Encyclopaedia of Eminent Thinkers: The Political Thought of Annie Besant

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This volume presents a critical evaluation of the political ideas of Annie Besant. Providing new insight into her life and achievements, it discusses at length the factors that influenced her ideology and perception. Analysing his philosophy of Theosophy, it deals with her contribution towards Home Rule Movement, her spiritual nationalism, and her association with Mahatma Gandhi and Congress.

Dr. (Miss) Ashu Pasricha is a faculty in Gandhian Studies at Panjab University, Chandigarh. She has many books to her credit including Gandhian Approach to Integrated Rural Development; Public Administration: Discipline and Dimensions: Peace Studies: Discipline and Dimensions; WTO, Self-reliance and Globalisation; and Gandhi's Concept of State and Power. Also, she has published a number of research papers in various Indian and foreign journals of repute.

Dr. Annie Besant was one of the celebrities of the modern world. India owes a special debt to her. She rendered very valuable services to the cause of education, the study of religion, and also to the cause of India's freedom.

The emergence of Annie Besant on the political scene of India was a significant phenomenon, as at that point of time the country stood in need of a leader, who could give a practical lead to the nation. There was sudden and unexpected dearth of prominent leaders in India. Gopal Krishna Gokhale died on 19 February 1915, and Pherozeshah Mehta followed him in November 1915. D.E. Wacha was fairly old and infirm. Surendranath Banerjea was not quite in tune with the new thought. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who was released in June 1911, was physically shattered and it was just not possible for him to undertake strenuous whirlwind tours of various regions of India. Lala Lajpat Rai was unhappy with the state of affairs and was, at that time, in the U.S.A. Gandhi had just arrived in India and it took him sometime before he could introduce himself well to the Indian masses after the Lucknow session of the Indian National Congress in 1916.

Dr. Besant's active participation in Indian politics synchronised with the commencement of the First World War. For a period of 15 years thereafter she dominated the political scene, contributing and subsequently working out, with thoroughness and precision, two great conceptions, which all progressive forces in the country immediately accepted as of vital importance. These conceptions were first, Home Rule for India as a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations; and second, after the acceptance of the goal of responsible government by Mr. Lloyd George's Cabinet at the end of the war, the principle of self-determination should come into force for India-a Constitution framed for India by Indians.

**Contents and Sample Pages**