Annie Besant - Revision history

Masterman087 at 10:45, 6 August 2025

2025-08-06T10:45:38Z

Mr.x at 10:24, 6 August 2025

2025-08-06T10:24:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:54, 6 August 2025
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	[[Category:1847 births]]		[[Category:1847 births]]
	[[Category:1933 deaths]]		[[Category:1933 deaths]]
	[[Category:Indian National Congress ~~Politician~~]]		[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians]]
	[[Category:People from London]]		[[Category:People from London]]
	[[Category:Indian writers]]		[[Category:Indian writers]]

Mr.x at 10:21, 6 August 2025

2025-08-06T10:21:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:51, 6 August 2025
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	[[Category:1847 births]]		[[Category:1847 births]]
	[[Category:1933 deaths]]		[[Category:1933 deaths]]
	~~[[Category:British social reformers]]~~		[[Category:Indian National Congress Politician]]
	[[Category:Indian National Congress ~~presidents~~]]
	[[Category:People from London]]		[[Category:People from London]]
	[[Category:~~Women~~ writers]]		[[Category:Indian writers]]

Mr.x at 10:58, 30 July 2025

2025-07-30T10:58:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:28, 30 July 2025
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	\| birth_place = [[London]], [[England]], [[United Kingdom]]		\| birth_place = [[London]], [[England]], [[United Kingdom]]
	\| death_date = {{Death date and age\|1933\|09\|20\|1847\|10\|01}}		\| death_date = {{Death date and age\|1933\|09\|20\|1847\|10\|01}}
	\| death_place = [[Adyar]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]] (now [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]])		\| death_place = Adyar, Madras Presidency, [[British India]] (now [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]])
	\| resting_place = Theosophical Society Adyar, Chennai		\| resting_place = Theosophical Society Adyar, Chennai
	\| nationality = British (later naturalized in India)		\| nationality = British (later naturalized in India)
	\| occupation = Social reformer, Theosophist, Nationalist Leader, Educator		\| occupation = Social reformer, Theosophist, Nationalist Leader, Educator
	\| years_active = 1870s–1933		\| years_active = 1870s–1933
	\| known_for = [[Home Rule Movement]], [[Theosophical Society]], [[Indian National Congress]]		\| known_for = Home Rule Movement, Theosophical Society, [[Indian National Congress]]
	\| notable_works = ''The Ancient Wisdom'', ''The Law of Population'', founding [[Central Hindu College]]		\| notable_works = ''The Ancient Wisdom'', ''The Law of Population'', founding [[Central Hindu College]]
	\| spouse = Frank Besant (separated)		\| spouse = Frank Besant (separated)

Mr.x at 10:56, 30 July 2025

2025-07-30T10:56:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:26, 30 July 2025
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	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Annie Besant – British Theosophist and Indian Nationalist Leader		\|title=Annie Besant Biography – British Theosophist and Indian Nationalist Leader
	\|description=Annie Besant was a British social reformer, theosophist, and key leader in India’s Home Rule movement who became the first female President of the Indian National Congress in 1917.		\|description=Annie Besant was a British social reformer, theosophist, and key leader in India’s Home Rule movement who became the first female President of the Indian National Congress in 1917.
	\|keywords=Annie Besant, Home Rule League, Indian National Congress, Theosophy, Central Hindu College, British India, Indian independence		\|keywords=Annie Besant, Home Rule League, Indian National Congress, Theosophy, Central Hindu College, British India, Indian independence
	\|image=Annie Besant.jpg		\|image=https://knowlepedia.org/images/8/80/Annie_Besant.jpg
	}}		\|og:type=article
	{{Infobox deceased		\|og:title=Annie Besant – Theosophist & Indian Freedom Supporter
			\|og:description=Discover Annie Besant’s contributions to Theosophy, Indian education, and the independence movement. First woman President of Indian National Congress.
			\|og:image=https://knowlepedia.org/images/8/80/Annie_Besant.jpg
			\|twitter:card=summary_large_image
			}} {{Infobox deceased
	\| name = Annie Besant {{Verified}}		\| name = Annie Besant {{Verified}}
	\| image = Annie Besant.jpg		\| image = Annie Besant.jpg
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	\| website = <!-- No official website -->		\| website = <!-- No official website -->
	\| age_at_death = 85		\| age_at_death = 85
	}}		}}'''Annie Besant''' (1 October 1847 – 20 September 1933) was a British social reformer, theosophist, and one of the most prominent figures in India's early nationalist movement. She was the first woman to preside over the [[Indian National Congress]] in 1917 and a major voice in India’s Home Rule Movement.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Annie Besant \| Biography & Facts \|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant \|website=Encyclopaedia Britannica \|publisher=Britannica \|access-date=29 July 2025}}</ref>
	'''Annie Besant''' (1 October 1847 – 20 September 1933) was a British social reformer, theosophist, and one of the most prominent figures in India's early nationalist movement. She was the first woman to preside over the [[Indian National Congress]] in 1917 and a major voice in India’s Home Rule Movement.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Annie Besant \| Biography & Facts \|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant \|website=Encyclopaedia Britannica \|publisher=Britannica \|access-date=29 July 2025}}</ref>


