History Chapter 7

Chapter # 7: Khilafat Movement (1919 – 1924)

Sequence of Events
Event 1: Treaty of Versailles 1919
Event 2: The first Khilafat Conference in Delhi
Event 3: Maulana Shaukat visited England where Lloyd George, the British PM, made his
intentions clear regarding turkey.
Event 4: 2nd Khilafat conference in Amritsar; Gandhi takes leadership role.
Event 5: Non-cooperation movement and Hijrat movement are launched.
Event 6: The Prince of Wales visited Bombay, India, in 1921 and Nilambur incident.
Event 7: Treaty of Sevres in 1920.
Event 8: 3rd Khilafat conference.
Event 9: Chaura Chauri incident (1922)
Event 10: Gandhi calls of the non-cooperation.
Event 11: The Khalifa Sultan Mehmed VI disposed.
Background (1919)
• The word Khalifa means Successor.
• In Arabic this word also means “ruler of a Nation” The Khalifa is supposed to be a
person who would succeed after the Holy Prophet (SAW) death. The post of Khilafat
till the time of Hazrat Ali (R.A) was a spiritual one, later it turned into a political one.
• The Khalifa was stationed in Turkey and also known as the sultan of Ottoman
Empire, had immense importance in the Islamic world.
• The Muslims of India were told by the British to participate in the World War 1 for
greater concessions in form of reforms.
• The British also promised that if the Muslims of India fought against the Ottoman
Empire/Caliph, the rights of the Caliph and the status of the Ottoman Empire would
be respected.
• In 1919 when World War 1 ended the Western powers/Allied forces drew up the
treaty of Versailles (France) in which it was stated that Germany along with Austria
would be split up.
• The Caliph who had become the Monarch in later years had immense religious
importance in Islamic world as his empire contained the most important religious
sites and Holy places sacred to Muslims. [ Jerusalem + Mecca+ Medinah].
• The Muslims of India feared that western powers might soon dismantle the Turkish
empire therefore they initiated the Khilafat movement to protect the Khalifa and
Ottoman Empire.
BY AFFAN A. SIDDIQUI 1
(PPQ) What was the Treaty of Versailles? /4
Signed in France in 1919, the treaty of Versailles brought an end to World War I.
Germany was split into 2 portions. Keeping a gap between the 2 by the Polish
Corridor the size of its armed forces was reduced and its colonies were taken away.
The treaty of Versailles worried the Muslims of India as there were rumours that the
Ottoman Empire might be treated in the same manner.
(PPQ) What was the Treaty of Sevres? /4

The treaty of Sevres was designed in 1920. It finalized the fate of Ottoman Empire.
The Ottoman Empire was to be dismantled into separate nations such as Saudi
Arabia, Iraq etc. which were placed under the British and French mandate. The
Treaty of Sevres was designed by the British and French and was signed in France.
(EEQ) What were the Khilafat Conferences? /4
The three khilafat conferences were held between 1919 and 1921. The first
khilafat conference was held in Delhi whilst the latter two were held in Amritsar. In
the 1st Khilafat conference, the British were reminded about the protection of the
Rights of the Khalifa, whereas in the other two conferences Gandhi was given
leadership roles to pressurize the western powers. During the three Khilafat
conferences, the British were threatened that if the terms of the treaty of sevres
would be imposed on the Ottoman Empire, a non-cooperation movement would
begin.
Why was the Khilafat movement formed?

1. Fear of breakup of Ottoman Empire.
2. Ottoman Empire consisted of various sites Holy to Muslim beliefs such as Jerusalem,
Mecca and Medinah. Various shrines also held immense importance to the Islamic
community all of which were under the control of Sultan Mehmet 6. The Muslims
feared that these sacred places might come under the Non-Muslim rule.
3. To remind the British about their promises. The British had promised the Indians that
if they participated in WW1, the rights of the Caliph and the status of the Ottoman
Empire would be protected. But treaty of Versailles proved contrary, hence Khilafat
movement was formed to remind British regarding the promises they made about
protecting the integrity of the Ottoman Empire.
4. To protect the rights of the Caliph.
5. Mehmet 6 was a spiritual figurehead of the Muslim community. Thus KM was
founded primarily to protect the rights of Caliph who was a symbol of unity and
leader ship in Islamic World.
6. Khilafat movement was also organized to protect the Holy sites and monuments
within the Ottoman Empire.
7. KM started as a mean to pressurize the British. KM was used by Khilafat leaders as a
platform to address the masses. The Indians were not satisfied by Montague
Chelmsford Reforms and the way the British had rewarded them after World War 1.
Therefore, to oppose Montague Chelmsford reforms 1919 KM was initiated.
8. KM was started to oppose the terms of treaty of Versailles.
9. KM was also started to protect and foster Islam.
10. KM was also started primarily because Muslims had realized that it was British
agenda to instigate in them a fear of Hindus so they could Co-operate with the
government. With the fall of every Muslim Power, status of Muslim community of
India experienced an adverse effect, thus KM was initiated to protect status of
Muslim community in India.
Main leaders Involved in the Khilafat Movement:

1. Molana Ali Johar
2. Maulana Shaukat Ali
3. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi( M.k.Gandhi)
4. Molvi Fazl-ul-Haq
5. Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad
Main Events:
• 1919: First Khilafat Conference was held in Delhi
• 1919: Second Khilafat Conference was held in Amritsar
• 1920: Third Khilafat Conference was held in Amritsar
• First Khilafat movement was held in Delhi in 1919.

