The first woman in Indian history to be nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of India's Parliament) was Rukmini Devi Arundale. She was not only a renowned Indian dancer but also a theosophist, choreographer, and activist. Rukmini Devi Arundale made significant contributions to the revival of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, and her nomination to the Rajya Sabha was a testament to her influence and contribution to the cultural and artistic heritage of India.

1. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is a branch of the Government of India that looks after the ongoing process of decentralization and local governance in the states.

2. The headquarters of the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj is in Hyderabad.

3. National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), an autonomous organization under the Union Ministry of Rural Development.