ANNIE BESANT

Annie Besant was a notable British socialist, theosophist, women's rights advocate, author, speaker, and supporter of both Indian and Irish independence. She was born on October 1, 1847, in London, England, to William Wood, a physician, and Emily Morris. Following her father's death, the family faced financial hardships, leading Annie to attend boarding school.

In 1867, Annie married Frank Besant, an Anglican minister. The union was fraught with difficulties and ended in 1873, partly due to Annie's increasingly unconventional views on religion and societal issues. Her separation from Frank signaled the start of her public life as an activist.

During the 1870s, Annie became active with the National Secular Society and collaborated closely with Charles Bradlaugh. Together, they advocated for secularism, birth control, and free thought, which led to their joint publication of Charles Knowlton’s "The Fruits of Philosophy." This publication resulted in a notable obscenity trial in 1877, significantly boosting her public profile and highlighting issues related to women's rights and social reform.

By the late 1880s, Annie had adopted socialism and joined both the Fabian Society and the Social Democratic Federation. Known for her powerful oratory and prolific writing, she championed various causes, including workers' rights, education reform, and women's suffrage. Her involvement in the 1888 matchgirls strike at the Bryant and May match factory exemplified her commitment to labor rights and social justice.

In 1889, Annie became a member of the Theosophical Society, influenced by Helena Blavatsky’s teachings. This marked a major turning point in her life, leading her to relocate to India, where she fervently supported Indian self-rule. She moved to India in 1893 and quickly immersed herself in Indian politics. Her efforts included founding the Central Hindu College in Varanasi in 1898, which later integrated into Banaras Hindu University.

Annie’s dedication to Indian independence led her to join the Indian National Congress. In 1916, she established the Home Rule League, which sought self-governance for India. Her activism culminated in her election as president of the Indian National Congress in 1917, demonstrating her influence and commitment to Indian self-rule.

Despite encountering resistance from both British authorities and some Indian leaders, Besant continued to advocate for India's independence and theosophy. She also played a significant role in introducing Indian culture and religious thought to the Western world, emphasizing the theosophical principle of the universal brotherhood of humanity.

Annie Besant spent her later years primarily in India, continuing her work until her death on September 20, 1933, in Adyar, Madras Presidency, British India. Her legacy as a reformer, theosophist, and champion of social justice endures.

REFERENCE: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Besant