• Second Khilafat movement held in Amritsar in 1919
• Third and final Khilafat conference was held on 8th July 1920.The leading figures
of Khilafat conference were Ali Brothers, Maulana Shuakat Ali and Maulana Ali
Johar and prominent member of the INC Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
(PPQ) What was Satyagraha? /4
It was a policy of Gandhi which literally meant passive resistance. According to
Gandhi it showed strength and moral supremacy over those who resorted to the
violence. It was introduced in 1919 and was meant to act as a way to achieve
Swaraj (self-rule).
(PPQ) What was the Khilafat Movement? /4
The khilafat movement was launched to protect the rights of Caliph Sultan Mehmat
VI and to prevent the dismantling of Ottoman Empire. It was launched in British
India in the year 1919 and ended in 1924. Leading figures of the Khilafat
Movement were Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Maulana Johar Ali, Maulana Shaukat
Ali, Maulana/Maulvi Fazul-ul-Haq and M.K. Gandhi.
(PPQ) What was the Chauri Chaura Incident? /4
The Chauri Chaura incident occurred in a village near Gorakhpur district in 1922. It
occurred when a rioting mob attacked a police station killing 22 policemen, stealing
their weapons and setting the station on fire.
Notes for 14-mark question
The non-cooperation movement had become very violent. Chauri Chaura incident
was an example of how the Indians ignored the concept of passive resistance and
turned towards violence. As a result, due to the death of 22 policemen in this
incident, Gandhi decided to call-off his non-cooperation movement. ← L3/5
Gandhi believed in peaceful demonstration and protests. However, the Chauri
Chaura incident gave the Indians participating in the Non-cooperation movement,
the motivation to turn towards violent acts such as the attack on the police station
at Nilambur and weapons being stolen from a police station in Tirur. As a result of
the growing violence, Gandhi had to call off the NCM. ← L3/6
(PPQ) What was the Hijrat Movement? /4
The Muslim leaders participating in the Khilafat Movement wanted to protect and
foster Islam hence declared British India as “Dar al-Harb”. They convinced the
Muslims of NWFP and Sindh to undertake migration for the cause of protecting their
religion, hence called Hijrat in April 1920. 15,000 Muslims abandoned their
houses, properties and business with the hope that the Afghan government might
welcome them. But on the contrary, the migrants were not allowed refuge and
passage into Afghanistan.
(PPQ) Who was Sultan Mehmet VI? /4
THE last sultan of the Ottoman Empire who succeeded his brother Yousaf in 1918
at the end of the World War I. Ottoman Empire sided with Germany and Austria as
a result the Turks were defeated with the allied forces capturing Baghdad,
Jerusalem and Constantinople etc. The size of Ottoman Empire was reduced by the
treaty of sevres (1920) which made the Sultan very unpopular amongst the Turkish
nationalist who overthrew the Caliphate and abolished it in 1922.
(PPQ) What was the Moplah Mob incident? /4
It was the violent uprising by the deeply religious Moplahs (Muslim peasants in
South India). They killed hundreds of the Hindus in 1921. Their anger was directed
against Hindu landlords as well as the British. At Tirur, nearly 10,000 Moplahs
destroyed the police station and seized arms and ammunition. Hindu property was
also destroyed including their temples. In the end, the British troops suppressed
the uprising and more than 4000 Moplahs were killed and wounded. The violence
divided the Hindus and Muslims and reduced the support for the Khilafat
movement.
Events & Consequences in Detail:

Khilafat Conferences:
PPQ: What happened in the 3 khilafat conferences? 7
1. In the 1st Khilafat Conference, British were reminded of their promises of
maintaining the Turkish Empire. A delegation was planned to be sent to Europe to
convince them not to dismantle Turkey the way they had done to Austria and
Germany.
2. By the 2nd Khilafat Conference, Gandhi took the leadership role and convinced the
Muslim leaders to participate in his non co-operation campaign to achieve (Sawaraj)-
self-rule.
• Remember: Gandhi Urged Muslim Leaders to join congress in the Idea of Saw araj {self
rule} for India. He had adopted a policy of passive resistance and gave the approach the
name “Satyagraya’’. In the second conference Gandhi was given the lead to try
persuading the British not to punish Turkey.
3. By the 3rd Khilafat Conference, it was declared that if unfair terms of Treaty of Serves
were imposed on Turkey a non-Cooperation campaign would be launched by Khilafat
leaders in retaliation. By the third conference such resolutions were passed that they
immediately arrested all of the leading figures.
EEQ: Why did Congress support the Khilafat Movement/Support its cause? 7
1. The congress wanted to pressurize the British in gaining more reforms, therefore
now they sought Muslims support.
2. Congress wanted Muslim support to pressurize the British regarding their ideas of
‘Sawaraj’
3. Many of the Muslims INC members were also part of the Muslim league
simultaneously participating in KM. Therefore congress officially supported the
movement.
4. The INC did not want to give the image that it is a party only for the Hindus, an image
that had developed in early 1919, by not supporting the KM movement. Therefore to
propagate the claim that INC represented all communities in India, it supported the
KM.
5. INC also supported the Khilafat movement to popularize itself ‘Sataygraya’ Policy of
passive resistance, introduced by Gandhi which meant to resist evil through non-
Violent means. Refers to initiating of Non-Cooperation movement (1920).
❖ 1920 Treaty of Serves:

