#17.

A rebel throughout her life, X separated from her devout Catholic husband due to religious and political differences. She dabbled in Socialism and Marxism, and gained notoriety in Britain for having co-published a book on Birth Control, which flew in the face of prevailing notions of morality. She was also a Freemason, and established lodges throughout Britain. Later in life, her interest turned towards Theosophy. She also moved to India, establishing the Central Hindu College in Varanasi, the first institution to be affiliated to the then newly-formed Benaras Hindu University. The Theosophical Society in Chennai, which she founded, is named after her. However, she is more renowned for contributions of an entirely different nature altogether. Who is X?