Introduction to the 1920 Event
The year 1920 was pivotal in shaping communal identities in India, particularly through the Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.

Khilafat Movement
- The Khilafat Movement emerged in response to the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire after World War I.
- Muslims rallied to protect the Caliphate, which they saw as the spiritual leader of Islam.
- This movement united diverse Muslim groups under a common cause, enhancing their communal identity.

Non-Cooperation Movement
- Launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, it aimed to resist British rule through non-violent means.
- Gandhi called for the boycott of British institutions, including schools, courts, and products.
- The movement garnered substantial support from Hindus and Muslims, showcasing a united front against colonialism.

Consolidation of Communal Identities
- The collaboration between Hindus and Muslims during these movements fostered a sense of collective identity.
- However, the subsequent events led to the emergence of distinct communal identities.
- The Hindu Mahasabha and the Muslim League began to promote their respective community's interests, edging towards polarization.

Consequences
- The events of 1920 set the stage for future communal tensions in India.
- The unity initially observed began to fracture, leading to increased sectarianism.
- The communal identities that were consolidated during this period influenced the political landscape and communal relations in India leading up to independence.

Conclusion
The events of 1920, primarily through the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements, played a crucial role in shaping communal identities in India, highlighting both unity and the seeds of division that would bear fruit in later decades.