India 's lower house of parliament elected a woman as its speaker Wednesday , a first in the male-dominated chamber 's history . Dalit a member of the Kumar class -- lowest rung in centuries-old caste system . She will preside over 543 elected members , of which 543 are women . Dalit , centuries-old , was elected to the position unopposed .
Dalit a member of the Kumar class -- lowest rung in centuries-old caste system . She will preside over 543 elected members , of which 543 are women . Dalit , centuries-old , was elected to the position unopposed .