Who was the first leader of independent India?

• A. Indira Gandhi
• B. Jawaharlal Nehru
• C. Mahatma Gandhi
• D. Sarojini Naidu

Answer: (B)

The first leader of independent India was Jawaharlal Nehru, who served as the Prime Minister from August 15, 1947, when India gained independence from British rule, until his death in 1964. Nehru was a central figure in Indian politics both before and after independence, being a key leader of the Indian National Congress and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi during the struggle for independence.

As Prime Minister, Nehru was instrumental in shaping the new nation's policies, promoting a vision of a secular and democratic India. He focused on modernization, economic development, and establishing India's place on the world stage. His policies laid the foundation for India's future growth and development as an independent country.

While other options listed played significant roles in India's history, none held the position of prime minister at independence. Indira Gandhi, for example, was Nehru's daughter and became Prime Minister later. Mahatma Gandhi was a leader of the independence movement but did not hold an official political office, and Sarojini Naidu was a prominent freedom fighter and poet, later becoming the first woman to serve as a governor in independent India, but again, not in a leading national executive role.