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Who was the leader of the Theosophical Society in India ?
Annie Besant
M. G. Ranade
Gopalakrishna Gokhale
Balagangadhar Tilak
None of the above
Annie Besant
Annie Besant became the president of the Theosophical Society in 1907 and was instrumental in popularizing its philosophy in India. She made Adyar, Chennai, the international headquarters of the society and linked the movement with the Indian nationalist struggle.
Annie Besant became the president of the Theosophical Society in 1907 and was instrumental in popularizing its philosophy in India. She made Adyar, Chennai, the international headquarters of the society and linked the movement with the Indian nationalist struggle.
The Theosophical Society was founded in New York in 1875 by Madame H.P. Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, before shifting its headquarters to Adyar, Madras in 1882.
Annie Besant joined the Theosophical Society in 1889 and moved to India in 1893.
She established the Central Hindu College in Benares in 1898, which later became the foundation for the Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
The movement aimed to promote the study of Eastern religions, philosophy, and occultism while emphasizing the universal brotherhood of humanity.
Annie Besant was the first woman to serve as the President of the Indian National Congress, presiding over the 1917 Calcutta session.
She launched the Home Rule League in 1916 alongside Bal Gangadhar Tilak to demand self-government for India.
M.G. Ranade was a founder of the Prarthana Samaj, Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a prominent extremist leader of the Indian National Congress.
Option B, C, and D are incorrect as they were associated with reformist movements or political organizations distinct from the leadership of the Theosophical Society.
A is correct тАФ Annie Besant led the Theosophical Society in India after succeeding Col. Olcott, shifting the focus towards social, educational, and political resurgence.
When studying Annie Besant, always contrast her 'Home Rule Movement' (1916) with the 'Non-Cooperation Movement' (1920) led by Gandhi, as UPSC and state PSC exams frequently test the transition of political leadership during this period.