Treaty of Serves was announced in which it was declared that Turkey would be
dismantled and face the same fate as of Germany and Austria. Saudi Arabia was made
a separate nation, and parts of Ottoman Empire placed under British and French
mandate.
Non Co-operation Movement 1920:

N-C-M was initiated by 1920, during the 3nd Khilafat conference when the intentions of
Allied forces were clear regarding the dismantling of Ottoman Empire. Gandhi toured India
to rally support for his cause.
Non co-operation had the following terms:

1. Giving up of all British official titles.
2. Boycott of British goods.
3. Withdrawal of children from British schools.
4. Resigning the seats from the assemblies.
5. Usage of local manufactured goods.
6. Refusal to join the Army.
7. Refusal to cooperate with the British under any capacity
Remember: Above points can be used if asked ‘What was the non-cooperation movement?’ 4
Points to remember:
• 1919 MC, reforms gave Indians a promise of future elections to all councils.
• But, in the same year KM started along with NCM that meant to boycott all British
elections.
• Those members of INC who contested elections were sidelined and they
campaigned them under title of National liberals.
Why was non-cooperation movement started? 7

1. To show the magnitude of India political power to the British.
2. To pressurize the British not to impose the unfair terms of treaty Serves.
3. Started to resist British rule.
4. Was started to show that if British wouldn’t agree to Indian demands they would
have to suffer the consequences.
5. Threatened the British that if unfair terms of treaty of serves were imposed on
Turkey, a mass civil dis-obedience campaign would be initiated.
What were the after effects of Non-Co-operational Movement? 7

1. Massive strikes and demonstrations started in India.
2. Due to these protests and demonstrations British government in India felt insulted
as royal princes visited India and were greeted by strikes such as the prince of wales.
3. Massive boycott of British goods resulted in a huge loss to central government in
India.
4. Refusal to pay taxes by the Indians caused a loss in earnings to the local government.
5. Anti-British feelings were on the rise and Indians were not ready to accept British
rule.
6. Increasing disturbances all over India threatened law and order in India making it
difficult to do good governance.
7. It was difficult to carry out trade and commercial activities as streets were now void
of vendors but full of protesters. Economy of British India declined rapidly.
Hijrat Movement:
• Khilafat leaders told their Muslims community that the ill practices of British had
resulted in India becoming Dar-ul-Harb, a place where Non-Muslim rule had
made practice of Islam difficult.
• They urged the Muslims of Punjab,Sindh and other areas to immigrate to
Afghanistan which was ruled by a Muslim leader to practice their religion freely.
• As a result 15000 Muslims migrated to Afghanistan in hope for better living
conditions leaving their belongings behind.
• But there was an unexpected result, as per the promises, that Afghan Meadows
and fields would welcome the immigrants, the government did not allow passage
to the influx of refugees.
• Dishearted the refugees returned back to their homes finding that their property
and business had been taken over.
Why was the Hijrat movement started? 7

1. It was to act as a disobedience campaign defying British rule by migrating to another
country.
2. To protect and foster Islam.
3. India was no longer a viable place for the practice of Islam.
4. INC had perused the non-cooperation movement therefore Khilafat leaders wanted
to start a movement on their own.
5. Hijrat movement was started to gain support for the KM and its ideals.
What were the after effects of Hijrat Movement? 7

1. It lowered the moral of many Muslims across India especially those who did not
participate in Hijrat movement, but were enthusiastic about the Khilafat cause.
2. As the Hijrat movement failed, a feeling of distrust prevailed amongst the masses
regarding promises made by Khilafat leaders.
3. There were great economic losses suffered by those who had participated in the KM
as immigrants had lost their businesses and property.
Chaura Chauri Incident Feb 1922

• Chaura chauri is a village in Gorakpur District.
• A rioting mob attacked a Police station killing 22 policemen and set fire to the
station.
• This incident showed that NCM had become violent.
• Due to increasing disturbances all over India, coupled with the Chaura Chauri
incident Gandhi decided to call off his NCM.
Analysis on Khilafat Movement & Its Events