	== Early Life and Reform Work ==		== Early Life and Reform Work ==
	Born Annie Wood in [[London]], Besant grew up in a middle-class family. She married Frank Besant, an Anglican clergyman, but their ideological differences led to separation in 1873. Afterward, she became active in the National Secular Society and Fabian Society, advocating for workers' rights, secularism, and women's emancipation.~~<ref>[https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095502980 Oxford Reference – Annie Besant]</ref>~~		Born Annie Wood in [[London]], Besant grew up in a middle-class family. She married Frank Besant, an Anglican clergyman, but their ideological differences led to separation in 1873. Afterward, she became active in the National Secular Society and Fabian Society, advocating for workers' rights, secularism, and women's emancipation.

	She published works on birth control and was famously tried (and acquitted) in 1877 for publishing the controversial pamphlet The Law of Population. She led the 1888 Bryant and May matchgirls strike, marking a turning point in labor rights for women in Britain.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica – Annie Besant]</ref>		She published works on birth control and was famously tried (and acquitted) in 1877 for publishing the controversial pamphlet The Law of Population. She led the 1888 Bryant and May matchgirls strike, marking a turning point in labor rights for women in Britain.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica – Annie Besant]</ref>

	== Role in Theosophy and Indian Education ==		== Role in Theosophy and Indian Education ==
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	In 1914, Besant began publishing the newspaper ''New India'', advocating for Swaraj (self-rule). She co-founded the Home Rule League in 1916 with [[Bal Gangadhar Tilak]] and played a pivotal role in demanding constitutional reforms from the British Raj.		In 1914, Besant began publishing the newspaper ''New India'', advocating for Swaraj (self-rule). She co-founded the Home Rule League in 1916 with [[Bal Gangadhar Tilak]] and played a pivotal role in demanding constitutional reforms from the British Raj.

	Her arrest in 1917 sparked national protests and led to her being elected the first woman President of the [[Indian National Congress]].~~<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica – Annie Besant]</ref>~~		Her arrest in 1917 sparked national protests and led to her being elected the first woman President of the [[Indian National Congress]].

	== Later Years and Legacy ==		== Later Years and Legacy ==
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	[[Category:Articles needing expansion]]		[[Category:Articles needing expansion]]
	[[Category:Articles needing more references]]		[[Category:Articles needing more references]]
			[[Category:1847 births]]
			[[Category:1933 deaths]]
			[[Category:British social reformers]]
			[[Category:Indian National Congress presidents]]
			[[Category:People from London]]
			[[Category:Women writers]]

Mr.x at 10:42, 30 July 2025

2025-07-30T10:42:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:12, 30 July 2025
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	\| age_at_death = 85		\| age_at_death = 85
	}}		}}
	'''Annie Besant''' (1 October 1847 – 20 September 1933) was a British social reformer, theosophist, and one of the most prominent figures in India's early nationalist movement. She was the first woman to preside over the [[Indian National Congress]] in 1917 and a major voice in India’s Home Rule Movement.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica ~~– Annie Besant]~~</ref>		'''Annie Besant''' (1 October 1847 – 20 September 1933) was a British social reformer, theosophist, and one of the most prominent figures in India's early nationalist movement. She was the first woman to preside over the [[Indian National Congress]] in 1917 and a major voice in India’s Home Rule Movement.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Annie Besant \| Biography & Facts \|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant \|website=Encyclopaedia Britannica \|publisher=Britannica \|access-date=29 July 2025}}</ref>


	== Early Life and Reform Work ==		== Early Life and Reform Work ==

Mr.x at 10:27, 30 July 2025

2025-07-30T10:27:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:57, 30 July 2025
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	\| age_at_death = 85		\| age_at_death = 85
	}}		}}
	'''Annie Besant''' (1 October 1847 – 20 September 1933) was a British social reformer, theosophist, and one of the most prominent figures in India's early nationalist movement. She was the first woman to preside over the [[Indian National Congress]] in 1917 and a major voice in India’s [[Home Rule Movement]].<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica – Annie Besant]</ref>		'''Annie Besant''' (1 October 1847 – 20 September 1933) was a British social reformer, theosophist, and one of the most prominent figures in India's early nationalist movement. She was the first woman to preside over the [[Indian National Congress]] in 1917 and a major voice in India’s Home Rule Movement.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica – Annie Besant]</ref>

