Annie Besant

Born in London in 1847, Annie Besant became known first as a bold public speaker and campaigner for social reform. She wrote widely, challenged religious orthodoxy, supported workers' causes and women's rights, and built a reputation as one of the most striking public figures in late Victorian Britain.

Her life then took a new turn through the Theosophical Society, where spiritual ideas became central to her work. Besant eventually settled in India, where she led the Theosophical Society for many years and also became deeply involved in education and politics.

She was a strong supporter of Indian self-government and in 1917 became president of the Indian National Congress. By the time of her death in 1933, she had left an unusually wide legacy: reformer, religious thinker, educator, editor, and political activist, all in one life.