Q) Chaura-Chauri incident was the most important factor due to which Gandhi
decided to call off his Non-cooperation campaign. Explain? 14
Amongst the many reasons for calling off the NCM, the Chaura Chauri incident played a
major role.
• Chaura Chauri incident had shown how violent NCM had become which was against
Gandhi’s policy of passive resistance. L3/5
• Gandhi believed in demonstrations and peaceful protests but due to other incidents
of disturbances throughout India, such as attack on Police station at Nilambur and
weapons beings stolen from a police station in Tirur, NCM had to be called off. L3/6
• There had been a lot of killings during the NCM and as Gandhi had started this
movement, he considered himself to be responsible for their violent acts and deaths
that had resulted. Before more violence took place and more blood would be spilt
along with avoiding the blame, after Chaura Chauri incident Gandhi disbanded NCM.
L3/7
On the Contrary
• Majority of the leaders participating in Non-Cooperation movement were put
behind bars/imprisoned. With the leaders in prison Non-Cooperation movement
was called off before it failed. L4/8
• Gandhi had realized that British were too powerful to oppose. The British were
unaffected by the movement and by the responses of the Indians, and had not
taken any decision to fulfill the demands of the Indians thus seeing this behavior of
the British, Gandi called off his NCM. L4/9
• Gandhi also came around the Idea that Indians were get not ready for a
demonstration on such a Massive scale for a cause therefore as the movement did
not produce results as expected, NCM was thus called off. L4/10
• Non Cooperation movement did not help the KM neither could it pressurize the
British to maintain their promises nor was it able to convince the western powers
from improving the unfair terms of treaty of serves. Therefore Gandhi realized that
NCM was bound to fail so he stopped his campaign. L4/11
• Non-Cooperation started to widen the gap between various communities within
India as Indians failed to adopt the concept of nationalism rather they simply
expressed their outrage against British rule. As the NCM failed to achieve its primary
objective (self-rule) it was called off. L4/12
• Failure of Hijrat Movement also aided in calling off NCM. Those who undertook
Hijrat Movement and experienced its failure withdrew support from not only the
Khilafat movement but also reduced support from NCM as they distrusted promises
of their leaders. L4/13
Events leading to the Failure of the Khilafat Movement:

1. Khilafat leaders were more concerned about the fate of the Caliph than the
western powers or Turks themselves.
2. KM ended in 1922. As the Turks Snatched away Political Powers from the Khilafat
and by 1924 he was deposed by Mustafa Kemal Atta Turk. There was no point in
Continuing the KM.
3. Non-Cooperation:
• Calling of Gandhi’s NCM reduced the support available to KM as the Hindus
took little interest now.
• Calling of Gandhi’s NCM also reduced Political Pressure on British Govt.
• Calling of NCM also made British Govt. realize that Indians are now ready to
give up support for KM.
4. Khilafat Movement failed due to Anti British feelings it created.
5. With the KL’s behind the bars it was inevitable that due to lack of leadership, KM
would fail.
6. KM was poorly organized and weakly managed, e.g. the decision of undertaking
the Hijrat movement.
7. Hindus were not supporting Khilafat Cause rather they were supporting NCM.
8. Failure of KM meant further communal violence and disturbances all over India.
9. Khilafat leaders were not successful in convincing the western powers not to
dismantle Turkey.
10. Failure of Hijrat movement lowered the morale of many Muslims, who were
previously not involved in HM but were active participants of the KM.
Favorable results of KM:

1. KM created a sense of Unity and sacrifice amongst Muslims for a cause.
2. Muslim leaders gained mass political experience and many leaders also gained the
trust of their supporters.
3. Muslims realized that they had real political power and they were not the pets of
British or Hindus.
4. Muslims also realized that in order to gain their rights they need not to depend upon
anybody else but themselves.
5. KM was an important event on the long road to Pakistan movement. It made
Muslims realize that Hindus just wanted their support to gain Independence from
British but they never supported Muslim ideals.
6. Muslims also understand that credit lies in participating home politics, rather than
International politics.
7. Muslims also had to organize themselves more in order to gain more political rights,
they were a separate community but had to be dealt accordingly.
8. Showed a mere possibility regarding Hindu-Muslim unity that could be achieved to
Pressurize British.
9. Indians realized that Self Rule could be achieved if they worked together.
Negative Consequences Of Khilafat Movement:

1. Many Muslims had to give up their jobs, Titles and many students had forsaken their
education as part of the Non-cooperation movement.
2. Muslims received a huge shock due to the failure of the Hijrat movement.
3. Towards the end of the Khilafat movement the Hindu-Muslim unity weakened and
soon there was wide spread communal violence.
Past Paper Questions:

