The abolition of the
Ottoman Caliphate by
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
threatened the spiritual and
Reasons for political position of Muslims
the Rise of worldwide.
the Khilafat
Movement British policies post-World
War I were seen as hostile
to Islam, particularly the
Treaty of Sèvres (1920).
The Khilafat Movement (1919–1924) emerged in India as a
reaction to the post-World War I geopolitical situation and was
driven by several key reasons. These include:
Threat to the Ottoman Caliphate:
• The Ottoman Empire, the last major Islamic Caliphate, was
severely weakened following its defeat in World War I.
• The Treaty of Sèvres (1920) proposed the dismemberment of
the Ottoman Empire, threatening the spiritual and political
position of the Caliph, who was regarded as a symbol of Islamic
unity and leadership.
• The weakening of the Caliphate alarmed Muslims in India, as
they saw it as an attack on their religious identity.
British Policies and
Betrayal
• The British had assured Muslims during World War I that the
Ottoman Caliphate would be preserved after the war, but they
later supported its dismantling.
• The Muslim community in India felt betrayed by these broken
promises, fueling anti-British sentiment.
Religious and
Emotional Sentiments
• The Caliph held immense symbolic and spiritual importance for
Muslims worldwide, including those in India.
• Many Muslims viewed the preservation of the Caliphate as a
religious duty and an essential part of protecting Islamic values.
Reasons for the Rise of
the Khilafat Movement
The fear of further weakening Muslim identity and unity in the
face of colonial rule.
The movement was a reaction to the loss of Muslim lands and
an attempt to protect the Ottoman Empire.
Objectives of the Khilafat
Conference, 1918
To oppose the dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire and
preserve the Caliphate.
To unite Muslims across India in a common cause against
British imperialism.
Objectives of the Khilafat
Conference, 1918
To build solidarity between Indian Muslims and the global
Muslim community.
To demand respect for Islamic holy places under Ottoman
control.
Khilafat Conferences and
Delegations to England
(1919–21)
Delegations were sent to England to plead for the restoration of
the Caliphate and preserve Ottoman sovereignty.
Khilafat leaders like Maulana Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali
met British officials to present their case.
Khilafat Conferences and
Delegations to England
(1919–21)
However, British indifference and prioritization of European
interests led to failure.
Reasons for failure: British unwillingness to interfere in
Turkey’s internal matters and declining Ottoman influence.
Causes, Course, and
Failure of the Hijrat
Movement
Causes: Muslim dissatisfaction with British policies and the
belief that India was 'Dar-ul-Harb' (land of war).
Course: Thousands of Muslims migrated to Afghanistan in
1920, believing it was a safer Islamic state.
Causes, Course, and Failure
of the Hijrat Movement
Failure: The Afghan government refused to accommodate the
migrants, and many faced hardships and returned to India.
Impact: Massive loss of life and property, leading to
disillusionment with religiously motivated political movements.
Role of Gandhi and the
Non-Cooperation
Movement
Gandhi supported the Khilafat Movement, aligning it with his
Non-Cooperation Movement.
He aimed to unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule
through non-violent resistance.
Role of Gandhi and the
Non-Cooperation
Movement
Gandhi encouraged boycotts of British goods, institutions, and
taxes, strengthening anti-colonial sentiment.
The alliance was fragile and broke down due to differing
priorities and communal tensions.
Reasons for the Failure of
the Khilafat Movement
The abolition of the Caliphate by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1924
ended the movement’s primary objective.
Declining Muslim support due to disillusionment with leadership
and unfulfilled promises.
Reasons for the Failure of
the Khilafat Movement
Communal tensions weakened the Hindu-Muslim alliance,
particularly after the Non-Cooperation Movement ended.
The movement lacked a clear and achievable strategy for long-
term success.
Impact of the Khilafat
and Hijrat Movements on
Muslims
Raised political consciousness among Indian Muslims and
united them temporarily in a common cause.
The failure of both movements led to disappointment and
distrust of religious-political leadership.
Impact of the Khilafat
and Hijrat Movements on
Muslims
Deepened communal divisions, contributing to the eventual
partition of India in 1947.
The movements highlighted the need for pragmatic political
strategies over emotional appeals.
CONCLUSION
The Khilafat Movement arose as a response to the threats to the
Ottoman Caliphate, British betrayal, and the desire to unite
Muslims in defense of their religious and political identity. It
marked a significant phase in the political awakening of Indian
Muslims and laid the groundwork for future movements against
British colonialism.
