Question

Annie Besant was associated with ____________.
A. Ramakrishna Mission
B. Arya Samaj
C. ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness)
D. Theosophical Society

Answer 1

Hint: Annie Besant was an Irish self rule supporter. She fought for various rights like freedom of thought, secularism, women’s rights, etc. In 1916 Along with Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Besant launched the All India Home Rule League.

Complete answer:
Annie Besant was associated with Theosophical Society. According to the Theosophy, there is wisdom underlying all the religion if they are stripped off of their superstitions. The Theosophical Society is an organisation established in 1875 to advance theosophy. Theosophy is derived from a Greek word ‘theosophia’ meaning ‘God’s wisdom’. The basic goal of theosophy is to find the origin of the world, humanity and divinity.
Annie Besant joined this organisation in 1889 as she was a firm believer in the Vedas and the Upanishads. She made India her permanent home. She protested against various evils lying in Indian society like Child marriage, unacceptable widow marriage, etc. She is the founder of Banaras Central School in order to promote education.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Additional information: She was also a notable and impactful writer. In 1916, she started home rule league in an attempt to spread her vision of the Society that she worked so hard for.

Note:Two journals called “The New India” and the “Common Weal” were published by her. The Theosophical movement was made very popular in India by Besant and it helped major appeal among the intelligentsia rather than the masses. It carried both Indian and International Character as it preached the universal brotherhood of men without the distinction made by their caste, race, sex, etc.