Biography of  Annie Besant

(October 10, 1847 - 1933)

Annie Besant was born in a simple Irish family on October 10, 1847 in London. Her childhood name was "Wood'. She learnt many languages during her life. In 1867, she married a priest, Frank Besant. But her marital life did not last long. Consequently, in 1873, Annie Besant divorced her husband. From then onwards she engaged herself in her writing work.

In 1893, Annie Besant came to India as a propagator of the Theosophical Society and established its centre at Adyar in Madras. She was very influenced by the Indian culture and civilisation

Her contribution to India's freedom struggle was also remarkable. She founded the Home Rule League with the support and cooperation of Lokmanya Tilak. In 1915, she was elected the President of the Congress at Kolkata. She actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement and also boycotted the Simon Commission. She established the Central Hindu School'. She died at the old age of 86. She spread her ideas on political as well as social reforms through the journal New India and Commonwealth.