Besant Theosophical College is one of the oldest colleges in the Rayalaseema Region of Andhra Pradesh. It was established much before Sri Venkateswara University was established. The college started on 19 July 1915. Initially it was affiliated to Madras University. After that, it got disassociated with Madras University and became a part of National university which was newly organized. Dr. Rabindranath Tagore was the chancellor of the university.
In 1919, Tagore visited the college and during this time translated the lyrics of the Indian National Anthem, "Jana Gana Mana," which he had previously written, from Bengali to English.
During the visit of Tagore, "The Scout Movement" and "All India Women Association" were inaugurated at Madanapalle.
In the year 1923, the college was re-affiliated to Madras University and continued for almost 30 years. After the separation of Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu, the college was initially affiliated to Andhra University (1954–1956) and then to Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati.
Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy- Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh State, India and former Cabinet Minister, Government of India[1]