Ashapurna Debi, a Bengali writer, was the first woman to receive the Jnanpith Award in 1976 for her novel \"Pratham Pratisruti\" (The First Promise).

Bharatanatyam, originating from Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India. It is characterized by its expressive hand gestures, rhythmic footwork, and elegant poses.

Lata Mangeshkar, often referred to as the 'Nightingale of India', is one of the most renowned and influential singers in Indian history. She has recorded songs in over 36 languages and has won numerous awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor.

Amrita Sher-Gil, a Hungarian-Indian painter, is considered one of the pioneers of modern Indian art. Her works often depicted scenes from everyday life in rural India, capturing the essence of the country's culture and traditions.

Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali poet, writer, and philosopher, was the first Indian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. His works, including \"Gitanjali\" and \"The Home and the World,\" explored themes of spirituality, nationalism, and social reform.

Kathak, originating from North India, is a classical dance form characterized by its intricate footwork, expressive hand gestures, and rhythmic storytelling. It is often performed to the accompaniment of tabla drums and sitar music.

Asha Bhosle, often referred to as the 'Melody Queen' of Indian cinema, is one of the most versatile and prolific singers in Indian history. She has recorded songs in over 20 languages and has won numerous awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest honor in cinema.

Mrinalini Mukherjee, an Indian sculptor, is known for her large-scale sculptures made from natural materials such as hemp, jute, and bronze. Her works often explore themes of femininity, nature, and the human condition.

Mira Nair, an Indian-American filmmaker, won the Palme d'Or in 2001 for her film \"Monsoon Wedding.\" The film, set in Delhi, explores the complexities of family relationships and the changing social landscape of India.

Odissi, originating from Odisha, is a classical dance form characterized by its lyrical and graceful movements. It is often performed to the accompaniment of traditional Odia music and is known for its intricate hand gestures and expressive storytelling.

Begum Akhtar, an Indian singer, is widely regarded as the 'Queen of Ghazal.' She was known for her soulful renditions of ghazals, a genre of Urdu poetry and music. Her performances were characterized by their emotional depth and expressive style.

M.F. Husain, an Indian painter, is known for his unique style of painting that incorporated elements of Indian folk art, mythology, and contemporary social issues. His works often featured bold colors, geometric forms, and calligraphic elements.

Mira Nair won the Golden Lion in 2001 for her film \"Monsoon Wedding.\" The film, set in Delhi, explores the complexities of family relationships and the changing social landscape of India.

Kuchipudi, originating from Andhra Pradesh, is a classical dance form characterized by its energetic and acrobatic movements. It is often performed to the accompaniment of traditional Telugu music and is known for its intricate footwork and expressive storytelling.

Kishori Amonkar, an Indian classical singer, is widely regarded as the 'Thumri Queen.' She was known for her mastery of the thumri genre, a form of semi-classical Indian music. Her performances were characterized by their emotional depth, expressive style, and innovative approach to raga interpretation.