Question: Why was Khilafat movement founded?
Answer: The Khilafat movement was founded for several reasons. First all the Khalifa
held immense importance to Muslim faith across the world as he was considered as their
spiritual leader. By the end of the First World War when the victorious allied forces decided
to punish those responsible for WW1, which meant Germany, Austria and Turkey. Thus
Muslims in India were concerned about the fate of the Caliph, that the Western powers
might depose him, founded the Khilafat movement to protect the rights of Caliph.
Secondly, the Ottoman Empire consisted of many cities such as Mecca, Medina and
Jerusalem, shrines and temples Holy to the many people from different faiths but
especially to the Muslim community. As the unfair terms of treaty of Serves were
announced, the Muslims were worried that the British might split Turkey as well as they
divided Germany and Austria. Therefore the KM was founded to convince the Western
Powers not to divide the Ottoman Empire.
Thirdly and lastly KM was also founded to protect and foster Islam and advance the
political rights of the Muslim community in India. Later the movement became, in general,
a means to oppose the British rule. The Muslims were angered after the World War as they
saw how the British had betrayed them and broken the promises they made about
maintaining the Turkish Empire and the rights of the Caliph. All the Aspects led to the
founding of the Khilafat movement.
Analysis on Importance
Question: How important was the Khilafat Movement? Explain your
answer. 14 marks
Answer:
• The Khilafat movement had immense importance; in Islamic and Indian history as
this movement was the first major attempt by the Muslims to show their strength
for a unified cause.
• Firstly, the policy of non-cooperation movement started by Gandhi in 1920 showed
that the Hindus and Muslims were not ready to accept British rule and their
promises. Many Indians on the whole responded to their leaders call and gave up
British Titles and offices and began boycotting their goods. Thus it can be said the
Indians showed the British that they want Self Rule and are no longer willing to
accept them as their masters.
• Secondly KM united all shades of opinion in British India and for its cause drew
support from the Muslims and the Hindus as well. For a time being differences were
put aside and the two communities worked together to oppose the British. This
showed that in future independence could be achieved if both Hindus and Muslims
cooperated.
• Thirdly, Khilafat movement made the Muslims realize that they had political power.
This movement created self confidence amongst the Muslims of India and awakened
their political sense of understanding. They finally realized that they are a separate
community in India with separate rights as well.
• Fourthly, The Muslims realized that they were no longer the pets of the British or
Hindus. They also realized for once and for all that neither the British nor the Hindus
could be sincere to them. If the Muslims wanted to safeguard their rights they had to
depend on themselves and only their leaders. This KM was very important as it made
Muslims realized their political power in India.
• Lastly, The Khilafat movement created a sense of unity amongst Muslims and
sacrifice for their cause, It was the first time Muslims took interest in mass Politics
and gained a lot of experience which later proved to be of great benefit. The KM also
produced leaders that had direct contact with the masses and these leaders then
later played a pivotal role in creation of Pakistan.
• On the contrary it can be argued that Khilafat Movement, as it failed generally, had
less importance. Many Muslims had given up their jobs and titles given to them by
the British and many youth had forsaken their education as they participated in the
Non Cooperation campaign. As the Muslims were already behind the Hindus in many
various fields, they were affected drastically.
• Moreover unfortunately the HM also failed as more than 15000 Muslims had left
their work and property in order to find a better home in Afghanistan but unluckily
the Afghan government did not grant them passage and safe entry. Rather they were
returned back. This lowered the morale of many Muslims across India especially
those who migrated as it affected them badly. When they returned their houses
were occupied and their business taken over.
• Failure of KM resulted in mass spreading of violence throughout India. The two
communities that worked together for a certain cause now ended up with each
other as their gap widened.
• Hindu Muslim unity deliberately declined as Jinnahs efforts were thwarted by the
failure of KM. As the Muslims realized that Hindu agenda was to support self-rule
rather than to restore the Khalifa. Thus the two communities parted ways. Therefore
the Khilafat movement ended in violence rather than bearing fruit.
• In my justified Opinion that although the Khilafat Movement generally failed but its
failure taught the Muslims and their leaders many lessons worth being learnt. It
reinforced the two nation theory and that Muslims need to organize themselves
more if they need independence from not only British but the Hindus as well.
Q) Khilafat movement achieved nothing. Do you agree? Give reasons for

