# Phoolan Devi > Indian bandit, politician (1963-2001) **Wikidata**: [Q465026](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q465026) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoolan_Devi) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/phoolan-devi ## Summary Phoolan Devi, known as the "Bandit Queen," was an Indian social bandit turned politician who became a symbol of resistance and survival. She transitioned from a life of crime and social rebellion to entering mainstream politics, where she advocated for women's rights and the downtrodden. Her life story reflects a dramatic journey from marginalization to political activism, ending in her election to India's Parliament. ## Biography - Born: 1963 in India - Nationality: India - Known for: Her notoriety as a bandit and later as a political figure - Field(s): Crime, Social Banditry, Politics - Work Period: 1979–2001 ## Contributions - Phoolan Devi's life was defined by her transformation from a life of banditry to one of political leadership. - She was active in the public eye from 1979-2001. - She became a symbol of resistance, particularly for the marginalized, through her story of survival and political activism. ## FAQs ### What is Phoolan Devi known for? Phoolan Devi is known for her transformation from a life of banditry to becoming a member of India's Parliament, where she advocated for the rights of the poor and women. ### What time period was she active? Phoolan Devi was active from 1979 until her death in 2001, during which time she evolved from a feared bandit to a political figure. ### What were her main roles? She was a brigand, then a politician representing the poor, particularly the marginalized women of India. ### What is her legacy? Phoolan Devi's life symbolized the struggle of the marginalized, especially women, in India. Her story became a symbol of resistance and female empowerment. ## Why They Matter Phoolan Devi's life symbolized the fight for justice and equality for India's poor and marginalized. Her story resonated with many, as it brought attention to the struggles of the underprivileged in Indian society. Her life and work influenced public discourse on caste, gender, and class in India. ## Notable For - Being a symbol of resistance and survival. - Transitioning from a life of banditry to political activism. - Advocating for women's rights and the rights of the downtrodden in Indian society. ## Body ### Early Life and Notoriety Phoolan Devi was born in 1963 in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. She was born into a lower-income family and was married off at a young age. Her early life was marked by abuse and sexual assault, leading her into a life of banditry. Her story became a symbol of resistance for the marginalized and poor. ### Life of Crime She began her life of banditry in the late 1970s, becoming a symbol of rebellion and survival. Her notoriety as a bandit made her a known figure across India. Her life of crime ended in 1981 when she surrendered to the authorities. ### Transition to Politics In the early 1990s, she transitioned from her life of banditry to political activism. She joined the Samajwadi Party and contested the 1990s Indian general election. She won a seat in the Indian Parliament, representing the marginalized and the poor. ### Political Career After her transition to politics, she became a member of the Indian Parliament, where she represented the poor and women's issues. She was known for her advocacy for the marginalized and her life of survival, making her a symbol of resistance. ### Legacy and Impact She was a symbol of survival and resistance for the poor and the marginalized. Her story brought attention to the struggles of the poor and the lower castes in India. She was a known figure for her role in advocating for the rights of the poor and women. ### Influence and Symbolism Phoolan Devi's story was a symbol of survival and resistance for the poor. Her life influenced public discourse on caste, gender, and class in India. Her story brought attention to the struggles of the poor and the marginalized. ### Final Years and Death Phoolan Devi was active from 1979 to 2001. Her life of survival and resistance made her a symbol of the poor. She was known for her role in the political life of India, advocating for the rights of the poor and women. ### Cultural Impact Her story was a symbol of survival and resistance for the poor. Her life brought attention to the struggles of the marginalized. She was known for her role in advocating for the rights of the poor and women. ### Political Life In the 1990s, she became a member of the Indian Parliament. Her life of political activism was a symbol of survival and resistance for the poor. Her story brought attention to the struggles of the poor and the marginalized. ## Body - Phoolan Devi, known for her life of survival and resistance, influenced public discourse on caste, class, and gender in India. Her story brought attention to the struggles of the poor and the marginalized. - Her life of survival made her a symbol of resistance for the poor. Her story influenced public discourse on caste, gender, and class in India. - Her life of survival and resistance made her a symbol of the poor. Her story brought attention to the struggles of the marginalized and the poor in India. ## Body Dense factual deep-dive covering EVERY major aspect of Phoolan Devi's life and work. Use ### H3 subheadings to organize by topic (e.g., Early Life, Career, Projects, Influence, Legacy, etc.) rather than repeating the same structure for each. Use short declarative sentences and bullet points where appropriate. Name specific works, dates, numbers, and outcomes. This section should be the longest — do not cut it short. ## References 1. datos.bne.es 2. International Standard Name Identifier 3. Virtual International Authority File 4. BnF authorities 5. CiNii Research 6. Find a Grave 7. FemBio database 8. MAK 9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 10. IdRef