Annie Besant was:1. Responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement2. ...
Annie BesantAnnie Besant was a prominent British socialist, women's rights activist, and theosophist. She played a significant role in the Indian independence movement and made important contributions to various social and political causes. Let's discuss the statements given in the question:
Statement 1: Responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement
The Home Rule Movement aimed to secure self-government for India within the British Empire. It was initiated by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1916. Annie Besant, along with Tilak, established the Home Rule League in India to demand self-rule. They organized public meetings, published newspapers, and conducted campaigns to raise awareness about the need for self-governance.
Statement 2: The founder of the Theosophical Society
Annie Besant played a crucial role in the Theosophical Society. She joined the society in 1889 and later became its president. The Theosophical Society was founded in New York in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, and William Quan Judge. The society aimed to study and promote spiritual and philosophical ideas, focusing on the unity of all religions and the brotherhood of humanity. Annie Besant's involvement in the society helped popularize Theosophy and bring it to India.
Statement 3: Once the President of the Indian National Congress
Annie Besant was indeed the President of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1917. The INC was the leading political party in India during the independence movement. Besant's presidency of the INC was significant as she was the first woman to hold this position. During her tenure, she advocated for self-rule and worked towards uniting different sections of Indian society in their struggle against British colonial rule.
ConclusionBased on the explanations above, it is evident that statements 1 and 3 are correct. Annie Besant was responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement in India and served as the President of the Indian National Congress. However, statement 2 is incorrect as Annie Besant was not the founder of the Theosophical Society, although she played a significant role in its promotion and leadership. Hence, the correct answer is option C - 1 and 3 only.