Gandhi and the Khilafat Movement: The Unlikely Alliance That Shook the British

Introduction

The Khilafat Movement (1919-1924) was a pan-Indian Islamic campaign launched by Indian Muslims to protect the Ottoman Caliphate (Khilafat) from being dismantled by the Allied powers after World War I. Led prominently by the Ali Brothers (Shaukat and Muhammad Ali) and supported by Mahatma Gandhi, the movement sought to rectify the unjust treatment of the Ottoman Empire. This cause became a powerful vehicle for Indian nationalism, culminating in a strategic alliance with Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement that fostered unprecedented Hindu-Muslim unity against British rule. Although initially influential, the movement ultimately collapsed following the abolition of the Caliphate by Turkey itself in 1924 and the eruption of communal violence, which shattered its foundational unity.

Khilafat Movement Year and Date

The Khilafat Movement, spanning from 1919 to 1924, encompasses several significant dates that shaped its trajectory and impact on India’s socio-political landscape.

Year	Movement progression
1919: The Emergence of the Movement	The Khilafat Movement began to take shape in 1919 following World War I and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which posed a threat to the Ottoman Caliphate.
August 23, 1920: Formal Establishment	August 23, 1920, marks the official establishment and widely recognized starting point of the Khilafat Movement. On this date, the movement gained prominence and momentum as Indian Muslims rallied behind the cause of preserving the caliphate.
1920-1922: Period of Intensified Protest	During these years, the Khilafat Movement witnessed intensified protests, strikes, and demonstrations across India, reflecting the widespread support and unity among Indian Muslims. The Khilafat Movement merged with Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920-1922, amplifying its reach and impact. The alignment with the broader Indian nationalist cause led to mass mobilization and civil disobedience against British colonial rule.
1922: Chauri Chaura Incident	The Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, where protesters turned violent and attacked a police station, led Gandhi to call off the Non-Cooperation Movement. This event also marked a turning point for the Khilafat Movement, as its momentum waned.
1924: Dissolution of the Movement	By 1924, the Khilafat Movement had largely dissolved, following the restoration of order by British authorities and internal divisions within the movement.

Khilafat Movement’s background

The Khilafat Movement emerged against the backdrop of several significant events, including the socio-economic repercussions of World War I, the oppressive Rowlatt Act, the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, and the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.

• The Khilafat Movement arose amidst various impacts stemming from World War I, including increased commodity prices, declining production, and inflation, leading to widespread economic distress among the population.
• The enactment of the Rowlatt Act in 1919, aimed at curbing potential revolutionary activities, allowed the British government to detain individuals without trial, sparking significant opposition and unrest in India.
• The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of April 13, 1919, marked a brutal turning point when General Dyer’s troops fired upon unarmed protesters in Amritsar, resulting in numerous deaths and widespread outrage across the country.
• The subsequent exoneration of General Dyer by the Hunter Commission further intensified nationalist sentiment and anger towards British rule.
• The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, introduced through the Government of India Act of 1919, aimed to address Indian nationalist aspirations but fell short of expectations, leading to increased disillusionment and a heightened potential for popular uprising against British authority.

What was the Khilafat Movement in India?

The Khilafat Movement (1919-1924) was initiated by Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali to unite the Muslim community in British India and protect the Ottoman Empire after World War I. The movement aimed to restore the Ottoman Caliphate and achieve Islamic unification. In September 1920, at the Calcutta Session of the Congress, Mahatma Gandhi convinced other leaders to support the Khilafat cause by launching the Non-Cooperation Movement.

The movement gained widespread support across India, transcending cultural boundaries. As news of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the threat to the Caliphate spread, the movement grew stronger through newspapers, rallies, and speeches. The alliance with the Indian National Congress and leaders like Gandhi helped amplify the movement’s impact..

The Origin and Growth of the Khilafat Movement in India

• The Khilafat Movement originated in Gujarat under the leadership of Maulana Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, who organized public gatherings to raise awareness about the threats to the Khilafat.
• Their speeches, filled with religious rhetoric, evoked strong emotions among Muslims, garnering significant support for the movement.
• The Ali brothers travelled extensively to cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Allahabad, and Bombay, promoting pan-Islamic unity and emphasizing the religious duty to protect the Khilafat.
• Mahatma Gandhi played a key role in linking the Khilafat cause with India’s freedom struggle, advocating for non-cooperation to challenge both British rule and the threats to the Khilafat.
• Gandhi’s involvement energized the movement, attracting followers from diverse religious backgrounds. He organized a Khilafat delegation to present Muslim grievances to the British authorities.
• The formation of the Khilafat Committee helped expand the movement, with branches set up nationwide to mobilize grassroots support.
• Gandhi’s endorsement of nonviolent tactics like hartals and picketing made the movement more inclusive and appealing to a broader audience, overcoming initial skepticism.
• Despite facing internal challenges, the movement significantly challenged British rule and demonstrated the potential for Hindu-Muslim unity in India’s independence struggle.
• Through effective strategies, the movement spread its message rapidly, gaining widespread support in a relatively short time.

Khilafat Movement was led by freedom fighters

The Khilafat Movement, led by prominent freedom fighters Maulana Mohammad Ali and Maulana Shaukat Ali, was a significant political campaign in 1919 aimed at protecting the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I. The movement sought to defend the Caliphate, a symbol of Islamic unity, from British dismantling. The Ali Brothers rallied Muslims across India, urging them to unite against British imperialism. Their efforts not only focused on protecting the Caliphate but also contributed to the broader Indian independence struggle, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement and fostering Hindu-Muslim unity.

Founders and Leaders of the Khilafat Movement

Maulana Mohammad Ali and Maulana Shaukat Ali played a crucial role in energizing the Khilafat Movement, using their writings and speeches to inspire unity and a sense of common purpose among India’s diverse communities.
Their call for Islamic solidarity and national unity linked the Khilafat cause with India’s broader struggle for independence.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was instrumental in mobilizing Muslim youth, channelling their energy into the movement with his sharp intellect and powerful oratory.
Azad’s leadership brought a new vitality to the movement, inspiring a wave of young activists committed to the cause.

This table highlights the roles and contributions of key figures in the Khilafat Movement, showcasing their unique influence and dedication to the cause.

The Treaty of Sèvres (1920)

• Treaty of Sèvres: Signed in 1920, this treaty accelerated the Ottoman Empire’s breakup, directly contributing to the caliphate’s decline.
• Impact on Islamic Identity: The treaty’s dismantling of the caliphate struck at the heart of Islamic unity, as the caliphate was a symbol of cohesion for Muslims across regions and cultures.

Cultural and Religious Significance

• Threat to the Ummah: The abolition of the caliphate threatened the unity of the ummah (global Muslim community), raising concerns of a fragmented Islamic identity.
• Caliphate’s Role: It held profound influence over the spiritual and cultural lives of Muslims, uniting the community and safeguarding Islamic history, culture, and sacred sites.

British Colonial Policies

• Lack of Consideration: The British government disregarded Indian Muslims’ concerns over Ottoman affairs, deepening their sense of exclusion and frustration.
• Colonial Rule in India: British policies in India fueled resentment, especially among the Muslim population.
• Connection to the Ottoman Empire: Many Indian Muslims held strong cultural and religious ties to the Ottoman Empire, amplifying their disappointment under British rule.

Goals and Objectives of the Khilafat Movement

• The Khilafat Movement aimed to preserve the Ottoman caliphate and defend Muslim political and religious independence globally.
• The Treaty of Sèvres (1920) abolished the caliphate, and the fall of the Ottoman Empire after WWI deeply impacted the Islamic world.
• The movement’s leaders saw an opportunity to unite India and restore Muslim community solidarity while addressing these issues.
• Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress supported the Khilafat cause, collaborating with Muslim leaders to demand a change in British policy.
• Mass protests and occasional violence erupted across India, symbolizing the growing Hindu-Muslim unity against British rule.
• Although the Ottoman caliphate was officially abolished by Turkey in 1924, the movement strengthened Hindu-Muslim political unity and laid the foundation for future independence efforts.
• The movement used non-cooperation to pressure Britain diplomatically, even though it was ultimately unsuccessful.

