Question

Explain the reason behind the launching of the Khilafat Movement in India. Why were the Khilafat and Non-cooperation Movements merged in 1920?

Answer 1

The reason for launching Khilafat Movement are as follows:
In the World War I, Turkey, a Muslim nation was defeated along with Germany. The victorious allies divided the territories of Turkish empire amongst themselves, which caused anger among Muslims.
They also abolished the office of Khalifa (Caliph) of Turkey, who was regarded as religious head of all Muslims.
This caused a wave of pro-turkey or pro-caliph or Khilafat sentiments. Thus, Indian Muslims started a powerful agitation known as Khilafat Movement. Under the leadership of Ali Brothers-Mohammed Ali and Shaukat Ali, Maulana Azad, Hasrat Mohain, a country wide agitation was organised.
Gandhiji saw is in this movement. He advised the Khilafat Committee to adapt a policy of non-cooperation with the government. As their objectives, aims and programmes were similar by the end of 1920, the Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement merged into one nation wide movement.
Gandhiji saw in the movement an opportunity of uniting the Hindus and the Muslims. He advised the khilafat Committee to adapt a policy of non-cooperation with the Government. As their objectives, aims and programmes were similar, by the end of 1920, the khilafat movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement merged into one nation wide movement.