In Pics | Powerful female politicians in India

India was one of the first few countries to have a female head of state. From the President, Prime Minister, Chief Ministers to political party's chiefs, these powerful women politicians held key positions in Indian politics. Here's a look at them:

Pratiba Patil: A lawyer and politician, Pratiba Patil served as the President of India from 2007-2012. Before this, she held the Rajasthan’s Governor position from 2004 to 2007. Credit: PTI Photo

Indira Gandhi: India’s tough and only female Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was the central pillar of Indian National Congress. India saw major developments under her rule. Apart from being a powerful woman she was a towering personality and ruled India for nearly two decades. Credit: DH File Photo

Mamata Banerjee: As a feisty young Congress leader, Mamata Banerjee formed her own party All India Trinamool Congress in 1997. She served as the first female Chief Minister of West Bengal in 2011 and it was no look back to her. In the recently concluded Assembly Election she gave a tough fight to the BJP and registered a comfortable win. Credit: PTI Photo

Jayalalithaa J: Actor-turned-politician Jayalalithaa Jayaraman is one of the most famous and popular female politicians in India. Fondly called 'Amma', she belonged to All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party and had served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu successfully for five terms. She is known for her fierce political views and women empowerment strategies. Credit: DH Photo

Mayawati: She is one of the blistering female politicians in Indian politics. She successfully served the position of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for four terms. An ardent follower of Dr Ambedkar, she is carry forwarding the vision of Kanshi Ram through the political party Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Credit: PTI Photo

Maneka Gandhi: An animal rights activist, environmentalist and author, Maneka Gandhi held key position in Modi’s Cabinet in 2014-2019. Credit: PTI Photo

Mehbooba Mufti: She is another politician who brought change to Indian politics with her vision and development. She served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from 2016-2018. Credit: PTI Photo

Priyanka Gandhi: Known for being extremely articulate in Hindi and English, Priyanka has been playing her role in one way or the other for two decades in Indian politics. Credit: PTI Photo