Khilafat Movement (1919-22)

The movement against Rowlatt Act in the backdrop of Lucknow pact effected each and every Indian that brought Hindus and Muslims together in the movement.

The Sultan of Turkey was considered to be the Khalifa of the whole Islamic world. After the defeat of Turkey in the First World War, all the rights of Sultan of Turkey was taken away by the 'Treaty of Sevrey'.

The All India Khilafat Committee was formed in Delhi on 23rd November 1919 by Mohd Ali and Shaukat Ali (Ali Brothers), Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Hakim Azmal Khan and Hazrat Mohani.

Gandhi presided over All India Khilafat committee on 23rd November 1919. This committee decided that if their demands were not accepted then they would stop cooperating with the government.

The Khilafat movement was supported by Congress at Amritsar session in December 1919. A delegation led by Dr. Ansari was sent to England on the proposal of Gandhi. In March 1920, a delegation led by Mohd Ali and Shaukat Ali went to England.

On 17 October 1919, Khilafat day was observed as all India day. Gandhi considered Khilafat movement as an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims. The Muslims invited Swami Shraddhanand to preach from the mimbar of Jama Masjid to set an example of Hindu-Muslim unity. Similarly , Sikhs in Amritsar handed over the keys of Golden temple to Muslim leader Dr, Saifuddin Kichlu.   

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