Indira Gandhi Makes History On this day in 1966, Indira Gandhi was chosen as India's first female prime

minister.

NEW DELHI, India Indian President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Indira Gandhi receive U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the Delhi Airport, 1959. Marilyn Silverstone / Magnum Photos

INDIA Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and his daughter, future Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, 1947. Henri Cartier-Bresson / Magnum Photos

INDIA First lady Jacqueline Kennedy with Indira Gandhi, 1962. Marilyn Silverstone / Magnum Photos

DELHI, India Indira Gandhi before the coffin of her father, Jawaharlal Nehru, 1964. Marilyn Silverstone / Magnum Photos

DELHI, India Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the grounds of her residence, 1966. Marilyn Silverstone / Magnum Photos

JAIPUR, India Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, 1966. Marilyn Silverstone / Magnum Photos

INDIA Indira Gandhi on her way to Jaipur for a Congress Party meeting, 1966. Marilyn Silverstone / Magnum Photos

JAIPUR, India Indira Gandhi at a Congress Party meeting, 1966. Marilyn Silverstone / Magnum Photos

DELHI, India Indira Gandhi reads in her favorite chair, 1966. Marilyn Silverstone / Magnum Photos

UTTAR PRADESH, India Indira Gandhi campaigns in a rural area, 1971. Marilyn Silverstone / Magnum Photos

UTTAR PRADESH, India Indira Gandhi gives a speech, 1978. Eve Arnold / Magnum Photos

UTTAR PRADESH, India Indira Gandhi before making a speech, 1978. Eve Arnold / Magnum Photos