Why this matters now
Besant is tested on Theosophy in India, Central Hindu College (the seed of BHU), the Home Rule League and her Congress presidency.
Theosophical Society and education
Besant joined the Theosophical Society (founded 1875 by Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olcott) and shifted base to Adyar, Madras, in 1893. She championed Indian heritage in education, founded the Central Hindu College at Banaras (1898) — the institutional seed that Malaviya developed into the Banaras Hindu University (1915-16).
Home Rule League (1916)
In September 1916 Besant founded the All-India Home Rule League at Madras — alongside Tilak’s Indian Home Rule League at Belgaum (April 1916). Through her newspapers “New India” and “Commonweal”, she demanded self-government for India within the British Empire. She was interned by the Madras government in 1917, which sparked a nationwide protest.
Congress President (1917)
The internment forced her release and made her the first woman President of the Indian National Congress at the Calcutta Session (December 1917). She helped bring together Moderates and Extremists. Later she diverged from Gandhi’s non-cooperation method but remained involved in the Theosophical Society and Indian causes till her death at Adyar in 1933.
UPSC angle
Know Besant — Theosophical Society (Adyar from 1893), Central Hindu College (1898, BHU seed), Home Rule League (Madras, Sept 1916, alongside Tilak’s Belgaum League), “New India”/“Commonweal” newspapers, internment 1917, first woman Congress President (Calcutta, Dec 1917), died Adyar 1933.
Frequently asked questions
What was the Home Rule League?
A 1916 movement led by Annie Besant and B.G. Tilak demanding self-government for India within the British Empire.
Who was the first woman President of the Indian National Congress?
Annie Besant — at the Calcutta Session in December 1917.
How is Annie Besant linked to BHU?
She founded the Central Hindu College (1898) at Banaras — the seed institution that Malaviya developed into BHU.
What were “New India” and “Commonweal”?
Newspapers run by Besant to propagate Home Rule and political reform.