The Role of Dr. Annie Besant in India's Freedom

                                               

Mrs. Annie Besant was a foreigner. She founded Central Hindu College at Benares which was ultimately merged with Benares Hindu University. She started Home Rule Movement to momentum to national movement in India.

Bala Gangadhara Tilak formed Home Rule League in Mumbai in 1916. Mrs. Annie Besant, an Irish lady, was associated with Theosophical society at Adyar. Gradually she involved herself in Indian National Movement. She also started a Home Rule League in Chennai. The Leagues carried on propaganda in favour of Home Rule Movement of Self Government of Indians.

             Dr. Annie Besant created tremendous enthusiasm among people by her speeches and writings. Her paper New India was banked. Both the leaders Tilak and AnnieBesant were arrested. It was at that time the famous August Declaration of Montague was announced in 1917.

It promised responsible Government to the people of India by stages the Indians whole - heartedlysupported the British war efforts in hope of getting self - government after the war, Hence the Home Rule Movement lost its importance.