your answer.
Khilafat movement had both successes and failures as well. Some of its successes are
given below:
• One of the successes was that it was seen by some historians as the first move
towards independence. The Muslims after seeing at first the assistance of Hindus
and the immediate witnessing of the withdrawal of their support now believed that
they could not rely on anyone for the protection of their rights. This prepared them
and made them more determined for achieving success in future prospects.
• Yet another success was that of political leaders. The enthusiasm they showed was
time same element, when modified, resulted in successful freedom movement.
Many leader like Ali brothers took part in their first political experience and were
latter remembered for their contribution, hence opening - arena for future political
development. Furthermore more capable and efficient leaders emerged who later
helped in establishment of Pakistan.
• Yet another success was that it now was evident that Muslims and Hindus could
never live together in harmony. After the calling off of non-cooperation movement it
was clear to Muslims that Hindus had only joined for achieving self-rule. The
Muslims saw this as a betrayal of their trust and so their unity met its death after
this, further strengthening two nation theory and proving beneficial for them as the
Hindus would no longer be trusted in achieving advantages for Muslims.
• Yet another success was that-Muslims gained more political experience. The lessons-
learnt from the failure of Khilafat movement were valuable as when it came to
organizing and running' Pakistan movement. This mass scale movement improved
the skills of Muslims and then they finally were able to succeed to get Pakistan
through the movement.
Apart from the successes Stated above, Khilafat movement also experienced many
failures.
• Yet, another failure was the losses caused by hijrat movement. Abundant Muslims
left their jobs and sold all their property because they expected the Afghans to help
them but instead it forced them to go back. Like this they sacrificed everything they
had for nothing in return, now again Muslims economic position in subcontinent was
worsened.
• Yet another failure was that many Muslims had removed their children from
government schools-as a protest during the non-cooperation movement. The
Muslims were already suffering from educational backwardness and by this Act
many children were left illiterate. This provided hindrance in -their future
development, thus created further problems for themselves for nothing.
• Another failure was that Muslims and Hindus relations deteriorated. When they
withdrew their non-cooperation movement, Muslims were outraged and felt
betrayed. Thus, communal rioting broke out and hostility and suspicion increased
within Muslims and Hindus.
• Yet another failure was that British Muslim relations also deteriorated. The local
Muslim caused frequent riots and open protests against the British. This angered the
British and much of the goodwill and feelings of loyalty were lost, resulting in
mistrust, hence proving to be a failure.
Analysis on Formation
Q) Reasons for Initiating Hijrat Movement 1920 were more important than
those responsible for Initiating Non-Cooperation Movement 1920. Do you
agree?
The reasons for initiating Hijrat movement were important but reasons for initiating
Non- Cooperation movement also had significance.
• The Indian National Congress had started the Non- Cooperation movement to
oppose the British in 1920, The Khilafat leaders wanted to start a movement of their
own, Therefore the Hijrat movement was started in 1920.
• The Muslim leaders realized that India was no more a viable place for Muslims to
practice Islam. Therefore, the Hijrat movement was initiated to find a place where
Muslims could practice Islam without difficulties; Afghanistan was ruled by a Muslim
leader, thus the Muslims could freely practice their religion.
• By starting Hijrat movement, the Khilafat Leaders wanted to gain more support for
Khilafat movement and its ideals, Hence the Hijrat movement was started in 1920.
• The Khilafat movement had started in 1919, but the British had not done much to
fulfill the Indian demand. Hence forth the Hijrat movement was started to oppose
the British as an act of disobedience by Migrating to another country.
• However, reasons for initiating Non-cooperation movement were also important.
• The Muslims had already started the Khilafat movement in 1919, but the British had
not yet responded to the KM. Hence to show the magnitude of Indian Political power
to the British, Gandhi started the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920.
• The non-cooperation movement meant that the Indians would resign from offices,
give up tittles etc. Therefore to pressurize the British not to impose the unfair terms
of treaty of serves the NCM was started in 1920.
• The Indians refused to pay taxes or cooperate with the British in anyway, this
adversely effected the economy. Thus the non-cooperation Movement was initiated
in 1920 to Oppose and resist British rule.
• The Indians had demanded that the Ottoman Empire should not be dismantled and
rights of Khalifa Mehmat VI (6) should be protected, as result the NCM was started
to show to the British that if the British would not agree to Indian demands they
would have to suffer the Consequences.
• The British were already facing problems due to non-payment of taxes and were
ashamed when princes or delegates from Britain came to India; Therefore the
Indians threatened the British that if the unfair terms of treaty of servers were
implemented on Turkey mass civil disobedience campaign would be initiated.
• In my Justified opinion Non-Cooperation movement by Gandhi was important as
Muslim realized that they could not trust the Hindus or the British, to keep their
promises.
Was Protection of Holy places the only reason as to why Khilafat movement
was launched? Explain.
• It was launched to pressurize the British to accept this demand and leave the
Ottoman Empire. The reason was to pressurize the British to grant more advantages
to lndians. Non-cooperation movement was also started by Gandhi to stress for self-
rule. Thus to try to approve their demands from the British as they were already
having problems in governing India, they started the movement for fulfilling their
demands as well.
• Yet another reason was to uplift the spirit of other Muslim countries. As a major
