Soldier. Commander of her own regiment. Fought as a body double to the queen (& killed) facilitating her escape. Her death anniversary is celebrated as Shahid Diwas by the Kolis.
  • Uda Devi: Dalit Veerangana who participated in the 1857 rebellion. Sniper, who killed 32 British soldiers. Every Nov 16 on her death anniversary, the Pasi Jati community gather to pay her tribute.
  • Mahabiri Devi: Dalit Veerangana who formed groups of female resistance units who fought agains the British.
  • Belawadi Mallamma: First recorded women's army. Fought Shivaji's Maratha forces. Defeated & captured, Shivaji praised her, apologized to her, released her & restored her kingdom.
  • Chaulukya Rani Naikidevi: Trained in warfare & strategy, defeated Muhammad Ghori (14 years before he defeated Prithviraj Chauhan) leading the army with an infant child. An inscription records: "during the reign of Mularaja even a woman could defeat the Hammira [Amir]"
  • Garhwal Rani Karnavati: Repelled Shahjahan's attacks, built monuments & waterways. After defeating Shah Jahan, she cut off the noses of the captured soldiers & was called Naak Kati Rani. Mughals never attacked her kingdom again, owing to her mercilessness.
  • Chittor Rani Karnavati: Ruled & fought Bahadur Shah. Killed herself when defeat was imminent. When Chittor was attacked, she sent a Rakhi to Humayun, stating that she considered him a brother & requesting help against Bahadur Shah, who Humayun was already fighting against. Bahadur Shah wrote to Humayun that he was waging Jihad, asking Humayun not to intervene. Humanyun chose not to help his infidel 'Rakhi sister' (Source: Mirat-I-Sikandari). The Rajput Sisodias fought valiantly but lacked Bahadur Shah's artillery leading to their defeat. One year after the pillage of Chittor by Bahadur Shah, Humayun arrived to collect taxes & punish his enemies. https://twitter.com/TrueIndology/status/894410652671856640
  • Onake Obavva: Fought Haider Ali's forces (killing many) with a pestle & celebrated as an epitome of Kannadiga pride.
  • Unniyarcha: Legendary warrior of North Malabar. Expert in Kalaripayatu (martial arts) & the Urumi (flexible sword). Singlehandedly brought down an Arab slave trading gang of Nadapuram Jonakas Mapillahs who were misbehaving with women. Tactical advisor & martial arts trainer.
  • Rani Mula Gabharu of Ahom Kingdom fought against the invading army of Turbak Khan in 1532.
  • Kalpana Datta: Part of Surjya Sen's armed rebel force against the British colonists.
  • Sushila Didi: Revolutionary & Indian freedom fighter against British colonists. 
  • Durga Vohra: Freedom fighter against British colonialism.
  • Lakshmi Swaminathan Sahgal: Captain of the Rani of Jhansi Indian National Army regiment founded by Indian freedom fighter Subash Chandra Bose. Women given military training to fight against the British. Janaki Thevar was one of the members.
  • Chalukya Rani Lokamahadevi: administrator, warrior, & patron of music & dance. Built the magnificent Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal, dedicated to her husband & honored all the artists who built it.
  • Madurai Rani Mangammal: A popular queen regent known for public constructions. Provided refuge to Rajaram & decided to pay tribute to avoid military action.
  • Madurai Rani Meenakshi Nayak: Last queen of Madurai.
  • Thiruvazhumkode Rani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi: Popular queen & social reformer.
  • Chittor Rani Padmini: Only one cryptic contemporary reference by Amir Khusrao, Alauddin Khilji's poet. In a later ballad Padmaavat, was a warrior who rescued her treacherously abducted husband, later kills herself when defeat is imminent. Sculptures exist of Padmini in military gear (with a curved sword & shield).
  • Gulab Kaur: Freedom fighter with the Gadar party.
  • Harita Kaur Deol: First woman to fly solo in the Indian Air Force.
  • Sada Kaur: Warrior & diplomat who unified Punjab & served as Regent under Maharaja Ranjith Singh.
  • Mai Bhago: saint warrior, well trained in boxing, martials & swordsmanship who led & fought against the Mughals.
