The Theosophical Society was founded in New York in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott. Annie Besant joined the society in 1889 and moved to India in 1893, where she played a crucial role in popularizing its ideas and activities, including establishing the Central Hindu College (later Banaras Hindu University) in Varanasi. She is widely recognized as a key leader who significantly influenced the society's trajectory, especially in the Indian subcontinent.
The Theosophical Society was led by
Asked in UPSC NDA 2 2018 · Topic: Social Religious Movement (Prarthana Samaj, Young Bengal Movement, and Theosophical Society)
More Modern History of India questions
- The founders of the Paramhansa Mandali founded in Maharashtra believed in which one of the following?
- Which one of the following was proved to be an important association in Socio-Religious Movement in South India?
- Which of the following statements about Theosophical Society are correct ? 1. Its founders were non-Indians. 2. Its advocates were in favour of the revival of Hinduism. 3. It advocated for the adoption of rational and scientific approach based on western ideas. 4. It helped people to overcome the sense of false pride. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- The Theosophical Society was founded in New York City in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky (Russian) and Henry Steel Olcott (American). Neither was Indian, making statement 1 correct. 2. Theosophy promoted the study of ancient religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism, seeing them as sources of profound spiritual wisdom. Prominent Theosophists like Annie Besant actively championed Hindu philosophy and culture, contributing to a resurgence of interest and pride in Hinduism among Indians. This makes statement 2 correct. 3. While Theosophy claimed a rational approach to the study of spiritual phenomena, its core tenets were based on esoteric knowledge and mystical experiences rather than a strictly rational and scientific approach based on conventional Western ideas. It sought to reconcile science, religion, and philosophy, but its emphasis was on the wisdom of ancient traditions. Thus, statement 3 is generally considered incorrect in the context of advocating for Western scientific empiricism. 4. Theosophy promoted universal brotherhood and aimed to transcend racial, religious, and social barriers. This could indirectly help people overcome pride based on such distinctions, but "false pride" is a vague term and this effect wasn't a primary stated goal or widely recognized consequence in the same way as promoting the revival of Eastern religions or advocating universal brotherhood. Compared to 1 and 2, this statement is less precise and verifiable as a core characteristic or impact. 253. Which one among the following is not true of the Theosophical Society of Madam H P Blavatsky ?
- - Key objectives: Universal Brotherhood, study of ancient religions/philosophies, investigation of unexplained laws of nature and psychic powers. - Core beliefs: Reincarnation, Karma, cyclical nature of cosmos, underlying unity of all religions. 254. Which of the following statements about Prarthana Samaj are correct ? 1. Its aim was to reform the Hindu society 2. It was based in Maharashtra 3. It believed in monotheism 4. It had greatly influenced the Brahmo Samaj Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- Which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. Paramahansa Mandali was founded in Bengal by Swami Vivekananda 2. Prarthana Samaj was started in Maharashtra with the aim of reforming Hindu religious thought and practice Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- Who among the following was known as 'Lokhitwadi' ?
- The Chief architect of the Prarthana Samaj in Maharashtra was—