The Theosophical Society was founded by Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olcott in New York in 1875 A.D.
Later on in 1886 its headquarter was established at Adyar in Madras. Mrs. Annie Besant joined the society in 1889 and it infused new vigor and strength to the society.
The aim of the society was to bring harmony among various religions and the revival of Hindu religion and tradition. In the social sphere the society vehemently condemned sati, casteism, dowry system, infanticide, child marriage, polygamy and purdah. The society also tried to uplift the conditions of the outcastes and ameliorate the condition of the widows.