Annie Besant was a leading member of the Theosophical Society, founded I AD 1886. It had its headquarters at Adyar (near Madras). The society worked for the revival of Hinduism. Annie Besant propagated Vedic philosophy. She was deeply committed towards ancient philosophies and urged the Indians to take pride in their culture. She helped set up schools for boys and girls and for the children of the oppressed classes.