Downfall of Khilafat Movement

Question 1

How did the failure of the Hijrat Movement contribute to the decline of the Khilafat Movement?

Answer 1

The failure of the Hijrat movement was the first setback to the passions of the Muslims in India.

• The Hijrat Movement (1920), an offshoot of the Khilafat Movement, was based on scholars declaring India a Dar-ul-Harb (land of war).
• in August 1920, under Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, 18,000 Muslims migrated to Afghanistan but were rejected entry by the Afghan government and forcibly sent back.
• Many returned homeless, hopeless, and penniless, discouraging Muslims and reducing support for the Khilafat Movement.

Question 2

What was the Moplah Uprising, and how did its failure impact the Khilafat Movement?

Answer 2

Another reason is the Moplah Uprising.

• The Moplahs, descendants of Arab traders in South India, revolted against British rule in August 1921.
• 10,000 Moplahs attacked and set fire to the Tirur police station, sparking a brutal British crackdown.
• 4,000 Moplahs were killed, and thousands more were arrested, ending the uprising and demoralizing supporters of the Khilafat Movement.

Question 3

Why did Gandhi’s withdrawal from the Khilafat Movement lead to its failure?

Answer 3

Gandhi’s withdrawal is another reason.

• In February 1922, 21 policemen were killed after firing at a procession in Chauri Chaura (Gorakhpur district).
• Gandhi called off the Non-Cooperation Movement, withdrawing Congress’s support for the Khilafat Movement without consulting Muslim leaders.
• This split weakened the unity between Hindus and Muslims and significantly reduced the momentum of the Khilafat Movement

Question 4

Why was the Khilafat Movement considered unrealistic?

Answer 4

• The Khalifat movement was considered unrealistic as it held little actual influence over subcontinent policies but was a sentimental symbol of Muslim unity and reminded Muslims of the 4 pious caliphs.
• The movement aimed to protest British anti-Muslim policies in the Middle East and India, which had limited tangible outcomes.

Question 5

How did Mustafa Kamal Ataturk’s actions in 1924 end the Khilafat Movement?

Answer 5

• In 1924, Mustafa Kamal Ataturk abolished the Caliphate, establishing a modern democratic Turkey.
• The decision ignored the views of Muslims outside Turkey, including in India, rendering the Khilafat Movement meaningless.
• This marked the final blow to the movement’s goals and support