	== Early Life and Reform Work ==		== Early Life and Reform Work ==
	Born Annie Wood in [[London]], Besant grew up in a middle-class family. She married [[Frank Besant]], an Anglican clergyman, but their ideological differences led to separation in 1873. Afterward, she became active in the [[National Secular Society]] and [[Fabian Society]], advocating for workers' rights, secularism, and women's emancipation.<ref>[https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095502980 Oxford Reference – Annie Besant]</ref>		Born Annie Wood in [[London]], Besant grew up in a middle-class family. She married Frank Besant, an Anglican clergyman, but their ideological differences led to separation in 1873. Afterward, she became active in the National Secular Society and Fabian Society, advocating for workers' rights, secularism, and women's emancipation.<ref>[https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095502980 Oxford Reference – Annie Besant]</ref>

	She published works on birth control and was famously tried (and acquitted) in 1877 for publishing the controversial pamphlet The Law of Population. She led the 1888 [[Bryant and May matchgirls strike]], marking a turning point in labor rights for women in Britain.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica – Annie Besant]</ref>		She published works on birth control and was famously tried (and acquitted) in 1877 for publishing the controversial pamphlet The Law of Population. She led the 1888 Bryant and May matchgirls strike, marking a turning point in labor rights for women in Britain.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica – Annie Besant]</ref>

	== Role in Theosophy and Indian Education ==		== Role in Theosophy and Indian Education ==
	In 1889, Besant joined the [[Theosophical Society]], embracing Eastern philosophy and spirituality. She moved to India in 1893 and became deeply involved in Indian society. In 1898, she founded the [[Central Hindu College]] in Varanasi, which later became part of [[Banaras Hindu University]].<ref>[https://www.nextias.com/blog/annie-besant/ Next IAS – Annie Besant Biography]</ref>		In 1889, Besant joined the Theosophical Society, embracing Eastern philosophy and spirituality. She moved to India in 1893 and became deeply involved in Indian society. In 1898, she founded the [[Central Hindu College]] in Varanasi, which later became part of [[Banaras Hindu University]].<ref>[https://www.nextias.com/blog/annie-besant/ Next IAS – Annie Besant Biography]</ref>

	== Nationalist Politics ==		== Nationalist Politics ==
	In 1914, Besant began publishing the newspaper ''New India'', advocating for [[Swaraj]] (self-rule). She co-founded the [[Home Rule League]] in 1916 with [[Bal Gangadhar Tilak]] and played a pivotal role in demanding constitutional reforms from the British Raj.		In 1914, Besant began publishing the newspaper ''New India'', advocating for Swaraj (self-rule). She co-founded the Home Rule League in 1916 with [[Bal Gangadhar Tilak]] and played a pivotal role in demanding constitutional reforms from the British Raj.

	Her arrest in 1917 sparked national protests and led to her being elected the first woman President of the [[Indian National Congress]].<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica – Annie Besant]</ref>		Her arrest in 1917 sparked national protests and led to her being elected the first woman President of the [[Indian National Congress]].<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica – Annie Besant]</ref>

	== Later Years and Legacy ==		== Later Years and Legacy ==
	Even after independence became more radicalized under [[Mahatma Gandhi]], Besant continued promoting education, interfaith dialogue, and international Theosophy. She passed away in 1933 at the Theosophical Society campus in [[Adyar]], where she was cremated.		Even after independence became more radicalized under [[Mahatma Gandhi]], Besant continued promoting education, interfaith dialogue, and international Theosophy. She passed away in 1933 at the Theosophical Society campus in Adyar, where she was cremated.

	Her contributions are remembered in both Indian nationalism and global spiritualism. Roads, institutions, and awards across India bear her name.		Her contributions are remembered in both Indian nationalism and global spiritualism. Roads, institutions, and awards across India bear her name.

	== See Also ==		== See Also ==
	* [[Theosophical Society]]		* Theosophical Society
	* [[Home Rule Movement]]		* Home Rule Movement
	* [[Indian National Congress]]		* [[Indian National Congress]]
	* [[Central Hindu College]]
	* [[Banaras Hindu University]]

	== References ==		== References ==

Mr.x at 09:41, 14 July 2025

2025-07-14T09:41:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:11, 14 July 2025
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	== References ==		== References ==
	<references />		<references />

			[[Category:Articles needing expansion]]
			[[Category:Articles needing more references]]

Mr.x at 12:55, 12 July 2025

2025-07-12T12:55:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:25, 12 July 2025
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	\|image=Annie Besant.jpg		\|image=Annie Besant.jpg
	}}		}}

	{{Infobox deceased		{{Infobox deceased
	\| name = Annie Besant {{Verified}}		\| name = Annie Besant {{Verified}}
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	\| age_at_death = 85		\| age_at_death = 85
	}}		}}

	'''Annie Besant''' (1 October 1847 – 20 September 1933) was a British social reformer, theosophist, and one of the most prominent figures in India's early nationalist movement. She was the first woman to preside over the [[Indian National Congress]] in 1917 and a major voice in India’s [[Home Rule Movement]].<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica – Annie Besant]</ref>		'''Annie Besant''' (1 October 1847 – 20 September 1933) was a British social reformer, theosophist, and one of the most prominent figures in India's early nationalist movement. She was the first woman to preside over the [[Indian National Congress]] in 1917 and a major voice in India’s [[Home Rule Movement]].<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica – Annie Besant]</ref>

Mr.x at 12:47, 12 July 2025

2025-07-12T12:47:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:17, 12 July 2025
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	\|image=Annie Besant.jpg		\|image=Annie Besant.jpg
	}}		}}

	{{Infobox deceased		{{Infobox deceased
	\| name = Annie Besant {{Verified}}		\| name = Annie Besant {{Verified}}
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	\| image_caption = Annie Besant in the early 20th century		\| image_caption = Annie Besant in the early 20th century
	\| birth_date = {{Birth date\|1847\|10\|01}}		\| birth_date = {{Birth date\|1847\|10\|01}}
	\| birth_place = London, England, United Kingdom		\| birth_place = [[London]], [[England]], [[United Kingdom]]
	\| death_date = {{Death date and age\|1933\|09\|20\|1847\|10\|01}}		\| death_date = {{Death date and age\|1933\|09\|20\|1847\|10\|01}}
	\| death_place = Adyar, Madras Presidency, British India (now Chennai, Tamil Nadu~~, India~~)		\| death_place = [[Adyar]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]] (now [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]])
	\| resting_place = Theosophical Society Adyar, Chennai		\| resting_place = Theosophical Society Adyar, Chennai
	\| nationality = British (later naturalized in India)		\| nationality = British (later naturalized in India)
	\| occupation = Social reformer, Theosophist, Nationalist Leader, Educator		\| occupation = Social reformer, Theosophist, Nationalist Leader, Educator
	\| years_active = 1870s–1933		\| years_active = 1870s–1933
	\| known_for = ~~Theosophical Society presidency,~~ Home Rule Movement, ~~first female INC President~~		\| known_for = [[Home Rule Movement]], [[Theosophical Society]], [[Indian National Congress]]
	\| notable_works = ''The Ancient Wisdom'', ''The Law of Population'', founding Central Hindu College		\| notable_works = ''The Ancient Wisdom'', ''The Law of Population'', founding [[Central Hindu College]]
	\| spouse = Frank Besant (separated)		\| spouse = Frank Besant (separated)
	\| children = 2		\| children = 2
	\| parents = William Page ~~Woods~~ (father), Emily Roche Morris (mother)		\| parents = William Page Wood (father), Emily Roche Morris (mother)
	\| religion = Theosophy		\| religion = Theosophy
	\| website = ~~N/A~~		\| website = <!-- No official website -->
	\| age_at_death = 85		\| age_at_death = 85
	}}		}}

	'''Annie Besant''' (1 October 1847 – 20 September 1933) was a British social reformer, theosophist, and prominent ~~figure~~ in ~~the Indian independence~~ movement. ~~A passionate advocate for birth control, workers’ rights, and women’s education, she became~~ the ~~second President of~~ the ~~Theosophical Society~~ and ~~later launched the~~ Home Rule ~~League in India~~.<ref ~~name="britannica"~~>~~{{cite web \|title=Annie Besant \|url=~~https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant}}</ref>		'''Annie Besant''' (1 October 1847 – 20 September 1933) was a British social reformer, theosophist, and one of the most prominent figures in India's early nationalist movement. She was the first woman to preside over the [[Indian National Congress]] in 1917 and a major voice in India’s [[Home Rule Movement]].<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica – Annie Besant]</ref>

