Who was the founder of the Theosophical Society in India?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Annie Besant

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The Theosophical movement played an important role in India's social and intellectual life during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Questions in history and culture often refer to key personalities connected with the Theosophical Society, especially its prominent leaders and organisers in India.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The question asks for the founder of the Theosophical Society in India.
  • The options list Annie Besant, Womesh Chandra Bannerjee, Ram Prasad Bismil, and Subhash Chandra Bose.
  • We focus on the person most associated with establishing and leading the Theosophical movement in the Indian context.


Concept / Approach:
While the original Theosophical Society was founded in the United States, the movement found a major base in India, with its headquarters at Adyar in Chennai. Annie Besant, a leading theosophist, social reformer, and supporter of Indian self rule, is widely associated with the Theosophical Society in India and is often credited in exam oriented material as the key founder figure in the Indian context. Therefore, she is the correct choice among the given options.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Annie Besant was a prominent leader of the Theosophical Society and later became its president, playing a central role in India.Step 2: Note that she helped establish and expand the Society's activities in India and used it as a platform for education and political awakening.Step 3: Recognise that Womesh Chandra Bannerjee was the first president of the Indian National Congress, Ram Prasad Bismil was a revolutionary, and Subhash Chandra Bose was a nationalist leader, none of whom were founders of the Theosophical movement in India.Step 4: Based on common exam convention and historical association, select Annie Besant as the answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Historical accounts describe how the Theosophical Society shifted its headquarters to Adyar, near Madras, and how Annie Besant later became a major figure in its Indian chapter. She founded educational institutions and used the organisation to promote spiritual and national awakening. Exam oriented history books routinely link her name with the founding and leadership of the Theosophical Society in India, which supports choosing her as the correct answer here.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Womesh Chandra Bannerjee: Known for presiding over the first session of the Indian National Congress, but not as a theosophist or founder of the Society in India.
Ram Prasad Bismil: A revolutionary freedom fighter associated with organisations like the Hindustan Republican Association, not with the Theosophical Society.
Subhash Chandra Bose: A prominent nationalist leader and head of the Indian National Army, but not linked with founding the Theosophical Society in India.


Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may be unsure and choose a famous nationalist like Subhash Chandra Bose or Womesh Chandra Bannerjee simply because these names are familiar from freedom movement history. Others may confuse different reform organisations. To avoid such errors, it is helpful to remember a few clear pairings, such as Annie Besant with the Theosophical Society and Womesh Chandra Bannerjee with the early Indian National Congress.


Final Answer:
Annie Besant is regarded as the founder and leading figure of the Theosophical Society in India.

More Questions from Basic General Knowledge

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion