The college was established in the year 1915, through the pioneering efforts of Dr. Annie Besant and the noble band of theosophical workers, who came up with inspiration to provide basic need; Education to the needy. Hence the institution was established with the motto “Education as Service”. The college was at first named as Woods National College and then revised as Theosophical College. After the demise of Dr. Annie Besant, the college was renamed as Besant Theosophical College, as a mark of gratitude and respect for the great departed soul. The establishment of the college will always be remembered as a landmark in the history of Rayalaseema. The college became the centre for nationalistic activity and for the political liberation and thus it played an important role during the independence struggle. And also the college was obliged to dissociate itself from the Madras University and became part of the newly organized Visva-Bharati University founded by Sri Rabindranath Tagore.