Gandhi, Indira (1917–1984)

Indira Gandhi was the only child of Kamala and Jawaharlal Nehru. She started her involvement in politics early, at age 12, serving as the leader of the children's political group, the Monkey Brigade. Their task was to help the Indian Congress gain control back from Britain. After Indira completed college in 1936, Kamala Nehru passed away, leaving Indira to care for her father. In 1942, Indira married Feroze Gandhi. Soon after marrying, in September 1942, Indira and Feroze were imprisoned by the British for charges of subversion. They were released in May 1943. In 1944, they welcomed their first son, Rajiv, and in 1943 their second son, Sanjay. Soon after Indira's father was elected India's first prime minister, she set out on the road with ...