Annie Wood Besant
- Born:
- 1 October 1847, London, England
- Died:
- 20 September 1933, Adyar, Madras Presidency, British India
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Theosophist, Women's Rights Activist, Writer, Orator, Educationist, Political Activist
Early Life and Education
- Orphaned at a young age, cared for by Ellen Marryat who provided an unconventional education.
- Briefly married Rev. Frank Besant, but separated due to religious differences.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a prominent speaker and writer for the National Secular Society, advocating for freethought and social reform.
- Converted to Theosophy in 1889 after reading H.P. Blavatsky's The Secret Doctrine.
- Elected President of the Theosophical Society in 1907.
- Established the Central Hindu College in Benares, India (later Banaras Hindu University) which became a centre for Indian education.
- Founded the Home Rule League in India in 1916, advocating for self-governance.
- Served as President of the Indian National Congress in 1917.
- Active in promoting education for women in India.
Notable Works
- The Ancient Wisdom
- A Study in Consciousness
- Esoteric Christianity
- Numerous pamphlets and articles on Theosophy, social reform, and Indian politics.
Legacy and Impact
Annie Besant was a pivotal figure in the Theosophical movement and the Indian independence movement. Her contributions to education and social reform, especially in India, continue to be recognized. The life of Annie Besant biography in short reveals her multifaceted contributions to Theosophy, Indian nationalism, education, and women's rights.