  • Kakatiya Rani Rudramadevi: Kakatiya dynasty Queen who was raised as a boy & posed as a man in her early life. Won multiple battles. Built the Golconda fort. The famous Kohinoor diamond was mined in Golconda & was originally adorning the Devi Bhadrakali's crown in her temple in Warangal. Rudramadevi's grandson, Pratapa Rudra succeeded her. He resisted and lost the first southern Islamic invasion by Alauddin Khilji. During this invasion, the Bhadrakali temple was destroyed and the diamond looted. It passed to the Mughals and was ultimately usurped by the British. The Darya-e-noor diamond came from the Kollur mines owned by the Kakatiyas, which was stolen by the Khiljis to Delhi, later by Nadir Shah to Persia. It still resides in Iran, with the National Jewels of Iran. 
  • Bhurshut Rani Bhavashankari: Queen in the current region of Bengal who defeated Pathans & brought peace & prosperity to her Rajyam (kingdom).
  • Rampyari Gurjar: Warrior who trained 40,000 women warriors. Defeated & repelled Taimur.
  • Rani Gaidinliu: Heraka Naga spiritual & political leader. Protested against the colonial British. Incarcerated for life at 16. Released after India's independence. Resisted conversions.
  • Umabai Dabhade: Matriarch Senapati who once ruled over current Gujarat. Unsuccessfully rebelled against Pesha Balaji Baji Rao.
  • Kashmir Rani Didda: Beautiful but born lame to Raja of Lohara, Simharaja. Yet, trained in martial arts. Beautiful. Married Kashmir Raja Kshama Gupta in 950 CE, regent to prince Abhimanyu after the Raja's death, ruling for 44 years. Pioneer of guerrilla warfare & multiple military victories. Defeated Muhammad Ghaznavi's army of 45k soldiers with 500 soldiers within an hour. Coins issued as Di-Kshem & Shri Didda with Goddess inscriptions. Kashmiris used 'Didda' to address respected women.
  • The Mauryas had women bodyguards & soldiers trained in close combat.
  • Hariyakka: wrestler who killed her father's killer. Vijayanagara culture had women wrestling watched by royalty.
  • Durgawati Devi: Freedom fighter against the colonial British & philanthropist.
  • Meenakshi Gurukkal: Contemporary Kalaripayattu practitioner who defeated male opponents at 76.
  • Prabhavati Gupta: Daughter of Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty, wife of Rudrasena II of the Vakataka dynasty. Warrior, regent of the Vakataka empire, repelled the Saka invasion in Saurashtra. Her sons were educated by Kalidasa.
  • Bhikaji Cama: Raised flag of Indian independence in Germany in 1907.
  • Basanti Debi: Formed Nari Kumar Mandir to train women activists. Arrested in 1921.
  • Maharani Jindan Devi: wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who fought against the British.
  • Manipur Naga Rani Gaidinliu: Freedom fighter against the colonial British & missionaries.
  • Sarojini Naidu: 1st Indian women Congress president, participant in Dharsahana Salt Works Satyagraha.
  • Avani Chaturvedi: India's first woman fighter pilot
  • Asha Devi, Bakhtavari, Bhagawati Devi Tyagi, Indra Kaur, Man Kaur, Raj Kaur, Shoba Devi, Umda
Women in Scriptures:
  • Sita: Rama's wife, soft, compassionate yet firm when required.
  • Draupadi: Conducts herself with immense dignity & logical arguments in deepest distress, in the Mahabharatha.
  • Damayanti: Displays immense intelligence & composure: hoodwinks the Devas during her Swayamvaram, intelligently marries Nala, gets him out of hiding.
  • Savitri: Learned, logically argues against Yama, the God of Death to get her husband, Satyavan back.
  • Mandodari: Virtuous wife of Ravana, the villain of the Ramayana, who is celebrated as one of the Panchakanyas.
  • Tara: Virtuous wife of the Vanara, Vali, celebrated as a Panchakanya.
  • Kaikeyi: warrior woman & war charioteer of Dasaratha.
  • Satyabhama: warrior woman & war charioteer of Krishna.
  • Vishpala: warrior woman who lost her leg & was treated by the Ashvinis in the battlefield giving her an iron leg.
  • Rani Pramila: Queen of a warrior society of women who captures Arjuna's Ashvamedha horse in the Jaimini Bharatham.
  • Karaikkal Ammaiyaar: Philosopher & mystic Shaivite saint.
