Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Pandit, a prominent Indian diplomat and leader, held which of the following positions in independent India?

Introduction / Context:

This question focuses on the career of Vijayalakshmi Pandit, a pioneering Indian woman in diplomacy and politics. She was the sister of Jawaharlal Nehru and played a significant role in both national and international forums. Exam questions often ask about the specific offices held by such figures, as it helps test knowledge of the evolution of women participation in Indian public life.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The personality mentioned is Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Pandit.
• The question asks which position she held.
• Options cover a range of roles from state level posts to membership of legislative bodies and a judicial office.
• We assume the question targets a well documented part of her political career.

Concept / Approach:

The correct concept is that Vijayalakshmi Pandit served as a Member of the Lok Sabha, representing an important parliamentary constituency. She also held roles such as ambassador and governor, and she became the first woman President of the United Nations General Assembly. However, she is not recorded as a chief minister, minister in a state cabinet at the time captured here, or member of the Rajya Sabha, nor did she hold any judicial post like Chief Justice of India. Matching her known legislative role with the options points clearly to Lok Sabha membership.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

An alternative check is to recall that the post of Chief Justice of India is judicial and has so far been held only by career judges, not diplomats. Similarly, the question does not highlight her diplomatic postings or role at the United Nations, so we focus on parliamentary experience. Biographical notes frequently mention her as a Lok Sabha member after independence, which confirms the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Chief Minister of a State: There is no record of her serving as a chief minister, so this option is incorrect.

Minister in a State Government: While she was politically influential, this specific state level ministerial role is not a central part of her biography.

Member of the Rajya Sabha: Her parliamentary role is associated with the directly elected Lok Sabha, not the upper house.

Chief Justice of India: This high judicial role is not connected to her career in politics and diplomacy.

Common Pitfalls:

One pitfall is assuming that a prominent national figure must have held the highest sounding title among the options, such as chief minister or chief justice. Another is confusing her distinguished international work at the United Nations with domestic legislative roles. A careful reading of standard biographies helps keep these roles distinct in memory.

Final Answer:

Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Pandit served as a Member of Lok Sabha in independent India.