Annie Besant, the famous British theosophist and social reformer, was one of the most remarkable personalities in Indian nationalist movement. She founded the Home Rule League in India in 1916 and was the first women president of Indian National Congress INC in 1917. Annie Besant was also known for her newspaper daily "New India" started in 1917.
Early Life of Annie Besant
Annie Besant was born on 1st October 1847 in London. Her childhood days marked by economic struggle and she was educated at home by a private tutor. At the age of 19, she married to a young clergyman, Rev. Frank Besant. Due to different religious views and her independent spirit, they were legally separated in 1873.
An Atheist and Social Reformer
Dr. Annie Besant became a freethinker and moved toward atheism. She joined National Secular Society in 1874. She actively worked for the freedom of thought, women’s rights and secularism. She participated in London match girls’ strike (1888). She wrote articles in National Reformer, the newspaper of Secular Society. She started a newspaper – The Link. She was also an executive member of Fabian Society. Annie was well-known as a public speaker. She was elected to London School Board and she made a lot of reforms for local schools. She introduced a program of free meals and free medical examinations for elementary school children.
In 1889, she moved to Theosophy influenced by Madame Blavatsky (spiritualist) and joined Theosophical Society. After the death of Madame Blavatsky in 1891, Annie became the leader of Theosophical Society.
Moving to India
As a leading member of Theosophical society, Annie Besant first visited in Indian in 1893. In 1907, she became the president of Theosophical society. In 1898, Annie Besant founded Central Hindu College at Varanasi. Along with her social activities, she joined INC. She strongly called for self-rule and established Home Rule League in 1916. She became the first women president of INC in 1917. She wrote several articles to British authorities demanding India’s independence. She died on 20th September 1933 in Adyar, Madras, India.
Major Writings of Annie Besant
Annie wrote a number of books and articles on Theosophy. Some of her major writings include My Path to Atheism, Bhagavad Gita (translation),The Political Status of Women, The Doctrine of the Heart, The Future of Indian Politics, Man’s life in This and Other Worlds and Thought Forms.
Questions Related to Annie Besant for PSC Exams and Govt Competitive Tests
Early Life of Annie Besant
Annie Besant was born on 1st October 1847 in London. Her childhood days marked by economic struggle and she was educated at home by a private tutor. At the age of 19, she married to a young clergyman, Rev. Frank Besant. Due to different religious views and her independent spirit, they were legally separated in 1873.
An Atheist and Social Reformer
Dr. Annie Besant became a freethinker and moved toward atheism. She joined National Secular Society in 1874. She actively worked for the freedom of thought, women’s rights and secularism. She participated in London match girls’ strike (1888). She wrote articles in National Reformer, the newspaper of Secular Society. She started a newspaper – The Link. She was also an executive member of Fabian Society. Annie was well-known as a public speaker. She was elected to London School Board and she made a lot of reforms for local schools. She introduced a program of free meals and free medical examinations for elementary school children.
In 1889, she moved to Theosophy influenced by Madame Blavatsky (spiritualist) and joined Theosophical Society. After the death of Madame Blavatsky in 1891, Annie became the leader of Theosophical Society.
Moving to India
As a leading member of Theosophical society, Annie Besant first visited in Indian in 1893. In 1907, she became the president of Theosophical society. In 1898, Annie Besant founded Central Hindu College at Varanasi. Along with her social activities, she joined INC. She strongly called for self-rule and established Home Rule League in 1916. She became the first women president of INC in 1917. She wrote several articles to British authorities demanding India’s independence. She died on 20th September 1933 in Adyar, Madras, India.
Major Writings of Annie Besant
Annie wrote a number of books and articles on Theosophy. Some of her major writings include My Path to Atheism, Bhagavad Gita (translation),The Political Status of Women, The Doctrine of the Heart, The Future of Indian Politics, Man’s life in This and Other Worlds and Thought Forms.
Questions Related to Annie Besant for PSC Exams and Govt Competitive Tests
- International President of Theosophical Society in 1907
- Founded Central Hindu College in 1898
- Established Home Rule League in India, in 1916
- First Women President of INC in 1917
- Started the "New India" newspaper in 1917
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