Explanation: The Khilafat Movement was a significant political and religious movement that emerged in the early 20th century in British India. It was primarily a response to the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the threat to the Caliphate, which was seen as the spiritual leadership of the global Muslim community. The movement was initiated in Bombay in 1919 by prominent Muslim leaders such as Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar and his brother Maulana Shaukat Ali.
The Khilafat Movement was closely aligned with the Indian National Congress, which was also headquartered in Bombay at the time. The Congress leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, supported the Khilafat Movement as a means to unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule. This alliance was formalized at the Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress in 1920, where the Khilafat issue was discussed and endorsed.
The movement aimed to protect the Ottoman Caliphate, which was under threat due to the Treaty of Sevres, signed in 1920, which sought to dismantle the Ottoman Empire. The Khilafat leaders believed that the Caliphate was essential for the unity and identity of the global Muslim community. By supporting the Khilafat Movement, the Indian National Congress sought to mobilize the Muslim population in India against British rule, thereby strengthening the nationalist movement.
The Khilafat Movement played a crucial role in the Indian nationalist struggle, as it brought together Muslims and Hindus under a common cause. However, the movement faced challenges, including the eventual abolition of the Caliphate by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1924, which led to a decline in the movement's influence. Despite this, the Khilafat Movement remains an important chapter in the history of Indian nationalism and the struggle for independence from British rule.
In summary, the Khilafat Movement was set up in Bombay in 1919, aligning with the Indian National Congress to oppose British policies and protect the Ottoman Caliphate. This movement was a significant part of the Indian nationalist struggle and played a crucial role in uniting Muslims and Hindus against British rule.