Consequences of the Khilafat Movement

The Khilafat Movement brought Hindus and Muslims closer, which wasn’t common before. Hindus supported Muslims during this time, making things less tense between the two groups, at least temporarily.

• It made the Indian National Congress stronger because of many influential Muslim leaders. Important leaders like Maulana Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali joined Congress, making it more of a nationwide group.
• In Kerala, there was a rebellion called the Moplah Rebellion. Some upset Muslims fought against the British because they felt the British didn’t help them enough during the Khilafat Movement. But the British stopped the rebellion very harshly.
• In Congress, the Khilafat Movement made things harder for Muslim leaders who wanted everyone to get along, as their voices got quieter. One of them was Maulana Azad.
• Mahatma Gandhi and the Muslim League didn’t get along very well after the Khilafat Movement. Gandhi tried to bring Khilafat leaders into the Muslim League, but it didn’t work. So, the Muslim League started focusing more on things just for Muslims, like separate electorates and Muslim areas, making things harder.
• After the Khilafat Movement didn’t work, Hindus and Muslims didn’t trust each other as much. Hindus thought Muslims caused problems, and Muslims felt let down by Hindus. This made the gap between Hindus and Muslims even bigger.
• Some young Muslims felt really upset when the Khilafat Movement failed. They felt like they had no choice but to join strong Islamic groups. This made things more complicated.
• The Khilafat Movement showed that religion still had a big role in Indian politics. It also showed that even though India wanted to be one country, it still had a lot of problems with different groups not getting along.

Significance of the Khilafat Movement

• The Khilafat Movement (1919-1924) fostered Hindu-Muslim unity by uniting both communities in support of the Ottoman Caliphate, transcending communal divides.
• This solidarity became a symbol of communal harmony, challenging the divisive narratives of colonial rulers.
• The movement strengthened the Indian National Congress, expanding its influence by attracting a large number of Muslim participants and making it more inclusive.
• It gained international attention, linking global Islamic issues to India’s struggle for independence, while inspiring support from Muslims across borders.
• The movement catalyzed the political awakening of Muslims in India, encouraging greater participation in nationalist efforts and empowering the Muslim population.
• Despite its decline, the Khilafat Movement’s legacy of Hindu-Muslim unity and its role in shaping Indian nationalism remain lasting reminders of the power of collective action.

Failure of the Khalifat movement

Despite its initial momentum, the Khilafat Movement faced several challenges that contributed to its eventual failure. Here are some of the issues that played a part:

• Lack of British Response: The British government didn’t respond much to the Khilafat Movement. They mostly saw it as a religious issue, not a political one. Because of this, they weren’t willing to give in to the demands of the Indian Muslims involved.
• Limited International Support: While the Khilafat Movement got some support from Muslims around the world, it didn’t get much backing internationally. The situation in the world and the weakening of Khalifa’s position made it hard to gather a lot of support from other countries.
• Internal Divisions: The Khilafat Movement had some disagreements among its leaders. Some couldn’t agree on the goals and how much they should work with other political groups. These differences made it hard for the movement to stay united and effective.
• Repression by British Authorities: The British dealt with the Khilafat Movement harshly. They arrested many leaders and activists and put restrictions on the movement. This made it lose momentum and become less effective.
• Shift in Focus: When Mahatma Gandhi started the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920, attention and resources shifted away from the Khilafat Movement. This divided the focus of the Indian nationalist movement and made it harder for the Khilafat Movement to achieve its goals.
• Limited Scope: The Khilafat Movement mostly focused on the Khalifa issue and didn’t address the broader problems facing the Indian Muslim community. This narrow focus made it tough to keep up long-term support and make a lasting impact.

