Annie Besant was a pioneering activist who fought for a variety of causes throughout her life. She was born in London in 1847 and was educated at home by her father and other tutors. Her early life was a difficult one, as her mother died when she was only five years old, and she was sent to live with an aunt.
At the age of 20, she married the Rev. Frank Besant and moved to India, where she quickly became involved in the Theosophical Society. She developed an interest in theosophy and began to write about it, eventually becoming the president of the society’s Indian branch.
Besant was a strong advocate for women’s rights, and she fought for the rights of Indian women in particular. She founded the Central Hindu College in 1898, which was the first college in India to admit women students. She was also a vocal opponent of the caste system and child marriage, and she spoke out against British imperialism in India.
Besant was also an ardent supporter of Irish independence. She was a founding member of the National Home Rule League and was a vocal advocate for Irish self-determination. She was also a strong supporter of the Indian National Congress and its leader, Mahatma Gandhi.
Besant was a prolific writer and published many books on theosophy, politics, and social reform. She was also a prominent figure in the labour movement and was a member of the Fabian Society.
Annie Besant was a tireless campaigner for social justice and equality. Her work had a lasting impact on India and the world. She died in 1933 at the age of 86, but her legacy lives on.