Besant, Annie

Annie Besant, born in 1847, was a multifaceted British figure involved in socialism, theosophy, women's rights, and Indian independence. Initially a prominent secularist speaker and writer, she worked closely with Charles Bradlaugh, facing prosecution for publishing controversial material on birth control. Her activism extended to labor movements and education, including her election to the London School Board.

Besant's life took a significant turn when she encountered Helena Blavatsky and became deeply involved in the Theosophical Society. She traveled extensively, promoting theosophy and establishing educational institutions in India, such as the Central Hindu School. Her leadership within the Theosophical Society led her to become its president. She also played a crucial role in Indian politics, advocating for Home Rule and eventually becoming the first female president of the Indian National Congress in 1917. Besant continued her advocacy for India's self-rule and theosophy until her death in 1933.

Annie Besant began her public life as a forceful advocate for secularism and social reform. She became a prominent speaker and writer for the National Secular Society, developing a close association with its leader, Charles Bradlaugh. Together, they faced legal challenges, including a notable trial in 1877 for publishing Charles Knowlton's work on birth control, which brought issues of reproductive rights into public discourse. Besant's activism also encompassed labor rights, participating in significant events like the London matchgirls' strike of 1888. Her oratorical skills and commitment to various causes, including women's rights and socialism, established her as a leading voice in progressive circles of the late 19th century.

In 1890, Annie Besant's intellectual and spiritual journey led her to Helena Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society. This encounter marked a significant shift in her focus, with her interest in secular matters gradually giving way to theosophical studies. Besant became a dedicated lecturer and proponent of theosophy, traveling widely to share its teachings. Her engagement with India through theosophy led to her involvement in establishing educational institutions, notably the Central Hindu School in 1898. She also contributed to the establishment of the Hyderabad (Sind) National Collegiate Board. Her work in co-Freemasonry led to the founding of overseas lodges, and she eventually ascended to the presidency of the Theosophical Society in 1907, guiding its international headquarters in Adyar.

Besant's commitment extended to the political sphere in India, where she joined the Indian National Congress. During World War I, she co-founded the Home Rule League, advocating for India's self-governance and dominion status within the British Empire. Her leadership in this movement culminated in her election as the first female president of the Indian National Congress in 1917. In her later years, she continued to champion Indian independence and theosophical principles. She notably brought Jiddu Krishnamurti to the United States, presenting him as a significant spiritual figure, though he later disavowed these claims. Besant remained an active figure until her passing in 1933.

“Against the teachings of eternal torture, of the vicarious atonement, of the infallibility of the Bible, I leveled all the strength of my brain and tongue, and I exposed the history of the Christian Church with unsparing hand, its persecutions, its religious wars, its cruelties, its oppressions.”

“before about A.D. 180 there is no trace of FOUR gospels among the Christians.”

“We intend to publish nothing we do not think we can morally defend. All that we publish we shall defend.”