Women in Archaeology:
  • "A dhanvantari from Sarnath from around the reign of emperor harShavardhana. It is rather remarkable in depicting surgeons & physician performing various procedures. On the left you can see a surgeon performing a colorectal procedure probably for arsharoga. Notable is the evidence for females in the medical profession of the age" https://twitter.com/blog_supplement/status/1169815071993802753
Women running schools:
  • Hotee Vidyalankar was a Bengali Hindu widow. She was a scholar of Sanskrit Poetry, Law, Mathematics and Ayurveda. She established a School in Varanasi for women. She was awarded the title "Vidyalankar" by Kashi Pandits.
  • Harkunwar Sethani was an orthodox Jain lady. She built Maganlal Karamchand School for girls in Ahmedabad. The construction was started in 1847 (completed 1850).
  • Hotu Vidyalankar (RoopManjari Devi) (1775-1875) who studied Ayurveda, Charaka samhita and grammar.
  • Anandamayee Devi (1752 - 1772)
  • Priyamvada Devi (16th cent–17th cent)
Other accomplished women:
  • Mata Khivi: Expanded the free food Langar system in the Gurudwaras with Langars known as Khivi ka Langar.
  • Gayatri Devi: Gave up her kingdom to join the Indian union (independent from British rule), contested the first elections & won a record victory, that is recorded in the Guinness book of world records.
  • Mysore Maharani Vani Vilasa: Commissioned the Shivanasamudhra hydroelectric project, donated land to start IISc.
  • Kalpana Chawla: The first woman of Indian origin & first vegetarian woman to go to space.
  • Indira Gandhi: The first woman prime minister of India. India has also elected several woman chief ministers.
  • Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi: Ex-CEO/Chairwoman of PepsiCo. Multiple Indian women have successful careers in leadership roles in notable companies.
  • Janaki Ammal: Botanist who bred a new sweeter variety of Indian sugarcane; has a flower named after her. Had an inspirational meeting with Gandhi, studied abroad, returned to India to reorganize the Botanical Survey of India. She's honored by a verse from the Rig Veda in her obituary.
  • Ritu Karidhal: Rocket scientist & deputy operations director who worked on India's Mars mission, Mangalyaan.
  • Anandibai Joshi, Kadambini Ganguly: India's first female doctors
  • Shakuntala Devi: "Human computer" mathematician
Non Hindu Indian women:
Other cultures would be hard pressed to find such an illustrious list. Compared to other contemporary cultures, is it Hindu culture that inspired such women? This would be a good historical research topic.
  • Razia Sultana: The only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate for a short period (4 years) & a warrior. The first recorded instance of abolishing the heavy Jizya tax imposed by Shariat law for non-muslims, against the advise of conservatives. Unfortunately, she was defeated & killed. Jizya was reimposed, until waived by the Moghul Akbar in his later ruling years.
  • Chand Bibi: Ruler of Shia Deccan Sultanate who fought Sunni Mughal Akbar's forces.
  • Once part of undivided India, Hindu places of Pakistan & Bangladesh have elected female prime ministers (Benazir Bhutto, Sheikh Hasina, Khaleda Zia). All exhibit religious bigotry & fanaticism though.
  • Sirimavo Bandaranayake: The first non-hereditary head of state in modern history, Sri Lankan prime minister. Controversial religious bigoted Sinhalese nationalist politician who catalyzed the Sinhala-Tamil civil war. Chandrika Kumaratunga was her daughter who also became the prime minister of Sri Lanka.
  • Nur Jehan: warrior & strategist queen, wife of Jehangir.
  • Amrita Sher-Gil: Hungarian Indian sorrowful painter of village customs.
  • Cornelia Sorabji: First British-Indian lawyer, who faced great difficulties in graduating & practicing law, owing to conservative British Christian rules forbidding women in law. Brought up in a Christian missionary family, turns into an anti-national Hinduphobic religious bigot, though it was arguably Hindu culture that brought her so far.
  • Begum Hazrat Mahal: Rebel along with Lakshmi Bai during the 1857 Indian rebellion against the colonizing British East India Company.
  • Azizun Bai, Jamila Khan, Habiba, Rahimi
Goddesses: 
  • Kali, Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kamakshi, Visalakshi, Meenakshi
  • Valli: Strong willed consort of Murugan.
  • Deivayani: Princess consort of Murugan.
