discuss the contribution of Annie Besant in the growth of Indian nationalism
Answers
Her contribution to the Indian freedom movement can be outlined as follows-
1.)Promtion of Women rights and education - By being a part of the women association and acting as its president aswell, Annie Besant was a major face of Women upliftment and education in the country. This way she acted as a pull force to Women being informed and hence joining the movement of independence.
2.) Setting up the Central Hindu University -This led to more educated youth and thus more people fighting and leading the way for a free India in the coming years.
3.) Unifying a broken Congress - Carrying with her the utmost respect among Congress, Mrs. Besant played a major role in the unification of the splitted Congress of Extremsit and Moderates and this helped to unify and fight the foreign rule.
4.) Home Rule League- The formation of the League and the extent to which it made people politically more aware was one of the biggest contribution of Annie Besant to the movement.
Through her role in the various dimensions of education, politics and ideas; Annie Besant influenced and inspired the Indian society to unify and fight for Independence. She acted as a role model and as a true leader who further laid the stage for mass leaders like Gandhiji to come and fight the British.