Why was the khilafat committee formed?
The Khilafat Committee was formed in Bombay in March 1919 to defend the powers of the caliph Muslim leaders Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali were at the forefront of this agitation that was eventually incorporated with the non-cooperation movement by Gandhi.
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Why was the khilafat committee formed?
Introduction:
The Khilafat Committee was formed in response to the dismantling of the Ottoman Caliphate by the Allied powers at the end of World War I. It was established to protect the interests of Muslims and to advocate for the restoration of the Caliphate.
Background:
- The Ottoman Caliphate, which had been in place for over six centuries, was abolished by the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920.
- This decision caused widespread discontent among Muslims, particularly in India, where the Khilafat movement gained significant support.
Formation of the Khilafat Committee:
- In November 1919, prominent Muslim leaders, including Maulana Mohammad Ali, Maulana Shaukat Ali, and Abul Kalam Azad, formed the Khilafat Committee in Bombay (now Mumbai).
- The committee aimed to unite Indian Muslims and mobilize public opinion against the decision to abolish the Caliphate.
- It organized protests, public meetings, and conferences to raise awareness about the issue and garner support.
Objectives of the Khilafat Committee:
1. Restoration of the Caliphate:
- The primary objective of the Khilafat Committee was to exert pressure on the British government and the Allied powers to reverse their decision and reinstate the Caliphate.
- They believed that the Caliphate was the symbol of Muslim unity and the protector of Islamic interests worldwide.
2. Unity among Muslims:
- The committee aimed to unite Muslims across India, transcending regional, linguistic, and sectarian differences.
- It sought to create a sense of solidarity among Muslims in order to effectively advocate for their demands.
3. Cooperation with Indian National Congress:
- The Khilafat Committee sought to establish a strong alliance with the Indian National Congress, which was at the forefront of the Indian independence movement.
- They believed that by aligning with the Congress, they could amplify their voice and secure greater support for their cause.
4. Non-violent resistance:
- The committee advocated for non-violent methods of protest, such as boycotts, strikes, and civil disobedience, to put pressure on the British government.
- They believed in the power of non-violent resistance as a means to achieve their goals.
Conclusion:
The formation of the Khilafat Committee was a response to the abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate. It aimed to protect the interests of Muslims, restore the Caliphate, unite Indian Muslims, cooperate with the Indian National Congress, and advocate for their cause through non-violent resistance. Despite the eventual failure of the movement, the Khilafat Committee played a significant role in mobilizing Muslims and raising awareness about their grievances.
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