Why was the Khilafat Movement started? Explain its three objectives.
Ans. Khilafat movement was a milestone in the struggle for freedom:
Background:
The World War I broke out in 1914. UK, USA, France, Russia and Italy went into an alliance
against German y, Austria and Turkey. Turkey was the center of Islamic world in those days, and the
Khalifah of Turkey was owned as Khalifah of the whole Islamic world. The center of Muslim world was
in serious danger. Hijjaz-eMuqqadas was in Turkish domain. In case of defeat of Turkey both sacred
cities, Makkah and Madina, could go into the possession of Christian allied forces. Keeping all the
apprehensions in view, the Indian Muslims organized a big movement called the Khilafat Movement.
Leaders of the Movement:
Maulana Muhammad All Jauhar, Maulana Shaukat All, Maulana Zafat All Khan, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Dr.
Ansari, Maulana Hasrat Mohani, Syed Salman Nadvi and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad were the nain
leaders. Gandhi, Moti Lal Nehru and Madan Mohan halvia also joined this movement as a result of the
Lacknow Pact.
Objectives of the Movement:
The movement was a multi-purpose one. It organized and assembled the Muslims of the sub-
continent on one platform. The Muslims, for the time being, kept all India Muslim League aside and came
under the banner of Khilafat Committee. Following were the objectives of the Movement.
To keep the institution of Khilafat institution and Khalifah to carry out the business of
government usual.
Restoration of Turkey‟s grace as it possessed before and during World War-1 and no change to
occur in the boundaries of Turkey.
The sanctity of Makkah and Madina should be maintained and non-Muslim forces should not be
allowed to enter in these two sacred cities.
Activities of Movement:
Khilafat Movement took following steps to make their demands known to the entire world:
Delegations:
Delegations were sent to U.K. and other European countries to convey the feelings of the
Muslims to the governments.
Medical Aid:
Doctors, nurses arid medicines were dispatched to Turkey for the treatment of wounded Turkish
soldiers.
Financial Aid:
A large amount of money, gold and silver was collected in the general meetings to give financial
aid to Turkey.
Processions:
Large processions were arranged, protest meetings were held and strikes were observed in all big
and small cities in the sot-continent. The Muslim volunteers presented themselves to the police for arrests.
All leaders were sent behind the bars but the momentum of movement could not be diminished.
Role of Press:
The role of Muslim journalism was tremendous. Zarnindar of Zafar AU Khan, al-Hilal of Azad and
Comrade and Hamdard of Jaunar played vital roles in the movement.
They inculcated a sense of sacrifice among the Muslims.
Role of Gandhi:
Gandhi got a golden chance to exploit the Muslim power for his own purposes. He supported the
Khilafat Movement and participated in the meetings of the Muslims. Indian National Congress also
expressed solidarity with Khilafat Movement. It was again as per Gandhian policies, Indian National
Congress itself tried to bring the British government to its knees before his own movements like, Civil
Disobedience Movement, Non-Co-operation Movement and Swedeshi Movement. By supporting the
Khilafat Movement he secured cooperation of the emotional Muslims for his own purpose.
Gandhi advised Muslims to surrender the titles awarded by the government.
Resign from the government jobs
Come on the streets against the government by getting the educational
activities
Present themselves for arrests
Refrain from paying the taxes
Refuse to receive financial grants from the governments
Migrate to Iran, Afghanistan and other Muslim countries
The Muslims leaders could not comprehend the conspiracy of Gandhi and followed his
guidelines. it affected the economy, education and social conditions of the Muslims very badly. Millions
of Muslim families migrated to Afghanistan after selling their properties to the Hindu Afghan government
refused entry to them, On their return poverty, helplessness, shortage of food and humiliation troubled
them. Now they fully realized the real face of Gandhi, but it was of little use as they were already ruined.
The End of Movement:
In 1924 Gf3azi Mustafa Kamal Pasha became a force. He signed a pact with the Allied forces at
Laus. The sovereign position of Turkey survived. The Hijaz-eMuqqadas was handed over the Sharif
Hussain of Makkah and the control of Turkey on the Middle east, North Africa and Eastern Europe was
lost. However, all the objectives of the Khilafat Movement were achieved.
Conclusion:
Though Khilafat Movement was a complete failure yet it affected the struggle a lot. The Muslims
came to know the actual mentality of the Hindus and the British. They also understood the real way of
agitation. That is why Khilafat Movement is called a milestone in the Struggle for Independence.
