Who was the first woman to serve as the Governor of an Indian state after independence?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of women's leadership in post independence India, particularly in constitutional positions at the state level. The appointment of the first woman Governor was an important milestone in Indian political history, symbolising greater participation of women in high office. Remembering the name and position of this pioneer is a common theme in General Knowledge and Indian polity questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The question asks for the first woman who became Governor of an Indian state.
The options include Sucheta Kripalani, Padmaja Naidu, Tarkeswari Sinha, and Sarojini Naidu.
We assume the time frame is after independence and refers to the constitutional office of Governor.

Concept / Approach:
The correct answer is Sarojini Naidu, who became the Governor of the state of Uttar Pradesh soon after independence. She is widely known as the Nightingale of India for her literary contributions and as a prominent freedom fighter. While some of the other women listed in the options held important political offices, such as Chief Minister or Member of Parliament, they were not the first to serve as Governor of a state. The approach is to distinguish between different roles and recognise that Sarojini Naidu holds this specific first in the context of Governorship.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Sarojini Naidu was appointed as Governor of Uttar Pradesh soon after independence, making her the first woman Governor of an Indian state.Step 2: Remember that Sucheta Kripalani is better known as one of the first woman Chief Ministers, not as the first woman Governor.Step 3: Recognise that Padmaja Naidu and Tarkeswari Sinha held significant positions but did not precede Sarojini Naidu as Governor.Step 4: Select Mrs. Sarojini Naidu from the options as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this from standard modern Indian history and polity sources that list Sarojini Naidu as the first woman to become Governor of a state in India. Biographical notes on her life mention her role as Governor of Uttar Pradesh, while Sucheta Kripalani is specifically highlighted as a pioneering woman Chief Minister. Similarly, Padmaja Naidu later became Governor of West Bengal, but she did so after Sarojini Naidu. Tarkeswari Sinha is known for her work as a parliamentarian and minister, not on the gubernatorial side. These confirmations make it clear that Sarojini Naidu is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mrs. Sucheta Kripalani was a significant figure who served as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, but she was not the first woman Governor of a state, so this option is incorrect in the context of the question.
Miss Padmaja Naidu later served as Governor of West Bengal, but she did so after Sarojini Naidu had already become Governor of Uttar Pradesh, so she cannot be the first and this option is wrong.
Mrs Tarkeswari Sinha was one of the early woman parliamentarians and a deputy minister at the Union level, but she was never the first woman Governor of an Indian state, so this choice is also incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates confuse the first woman Governor with the first woman Chief Minister and incorrectly select Sucheta Kripalani. Others may know that Padmaja Naidu held a gubernatorial post and assume that she was the first without checking the chronological order. To avoid such confusion, it is useful to remember the simple association that Sarojini Naidu equals first woman Governor, while Sucheta Kripalani equals one of the first woman Chief Ministers, which keeps their achievements distinct in your memory.

Final Answer:
Mrs. Sarojini Naidu was the first woman to serve as the Governor of an Indian state.