India's Iron Lady: Introduction (02:04)
India has never had a more influential—or polarizing—prime minister than Indira Gandhi. She was undeniably powerful in a time when women had little access to political careers. This film will seek to explore Indira's life to determine what sort of a person she really was.
Indira Gandhi: Early Life (08:13)
Decades after her assassination, Indira has a lingering effect on India's political identity. Daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira pursued politics much to the chagrin of her father and husband. The men of the Congress Party repeatedly tried to manipulate her, but she outmaneuvered them.
Indira Gandhi Declares War (08:30)
Indira's 1969 founding of a new Congress Party lead to a landslide victory in the 1971 elections. She continued to consolidate power, becoming the president of the party and Prime Minister of India. Indira declared war in 1971 following a steady influx of refugees and Pakistani air raids.
Indian International Relationships and Politics (02:19)
The conclusion of the Bangladesh Liberation War established India as a major political world power but aggravated pre-existing tensions with the United States. India signed a treaty of friendship with the Soviet Union and Indira's popularity soared.
Emergency Declared in India (09:15)
A conviction leveled against Indira by the Allahabad High Court and a growing opposition movement ushered in an era wherein basic freedoms were suspended and Indira gained the power to effectively reshape India's constitution to her will. Proponents of Indira blamed her son Sanjay for masterminding the brutal forced eviction and sterilization campaigns that targeted the poor minorities. Mark Tully recalls reporting on the incident and the governmental backlash against the media.
End to India's Emergency (02:42)
After nearly two years, Indira called off the Emergency and organized new elections. She and Sanjay lost their parliament seats, but three years later, weak opposition allowed Indira to reclaim her role as prime minister.
Assault on the Golden Temple (07:45)
Operation Blue Star proved to be one of Indira's biggest mistakes. Indian Army troops fired on the Golden Temple in Amritsar in an attempt to drive out the rebel Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. This assault wounded the Sikh community and enraged Beant Singh, Indira's bodyguard.
Riots Erupt Following Indira's Death (06:39)
Indira was assassinated by her bodyguards a day after delivering a speech at Orissa. A Congress Party pogrom disguised as a riot broke out as Sikh communities were attacked; over 3,000 died in Delhi over two days. Indira's impact is still felt in the fearful press, dynastic democracy, and religious tensions that plague India.
India's Iron Lady: Credits (00:28)
India's Iron Lady: Credits
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