Introduction

The Constituent Assembly of India, formed in 1946, was pivotal in drafting the Indian Constitution. Among its 299 members were 15 distinguished women who made significant contributions. Their roles extended beyond the Assembly, impacting various facets of Indian society and governance.

15 Women Members of the Constituent Assembly of India

Ammu Swaminathan (1894-1978)

Ammu Swaminathan, hailing from Kerala, was a key figure in women’s activism and education. She co-founded the Women’s India Association in 1917 and was a freedom fighter. As a member of the Constituent Assembly, she contributed to discussions on social and educational reforms. Swaminathan’s post-independence roles included being the President of Bharat Scouts and Guides and being recognized as “Mother of the Year” in 1975.

Dakshayani Velayudhan (1912-1978)

Born in Cochin, Dakshayani Velayudhan was the first Scheduled Caste woman to graduate in India. A prominent Dalit leader, she was a staunch Gandhian and supported Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s stance on Scheduled Caste rights. Her advocacy during the Assembly focused on decentralization and moral safeguards for Scheduled Castes.

Begum Aizaz Rasul (1909-2002)

Begum Aizaz Rasul was the only Muslim woman in the Constituent Assembly. A former member of the UP Legislative Assembly, she played a crucial role in minority rights discussions. Rasul was instrumental in advocating against separate electorates for Muslims, promoting integration and unity within the Assembly’s debates.

Durgabai Deshmukh (1909-1981)

Durgabai Deshmukh was a social reformer and freedom fighter. She founded the Andhra Mahila Sabha and was a member of the Constituent Assembly representing Madras. Deshmukh’s contributions included advocating for social welfare laws and proposing the need for a separate Family Court for familial matters.

Hansa Mehta (1897-1995)

Hansa Mehta, an educator and social activist from Bombay, was a member of the All India Women’s Conference. She played a significant role in the Constituent Assembly’s Sub-Committee on Fundamental Rights and Minorities. Her post-Assembly contributions included serving as the vice-chair of the UN Human Rights Commission.

Kamla Chaudhary (1908-1970)

Kamla Chaudhary was an active participant in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Elected to the Constituent Assembly from Uttar Pradesh, she later served as a Member of the Provisional Parliament and Lok Sabha. Chaudhary was also known for her fiction writing and commitment to nationalist causes.

Leela Roy (1900-1970)

Leela Roy was a radical leftist and education reformer from Assam. She was involved in establishing educational institutions and was a close associate of Subhas Chandra Bose. Her work included advocating for women’s suffrage and contributing to various political and educational organizations.

Malati Choudhury (1904-1998)

Malati Choudhury, from East Bengal, was an active participant in the Salt Satyagraha and other nationalist movements. Her role in the Constituent Assembly included supporting social reforms and educational initiatives, contributing to the broader goals of the Assembly.

Purnima Banerjee (1911-1951)

Purnima Banerjee, a member from Uttar Pradesh, was noted for her commitment to socialist ideologies and religious education reforms. Her advocacy for broader educational reforms and the removal of sectarian exclusiveness in educational institutions marked her contributions to the Assembly.

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur (1887-1964)

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was India’s first Health Minister and a member of the Constituent Assembly. She played a crucial role in establishing the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and advocating for women’s education and healthcare. Her contributions also extended to the Indian Council of Child Welfare.

Renuka Ray (1904-1997)

Renuka Ray was an advocate for women’s rights and served as a member of the Constituent Assembly and later the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. Her work included establishing the All Bengal Women’s Union and the Women’s Coordinating Council. She was also involved in legislative reforms for women and children.

Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949)

Sarojini Naidu, known as the Nightingale of India, was a prominent freedom fighter and poet. She became the first Indian woman President of the Indian National Congress and later the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. Naidu’s contributions to the Assembly included her support for women’s rights and her role in the Indian independence movement.

Sucheta Kriplani (1908-1974)

Sucheta Kriplani, known for her role in the Quit India Movement, was the first woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Her involvement in the Constituent Assembly included her contributions to the drafting of the Constitution. Kriplani also played a key role in founding the All India Mahila Congress.

Vijayalakshmi Pandit (1900-1990)

Vijayalakshmi Pandit, the sister of Jawaharlal Nehru, was an influential diplomat and politician. She was the first Indian woman to hold a cabinet post and served as India’s ambassador to several countries. Pandit’s contributions to the Constituent Assembly included her work in shaping India’s international relations and internal policies.

Conclusion

The 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly played critical roles in shaping the Indian Constitution and advancing social justice. Their diverse backgrounds and contributions reflect the inclusive and progressive spirit of the Assembly, laying the foundation for a democratic India.