Who was the first woman to be ordained as a 'Bhikkhuni'?

Mahapajapati Gotami

The correct answer is Option (4) → Mahapajapati Gotami

Mahapajapati Gotami's ordination as a 'Bhikkhuni' in Buddhism is historically significant as it marked a crucial milestone in the history of Buddhism. She was the aunt and stepmother of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, and she played a pivotal role in establishing the order of fully ordained Buddhist nuns. Initially, the Buddha was hesitant to grant ordination to women, but Mahapajapati Gotami's persistence and the determination of other women led to the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha, the order of fully ordained nuns.

This decision challenged societal norms and allowed women to have equal opportunities for spiritual practice, study the Dharma, and pursue the path to enlightenment within Buddhism, making it a significant step toward a more inclusive and egalitarian approach within the tradition.

So, the correct option is [4].