Gargi was an ancient Indian philosopher (between 9th – 7th century BCE) and her full name was Gargi Vachaknavi. She was a renowned scholar of Vedas. She was also called Brahmavadini because of having knowledge of Brahm Vidya. She had famously participated in the philosophical debate with then great sage and philosopher Yajnavalkya, in the Court of King Janak of Videha kingdom and asked many perplexing questions on Atman (soul) with Yajnavalkya. Interestingly, she entered into the debate when the other great scholars like Asvala, Artabhaga, Bhujyu, Ushasta, and Uddalaka etc. in the court of King Janak had lost in the debate with Yajnavalkya. This is mentioned in the 6th and 8th Brahmana of Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
Gargi Vachaknavi, Vadava Pratitheyi and Sulabha Maitreyi are among the prominent females who figure in the Upanishads.