References:
https://blog.vanamaliashram.org/blog/status-of-women
 https://twitter.com/TrueIndology/status/1054742451959656449
https://twitter.com/MyTakeOn_/status/1054747130798125056
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gargi_Vachaknavi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maitreyi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lopamudra
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosha
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velu_Nachiyar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuyili
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbakka_Chowta
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kittur_Chennamma
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rani_Durgavati
https://www.esamskriti.com/e/History/Indian-History/Warrior-Queens-Rani-Durgawati-and-Naikidevi--1.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keladi_Chennamma
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahilyabai_Holkar
https://www.esamskriti.com/e/History/Great-Indian-Leaders/Why-Ahilyabai-Holkar-was-a-GREAT-WOMAN---1.aspx
https://twitter.com/TrueIndology/status/971806393924661249
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belawadi_Mallamma
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rani_of_Jhansi
https://www.esamskriti.com/e/History/Great-Indian-Leaders/Life-story-of-the-Rani-of-Jhansi-1.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meenakshi_(Nayak_queen)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangammal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sethu_Lakshmi_Bayi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalpana_Chawla
Amar Chitra Katha (on many of these personalities)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rani_Karnavati_of_Garhwal
https://twitter.com/TrueIndology/status/894410652671856640
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rani_Karnavati
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rani_Padmini
https://shaktitva.org/blog/2019/3/8/unniyarcha-the-kalarippayattu-legend-of-kerala
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gayatri_Devi
https://www.hindustanbooks.com/pdfs/6493883-Heroic-Hindu-Resistance-to-Muslim-Invaders.pdf (Naikidevi)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mularaja_II (Naikidevi)
https://www.quora.com/Who-are-some-of-the-toughest-women-in-the-history-of-India-who-survived-and-proved-against-odds/answer/Satyarth-Routroy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Razia_Sultana
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalpana_Datta
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmi_Sahgal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rani_of_Jhansi_Regiment
https://www.thebetterindia.com/155758/janaki-thevar-rani-of-jhansi-regiment-ina-history-news/
https://www.mynation.com/news/guru-nanak-jayanti-notable-sikh-women-history-freedom-fighter-pilot-equality-pin6nu
https://twitter.com/TrueIndology/status/1066004527445360642
https://swarajyamag.com/ideas/the-towering-legacy-of-kallaiyaarkovil-why-it-must-rise-again
https://swarajyamag.com/lite/a-declaration-of-independence-you-have-probably-not-heard-about
https://twitter.com/Vaniraman20/status/960574594464690176
https://twitter.com/TNHRMOVEMENT/status/1055024259943276546
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=MMFdosx0PokC&pg=PA399&lpg=PA399&dq=Trichy+Proclamation.1801&source=bl&ots=gyftb4CYtv&sig=WQDyK5Vk9T8FR_BL_cwYPhAkK-Y&hl=en&sa=X&ei=-PwLVe_9FIaSuASmtIHoBQ&ved=0CEgQ6AEwCDgK#v=onepage&q=Trichy%20Proclamation.1801&f=false
http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/guest-column/he-wants-to-smash-brahminical-patriarchy
https://www.womensweb.in/2016/12/female-saints-of-india/
http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Women_as_Rishikas_in_the_Vedas
https://twitter.com/VandanaJayrajan/status/1071820399812390912
https://twitter.com/TrueIndology/status/1075958316633796608
https://twitter.com/TrueIndology/status/998126850302885890
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudrama_Devi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prataparudra
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koh-i-Noor
https://twitter.com/TrueIndology/status/722075556825530368
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daria-i-Noor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandrika_Kumaratunga
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirimavo_Bandaranaike
https://www.myindiamyglory.com/2017/08/25/indian-women-combat-martial-arts/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karaikkal_Ammaiyar
https://thewire.in/science/janaki-ammal-magnolia-edathil
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2019/03/08/701302574/three-indian-moms-went-looking-for-role-models-for-their-daughters
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janaki_Ammal
Vani Vilasa: https://twitter.com/ACKComics/status/1104001835344502784
Savitri: http://vedham.blogspot.com/2018/09/saptapadi-apadharma.html
https://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=5919
Prabhavati Gupta: http://indiafacts.org/pollocks-ramayana-a-review-i/
Indian independence from British colonial rule: https://twitter.com/dr_madras/status/1006499850865635328
https://twitter.com/vedicvishal/status/1318174220061347840

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