Annie Besant and the Theosophical Society - General Knowledge of Modern India

Annie Besant and the Theosophical Society History - General Knowledge of Modern India

Annie Besant joined the 'Theosophical Society' in 1889. She believed deeply in the teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads and considered India to be the land of liberation and enlightenment. Later she made it her nation and permanent home. Raised voice against the evils like child marriage, untouchability system and the prohibition of widow-remarriage prevailing in the Indian society of the time. Changed in form. Many schools and colleges were established in South India also due to his efforts.

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Annie Besant started 1916 AD in India on the lines of 'Irish League Movement'.  Established the 'Home-Rule League' in  Annie Besant was also a famous and influential writer. Two papers named "The New India" and "Common Veil" were also published by her to spread the vision of the Theosophical Society. In comparison, it fell more on the intellectual class, yet it made a mark of its own in the nineteenth century.

Main points of 'Theosophical Society'

• According to the 'Theosophical Society', through contemplation, prayer and listening, a special relationship can be established between God and the conscience of man.
• The 'Theosophical Society' accepted Hindu beliefs like reincarnation and karma and drew inspiration from Upanishads, Samkhya, Yoga and Vedanta philosophies.
• It called for universal brotherhood by rising above distinctions like race, caste, color and greed.
• The society wanted to discover the unexplained laws of nature and the hidden power within man.
• This movement sought to discover Hindu spiritual knowledge through Western Enlightenment.
• This society renewed the ancient principles and philosophies of the Hindus and strengthened the beliefs related to them.
• Studied and propagated Arya philosophy and religion.
• This society believed that the Upanishads inaugurate the truth of the Supreme Being, the universe and life.
• Its philosophy was so universal that it praised all forms of religion and all forms of worship.
• In addition to spiritual and philosophical discussions, the society contributed significantly to the awakening of Hindus through its research and literary activities.
• It also published and translated Hindu scriptures.
• Society inspired reforms and formulated education policies to act on them.