Who became the first full time woman Defence Minister of India at the Union level?

Introduction / Context:
Representation of women in high offices is an important indicator of progress in democratic societies. In India, several women have served as cabinet ministers in various portfolios, but the Defence Ministry is seen as one of the most significant and sensitive positions. This question asks who became the first full time woman Defence Minister of India at the Union level. Knowing this milestone helps aspirants understand the evolving role of women in Indian politics and governance.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on the Defence Ministry of the Government of India.
• The question specifies first full time woman Defence Minister.
• Four prominent women politicians are listed as options.
• The learner must identify which one held this particular portfolio in a full time capacity.

Concept / Approach:
Indira Gandhi had earlier handled the Defence portfolio, but she did so while also serving as Prime Minister, and often on an additional charge basis. The question here emphasises full time, meaning that Defence was the primary cabinet responsibility of the minister. Nirmala Sitharaman was appointed as the Defence Minister of India with full time charge, becoming the first woman to hold that specific role in such a capacity. The other women listed have held important cabinet postings, such as External Affairs or Human Resource Development, but not Defence as their main independent portfolio.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recall that several women have served in high cabinet positions, including External Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, and Human Resource Development. Step 2: Recognise that Indira Gandhi dealt with Defence as part of her additional responsibilities as Prime Minister, but the question targets a full time Defence Minister role. Step 3: Remember that Nirmala Sitharaman was appointed as Defence Minister with full cabinet rank and complete charge of the ministry. Step 4: Note that Sushma Swaraj served as External Affairs Minister, Uma Bharti as a minister in various portfolios, and Smriti Irani in Human Resource Development and other ministries. Step 5: Conclude that Nirmala Sitharaman is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
News reports and cabinet lists from the period when Nirmala Sitharaman was appointed provide confirmation. They highlight her appointment as the first woman to hold the Defence portfolio in a full time capacity. Later briefings and analyses often mention this as a significant milestone for women in Indian politics. Comparing this with lists of ministries held by Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti, and Smriti Irani shows that none of them held Defence as their primary responsibility at the Union level, which further verifies the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sushma Swaraj: She served as Minister of External Affairs and is remembered for her diplomatic and consular work, not as Defence Minister. Uma Bharti: She held portfolios related to water resources and other sectors but not Defence. Smriti Irani: She was Minister for Human Resource Development and later held other portfolios, again not Defence. Since the question is specifically about the Defence Ministry, these options are incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may mix up first woman Defence Minister with first woman to hold any powerful cabinet post and mistakenly choose Sushma Swaraj because of her visibility in foreign affairs. Others may recall Indira Gandhi's occasional control of Defence and assume that any later woman minister must also have held the post. To avoid such confusion, aspirants should remember that Nirmala Sitharaman is recorded as the first full time woman Defence Minister, while earlier and other women leaders held different or additional portfolios.

Final Answer:
The first full time woman Defence Minister of India at the Union level was Nirmala Sitharaman.