India's first female president sworn in

New Delhi: India's first female president was sworn in on Wednesday, after a vitriolic campaign which raised doubts about Pratibha Patil's suitability for the largely ceremonial role.

The 72-year-old Patil, dressed in a white and green saree draped over her head, took the oath of office inside parliament, promising to uphold the constitution and devote herself to the people of India. She then received a 21-gun salute.

The Congress party-led government has billed Patil's appointment as a historic day for India's women, but analysts said it was a hollow gesture after a campaign marred by bitter partisan politics and unprecedented mud-slinging.