Muslim power had declined there were ill feelings and lowered spirits as a
consequence. Thus the movement was launched so as to provide others some
confidence and furthermore to tell them that still somebody was fighting to uphold
their rights.
• Yet another reason was because of the harsh treatment of Muslims by other
powerful nations. Afghanistan and Persia had been the subject of rivalry between
Russia and Britain. The two powers had agreed on how to run the country but little
attention was paid towards the views of Muslims. Because of this be Muslims were
infuriated. Thus to protest against the cruel, unjust and Unfair treatment towards
Muslims, Khilafat movement was launched.
• Yet another reason was to stop the negative effects of the collapse of the Ottoman
Empire on the Muslims of India. There was a strong feeling among “Muslims leaders
of India like Mualvi Fazlul haq that the collapse of the Muslim powers of the world
was bound to have in adverse influence on the political importance of Muslim
community in subcontinent. They had a concern that after the defeat of Turks, the
prestige of Muslims of India would also be lowered in the eyes of the British and
their political strength would weaken. Therefore to avoid all these problems' they
started Khilafat Movement so that their respect and political status could remain
intact.
• Yet another reason was that a feeling of resentment was felt between Muslims’ and
British during the World War 1, although there were many Muslims fighting
alongside the British against the Turks, there were still a large number of desertions
by Muslim soldiers unwilling to fight fellow Muslims. Even British arrested many
important Muslim leaders such as ali brothers due to their oppositions. These
resulted in-ill feelings for British policies towards Turkish Empire which later
provided a spark for the Khilafat movement.
• Lastly some Muslims thought that British policies were too harsh towards Muslims.
British introduced policies like Rowlact's act that caused a roar of infuriation among
the Indians. The Amrittsar massacre increased their anger and they also were not
happy with the Mont ford reforms. Thus to protest against such policies and to ask
for more favor and concessions from the British, Khilafat movement was launched.
Was the Khilafat Movement founded because the Muslims fear the breakup
of the Turkey after the Word war 1, Explain your answer?
• Khilafat movement was started due many reasons.
• The terms of treaty of serves suggested that Ottoman Empire would be split up and Holy
places such as Mecca, Madina etc would come under Non-Muslim Rule, Hence to protect
Ottoman Empire from coming under Non-Muslims rule KM was initiated.
• The Khilafat movement was organized to protect Holy Sites and Monuments within The
Ottoman Empire.
• However, there were other reasons due to which the KM was started in 1919.
• The Khilafat movement was established to protect the rights of the khalifa, who was
believed to be the Head of the Muslim community across the world. Hence to protect the
rights of the Caliph, who held immense importance for the Muslims the KM was organized in
1919.
• During the World War 1, the British had promised the Muslims that he khalifa would be
respected and Ottoman Empire would not be dismantled in return for their help. Thus to
remind the British their promises the KM was established.
• The KM was organized to Oppose and resist the British rule as many Indians had accepted
the ideas related to nationalism. Henceforth the Indians wanted to pressurize the British to
Give Indians more rights.
• The Khilafat movement was started to pressurize the British to fulfill Indian demands for
more representation in the government, as the Montage- Chelmsford reforms 1919 were
not satisfactory. As a result, KM was initiated to oppose M-C reforms.
• The Khilafat movement was started to oppose treaty of Versailles introduced in 1919, which
proposed that Germany and Austria would be broken up. Therefore the KM was initiated to
ensure that Ottoman Empire is not treated the way Germany and Austria were treated after
the World War 1.
• The Khilafat Movement was organized as the Muslims realized that it was the British agenda
to instigate in them fear of Hindus, So the so the Muslims would turn to the British for help
and cooperate with them. Therefore the KM was initiated to protect status of Muslims
community as with the fall of every Muslim power in the world the status of Muslims was
adversely affected in India.
• The KM was also started to protect and foster Islam in India, as Muslims leaders wanted to
gain more rights for the Muslim Community, to Protect and secure their Position in India.
• In my Justified Opinion, KM was started to protect the Caliph and the Sacred places in the
Ottoman Empire, As the falloff Ottoman Empire could have Adversely affected the status of
Muslims in India.
Analysis on Failure
Was the withdrawal of Gandhi’s support from the Khilafat Movement the most
important reason for its failure?
• There were many reasons due to which the khilafat movement failed in 1922.
• Withdrawal of Gandhi’s support, the khilafat movement had no leader to guide the
Indians, as most of the khilafat leaders were imprisoned; hence the KM failed as the
movement had no efficient leadership.
• When Gandhi withdraw his support for khilafat movement, along with him many
Hindus withdraw their support from the movement thus weakening the khilafat
cause as the Hindu were no longer interested in fighting for the rights of Caliph.
• However, there was other reason, which led to the failure of khilafat movement.
• The KM became a threat to law and order situation in India, as there were
disturbance all over India, Like the Chuara chuari Incident in 1922, in which 21
policemen were killed thus the KM failed as the movement was supported to be
peaceful but had turned violent.
• Hindu-Muslim Unity weakened as the Hindus were only interested in getting rights
for themselves and they had realized the KM had no effect on the British. Hence the
loss of support led to the failure of KM as the Muslim was not enough to pressurize
the British.
• The khilafat movement failed, as the Khalifa was not given his political rights in 1922
and in 1924, Musttafa Attaturk abolished the khilafat. Therefore, as the Turks had
themselves finished the khilafat it was pointless to carry on with KM.
• The Indian Muslims were more concerned about the fate of the Khalifa then the
western power or the Turk themselves. As a result the khilafat movement failed as
