Annie Besant

1 October 1847 – 20 September 1933

Annie Besant was a British socialist, theosophist, women's rights activist, and supporter of Indian and Irish self-rule. She became president of the Theosophical Society and later a leading figure in the Indian independence movement, serving as president of the Indian National Congress.

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Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Annie Besant.

Life events

Born in London
1 October 1847

Born in Clapham, London, to a family of Irish descent.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Became a public secularist and social reformer
1874

Joined the National Secular Society and became a prominent freethinker and campaigner.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Supported the London matchgirls' strike
1888

Helped organize and publicize the 1888 strike by women workers at the Bryant and May match factory.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Joined the Theosophical Society
1889

Embraced Theosophy and eventually rose to become its international president.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Settled in India
1893

Moved to India, making the Theosophical Society headquarters at Adyar her base.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Founded the Home Rule League and led Congress
1916 – 1917

Established the Home Rule League in India and was elected president of the Indian National Congress in 1917.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Died in Adyar, Madras
20 September 1933

Died at the Theosophical Society estate in Adyar, India.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