The Theosophical Movement

Founding of the Theosophical Society: Origins and Mission

The Theosophical Movement, founded in 1875 by Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott, sought the ideals of universal brotherhood and the reformation of social practices in India. Key figure Annie Besant, who led the movement after 1907, made notable contributions, founding the Central Hindu College and advocating for education and women’s rights. Despite its limited impact and some criticisms, the movement promoted Indian traditions, providing a sense of self-respect during British colonial rule.

• Established in 1875: The Theosophical Society was founded by a group of westerners led by Madame H.P. Blavatsky and Colonel M.S. Olcott in New York City, United States. The society’s headquarters were shifted to Adyar, near Madras, India, in 1882.
• Philosophical Beliefs: The society believed in establishing a special relationship between a person’s soul and God through contemplation, prayer, and revelation. It accepted Hindu beliefs in reincarnation and karma and drew inspiration from the Upanishads, as well as Samkhya, yoga, and Vedanta schools of thought.

Aims and Activities of the Theosophical Society: Reform and Social Change

• Universal Brotherhood: The society’s central aim was to promote universal brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color.
• Reform Initiatives: The movement worked against child marriage, advocated the abolition of caste discrimination, supported the upliftment of outcastes, and worked for the improvement of the condition of widows.
• Allied with Hindu Renaissance: The Theosophical Movement became closely allied with the Hindu renaissance and at one point also formed an alliance with the Arya Samaj.

Annie Besant’s Leadership in the Theosophical Movement

• Annie Besant (1847-1933): After Olcott's death in 1907, Annie Besant became the president of the Theosophical Society. She arrived in India in 1893 and played a significant role in the movement’s activities.
• Foundation of Central Hindu College (1898): Besant founded the Central Hindu College in Benaras, where both Hindu religion and Western scientific subjects were taught. This later became the foundation for the Benaras Hindu University in 1916.
• Education for Women: Besant was a major advocate for women's education in India.

Impact and Legacy of the Theosophical Movement in India

• Limited Impact: To the average Indian, the Theosophical philosophy seemed vague and lacked a practical program, limiting its impact mainly to a small, westernized class.
• Self-Respect and Indian Traditions: While not hugely successful as a religious movement, the Theosophical Society helped instill a sense of self-respect among Indians fighting British colonial rule by glorifying Indian religious and philosophical traditions.
• False Sense of Pride: On the other hand, the movement contributed to a false sense of pride in some outdated and backward-looking traditions and philosophies.