was taking interest in international politics rather than national politics.
• The movement also failed as the khilafat leader was unable to persuade the British
to protect and maintain the Ottoman Empire, so it failed as they were not able to
achieve their objective of saving the Ottoman Empire from being dismantled.
• The khilafat leader started hijrat movement in 1920, to oppose the British, but the
movement failed as the Indians Muslim were sent back to India. This lowered the
moral of those Muslims who did not participate in HM but were enthusiastic about
the Khilafat cause. Hence the KM failed as the cause lost support of the Muslims.
• The KM failed as it promoted anti-British feelings in Indians. In 1921 RIOTS broke
down in Nilambur which led to a battle between the police and the locals. In tirur,
ammunition was stolen from police station. This showed that Indians were fighting
to oppose the British rather than to protect the Ottoman Empire. Hence forth the
movement failed as it failed to achieve it targets to protest peacefully, to get protect
the right of the caliph.
• In my opinion, withdrawal Gandhi from the cause was the most important reason for
failure of KM, as the cause lost support could not pressurize the British to put in
effect the unfair terms of treaty of serves.
Was the Abolition of the Institution of the Caliphate in 1924 the main reason
for the failure of the Khilafat movement? Give reason for your answers?
• Many reasons led to the failure of Khilafat movement.
• In 1922 the Turks snatched the political powers of the caliph. And in 1924 Kamal
Attaruk abolished the Khilafat. Thus as the Caliphate had ended there was no more a
reason for the Muslims to continue the movement, as a result the movement failed.
• The Indian Muslims were more concerned about the fact of the Caliph than the
Turks, as in 1924 they themselves abolished the Caliphate, Therefore the KM failed
in 1924.
• However, other reasons also led to the failure of Khilafat Movement by 1924.
• Many Muslims lost their jobs and properties due to the failure of Hijrat Movement,
this lowered the moral of those Muslims who themselves had not participate in the
HM but were the active participants of KM, therefore the Khilafat movement failed
as it Lost the support of Muslims.
• The KM failed as the HM was poorly organized, the Muslim left their jobs and sold
their properties as the Khilafat leaders assured them they will be welcomed in
Afghanistan, but when the Muslims reached the border they were sent back. As a
result there were huge economic losses.
• The KM failed by 1924, as the Khilafat leaders were unable to persuade the British to
keep the Ottoman Empire. Thus it was dismantled in accordance with the treaty of
serves and the movement was unable to fulfill its main objectives.
• Gandhi called of the non-cooperation movement in 1922; with the Khilafat leaders
behind the bars the Khilafat movement had no leader. Therefore, the KM failed as
without a leader movement was bound to fail.
• In 1922, Gandhi withdrew the N.C.M, as a result the KM lost support of many
Hindus. This reduces the political pressure on the British. Thus, the KM failed as it
lost the support of the Hindu majority.
• The failure of N.C.M led to decline in Muslim unity as the Muslims leaders realized
that the Hindus only supported the N.C.M not KM. hence, the KM failed as the
Hindus only wanted to gain self-rule for themselves and were not interested getting
rights for the Caliph.
• By 1922, rioting widespread and incidents like the Chuara chauri Incident in which 21
policemen were killed encouraged anti-British feelings in the Indians, hence KM
failed as the Indians used the movement to oppose the British rule whereas the KM
was initiated to protect the rights of Caliph.
• In my opinion, the breakup of Turkey in early 1920’s led to the failure of KM, as there
was no point of continuing the movement when the Turks had themselves abolished
the Khilafat and deposed the Caliph.
‘Australia had justice Germany had justice pretty terrible justice, why should Turkey
escape’ Stated by Lord George to the Khilafat delegation.
What is the source referring to?
The source is referring to the time period of 1920, when the terms of treaty of serves were
announced. The Khilafat delegation tried to persuade the western powers to commit to
their promises made before the war and not to dismantle the Ottoman Empire and depose
the Khalifa. But the British PM made it clear what would be done.
Q. ‘Satyagraya is not meek submission to will of the evil doer, but the pitting of ones whole
soul against the will of the tyrant’ Gandhi 1920
Explain Gandhi’s Satyagraya and Sawa Raj.
Gandhi’s policy of Satyagraya and Sawa Raj came out at the time of Khilafat Movement
1919, Gandhi urged the Muslim Leaders to join Congress, in the idea of Sawa Raj (self-
rule) for India. This was done to convey the message towards the cruel masters of India
“British” that now Indians themselves want to run their own country through Sawa Raj.
Gandhi adopted the policy of passive resistance and gave the approach the name
‘Satyagraya’. In the second Khilafat conference 1919 held in Amritsar, Gandhi was given
the Leadership role. Where mainly the Gandhi’s policy of Satayagraya and Sawa Raj were
launched. He convinced the Muslim leaders to participate in Non-Co-Operation movement
to achieve Sawa Raj/ self rule and through Satayagraya he tried to persuade the British
not to punish Turkey.

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Chapter # 7: Khilafat Movement (1919 – 1924)

Chapter # 7: Khilafat Movement (1919 – 1924)

(PPQ) What was the Treaty of Sevres? /4

Why was the Khilafat movement formed?

Main leaders Involved in the Khilafat Movement:

• First Khilafat movement was held in Delhi in 1919.

Events & Consequences in Detail:

❖ 1920 Treaty of Serves:

Non Co-operation Movement 1920:

Non co-operation had the following terms:

Why was non-cooperation movement started? 7

What were the after effects of Non-Co-operational Movement? 7

Why was the Hijrat movement started? 7

What were the after effects of Hijrat Movement? 7

Chaura Chauri Incident Feb 1922

Analysis on Khilafat Movement & Its Events

Events leading to the Failure of the Khilafat Movement:

Favorable results of KM:

Negative Consequences Of Khilafat Movement:

Past Paper Questions:

Q) Khilafat movement achieved nothing. Do you agree? Give reasons for

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