	== Early Life and Reform Work ==		== Early Life and Reform Work ==
	Born Annie Wood in London, ~~she was raised~~ in a ~~devout household and~~ married Anglican clergyman ~~Frank Besant in 1867. The marriage ended in~~ separation in 1873. ~~She subsequently joined~~ the National Secular Society and ~~the~~ Fabian Society, ~~writing on progressive causes such as workers’~~ rights, ~~women’s suffrage~~, and ~~birth control~~. ~~She was tried for obscenity in 1877 for publishing a pamphlet on contraception but saw the conviction overturned~~.<ref ~~name="britannica" /~~>		Born Annie Wood in [[London]], Besant grew up in a middle-class family. She married [[Frank Besant]], an Anglican clergyman, but their ideological differences led to separation in 1873. Afterward, she became active in the [[National Secular Society]] and [[Fabian Society]], advocating for workers' rights, secularism, and women's emancipation.<ref>[https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095502980 Oxford Reference – Annie Besant]</ref>

	In 1888~~, she organized the~~ Bryant & May ~~matchgirls’~~ strike, ~~leading to improved~~ labor ~~conditions~~ for women ~~workers~~.<ref ~~name="oxford"~~>~~{{cite web \|title=Besant, Annie \|url=~~https://www.~~oxfordreference~~.com/~~display~~/~~10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095502980}}~~</ref>		She published works on birth control and was famously tried (and acquitted) in 1877 for publishing the controversial pamphlet The Law of Population. She led the 1888 [[Bryant and May matchgirls strike]], marking a turning point in labor rights for women in Britain.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica – Annie Besant]</ref>

	== Theosophy and ~~India~~ ==		== Role in Theosophy and Indian Education ==
	~~A spiritual seeker~~, Besant joined the Theosophical Society in ~~1889~~ and became ~~its international president~~ in ~~1907~~, ~~promoting universal brotherhood and Eastern philosophy~~.<ref ~~name="britannica"~~ />		In 1889, Besant joined the [[Theosophical Society]], embracing Eastern philosophy and spirituality. She moved to India in 1893 and became deeply involved in Indian society. In 1898, she founded the [[Central Hindu College]] in Varanasi, which later became part of [[Banaras Hindu University]].<ref>[https://www.nextias.com/blog/annie-besant/ Next IAS – Annie Besant Biography]</ref>

	~~She arrived in~~ India ~~in 1893~~, ~~adopting Indian dress, learning Sanskrit, and translating the Bhagavad Gītā~~. ~~In 1898, she~~ founded ~~Central Hindu College~~ in ~~Varanasi, later integrated into Banaras Hindu University.<ref name="nextias">{{cite web \|title=Annie Besant – A Pioneering Social Reformer~~ and ~~Freedom Fighter \|url=https://www~~.~~nextias.com/blog/annie-besant/}}</ref>~~		== Nationalist Politics ==
			In 1914, Besant began publishing the newspaper ''New India'', advocating for [[Swaraj]] (self-rule). She co-founded the [[Home Rule League]] in 1916 with [[Bal Gangadhar Tilak]] and played a pivotal role in demanding constitutional reforms from the British Raj.

	~~== Home Rule Movement ==~~		Her arrest in 1917 sparked national protests and led to her being elected the first woman President of the [[Indian National Congress]].<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Besant Britannica – Annie Besant]</ref>
	~~In 1914, she acquired and renamed the Madras Standard as ''New India'', advocating Swaraj. She founded the All India Home Rule League~~ in ~~1916 alongside Bal Gangadhar Tilak. In~~ 1917~~, following public outcry after~~ her ~~arrest, she was~~ elected the first woman President of the Indian National Congress.<ref ~~name="oxford"~~ />

	== Later Years and Legacy ==		== Later Years and Legacy ==
	Besant ~~remained active in Indian politics~~, ~~education~~, and ~~theosophy until her death in Adyar in 1933~~. She ~~is remembered for pioneering women’s rights, educational reform, and constitutional nationalism~~ in ~~India. Her ashes were interred~~ at ~~the international headquarters of~~ the Theosophical Society, where her ~~resting place remains a site of reverence~~.~~<ref name="britannica" />~~		Even after independence became more radicalized under [[Mahatma Gandhi]], Besant continued promoting education, interfaith dialogue, and international Theosophy. She passed away in 1933 at the Theosophical Society campus in [[Adyar]], where she was cremated.

			Her contributions are remembered in both Indian nationalism and global spiritualism. Roads, institutions, and awards across India bear her name.

	== See Also ==		== See Also ==
	* [[Theosophical Society]]		* [[Theosophical Society]]
	* [[Home Rule ~~League~~]]		* [[Home Rule Movement]]
	* [[Indian National Congress]]		* [[Indian National Congress]]
	* [[Central Hindu College]]		* [[Central Hindu College]]