Besant Theosophical College

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. In 1917 when Dr. Annie Besant led the agitation for "Home Rule", this institution, which became a centre of nationalist activities, was obliged to dissociate itself from the Madras University and became part of the newly organized National University. 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. Margaret Cousins (an expert in European music and wife of Irish poet James Cousins, Vice-Principal of the College then) set down the notation to National Anthem in the college, which is followed only when the song is sung in the original slow rendition style of singing.

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 State and Madras State, the college was initially affiliated to Andhra University (1954–1956) and then to Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati.