Khilafat Movement 1919–1924: Causes, Events and Reasons for Failure

The Khilafat Movement (1919–1924) was the first mass political movement in which Indian Muslims took part on a large scale. It appears often in Paper 1 as a 7-mark or 14-mark question.

Quick answer: The Khilafat Movement was launched by Indian Muslims to protect the Ottoman Caliphate after the First World War. It was led by Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Maulana Shaukat Ali, worked alongside Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, and ended when Turkey itself abolished the Caliphate in 1924.

Causes

• Muslims respected the Ottoman Sultan as Khalifa and guardian of the holy places.
• Turkey fought against Britain in the First World War and was defeated.
• Muslims feared the Ottoman Empire would be broken up; the Treaty of Sèvres (1920) confirmed these fears.
• Anger at British policies after the war, including the Rowlatt Act and the Amritsar massacre of 1919.

Main Events

• 1919: Khilafat Committee formed; Khilafat conferences held.
• 1920: Khilafat delegation to England led by Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar failed to change British policy.
• 1920: Gandhi and Congress joined with the Non-Cooperation Movement — Hindu–Muslim unity at its peak.
• 1920: Hijrat Movement — thousands of Muslims migrated to Afghanistan and returned in hardship.
• 1921: Moplah uprising in Malabar damaged Hindu–Muslim relations.
• 1922: Chauri Chaura incident; Gandhi called off Non-Cooperation.
• 1924: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk abolished the Caliphate.

Reasons for Failure

• Gandhi’s sudden withdrawal after Chauri Chaura left Muslims without support.
• The Hijrat Movement failed and ruined many families.
• Leaders were arrested and the movement lost direction.
• The Turks themselves abolished the Caliphate, removing the purpose of the movement.

Importance

• Muslims gained political awareness and experience of mass organisation.
• It showed that Hindu–Muslim unity was fragile.
• Muslims learned to rely on their own leadership, strengthening the idea of separate political action.

How to Use This in the Exam

For “Was X the main reason for failure?” questions, explain the named reason, explain two or three others, then give a judgement. See our guide to “how far do you agree” questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the aim of the Khilafat Movement?

Its aim was to protect the Ottoman Caliphate and prevent the break-up of the Ottoman Empire after the First World War.

Who led the Khilafat Movement?

It was led mainly by the Ali brothers, Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Maulana Shaukat Ali, with support from other Muslim leaders and from Gandhi.

Why did the Khilafat Movement fail?

It failed because Gandhi called off Non-Cooperation in 1922, the Hijrat Movement collapsed, leaders were jailed, and Turkey abolished the Caliphate in 1924.