Public Response to the Khilafat Movement

The Khilafat Andolan sparked a wave of activism across Indian society. Here’s a breakdown of how different groups participated:

• Students: Inspired by the cause, thousands of students boycotted government institutions, showcasing their commitment through educational sacrifice.
• Middle Class: Initially leading the movement, some middle-class leaders later diverged from Gandhi’s vision, highlighting internal debates within the movement.
• Business Community: Indian businesses, already profiting from the nationalist call for “swadeshi” (domestic goods), readily joined the economic boycott against British goods.
• Peasantry: The movement resonated with a large number of peasants. However, it also exposed pre-existing social tensions. Nevertheless, it provided a platform for the rural masses to voice their grievances against both British authority and local oppressors.
• Women: Stepping out of traditional confines, many women shed their veils (purdah) and donated jewellery to the Tilak Swaraj Fund. They actively participated in picketing shops selling foreign goods, demonstrating their support for the movement. The Tilak Swaraj Fund, established a year after Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s death, aimed to raise one million rupees to support India’s fight for self-rule.
• Government Crackdown: The British response was harsh. Police violence led to numerous deaths. The Khilafat Volunteer Organization and the Indian National Congress were outlawed, public gatherings were banned, and most prominent leaders, excluding Gandhi, were arrested.

Two Streams, One Tide: The Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements

The years 1919-1922 witnessed a surge of Indian nationalism with two intertwined movements: the Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement. Though with distinct goals, they employed a unified strategy of non-violence and non-cooperation, cleverly forging a broad alliance.

The Khilafat Movement: A Pan-Islamic Cry

Driven by a desire to preserve the Ottoman Caliphate, a symbol of Muslim unity, the Khilafat Movement arose as a response to British policies perceived as detrimental to the Ottoman Empire. Muslim leader Maulana Mehmud Hasan even envisioned a national uprising with Ottoman support. Initially bolstered by Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, the Khilafat Movement ultimately faltered with the abolition of the Caliphate.

The Non-Cooperation Movement: Gandhi’s Call for Swaraj

Mahatma Gandhi, in 1920, launched the Non-Cooperation Movement, a non-violent campaign urging Indians to reject cooperation with British institutions. This nationwide movement aimed at complete independence (“Swaraj”) and achieving political and religious freedoms. Gandhi strategically used the Khilafat issue as a bridge, uniting Hindus and Muslims in their common fight against British colonialism. Notably, in Bihar, the movement intertwined with local struggles for grazing rights on government land and peasant rights, highlighting its ability to address local grievances alongside the national cause.

Khilafat Movement Short Note

The Khilafat Movement (1919–1924) was a pan-Islamic political protest launched by Indian Muslims to defend the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I. Led by the Ali Brothers (Maulana Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali), it opposed British actions against Turkey. The movement gained national significance when Mahatma Gandhi supported it and linked it with the Non-Cooperation Movement. It became a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity during the freedom struggle. However, the movement faded after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk abolished the Caliphate in 1924, ending its relevance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Khilafat Movement (1919-1924), though ultimately unsuccessful in its primary objective of restoring the Ottoman Caliphate, remains a watershed moment in the history of India’s freedom struggle. Its true significance lies in its unprecedented success in forging Hindu-Muslim unity, bringing millions of Indian Muslims into the fold of the Indian National Movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.The movement’s strategic alignment with the Non-Cooperation Movement provided massive popular strength to both campaigns, marking the first nationwide satyagraha. While its collapse following the Chauri Chaura incident and the abolition of the Caliphate by Turkey led to disillusionment, it demonstrated the powerful collective force of unified action.

The lasting impact of the Khilafat Movement is dual-edge it represents the peak of interfaith solidarity in the fight against colonial rule, but its failure also sowed the seeds for the eventual growth of communal politics. Despite its shortcomings, it undeniably redefined mass mobilization and left an indelible mark on India’s journey to independence.

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