Khilafat Movement (1919–1924) and Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)
Notes for UPSC, JKSSB, JKPSC, SSC & Other Competitive Examinations
Introduction
The Khilafat Movement and Non-Cooperation Movement were closely linked mass movements that transformed India's freedom struggle from an elite political movement into a nationwide people's movement.
For the first time, millions of Indians including peasants, workers, students, women, and traders actively participated in the national movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
Background
International Background
After the end of World War I, the victorious Allied Powers imposed harsh terms on the defeated Ottoman Empire.
The Ottoman Sultan was regarded by many Muslims as the Caliph (Khalifa), the religious head of the Muslim world.
Indian Muslims feared that the position of the Caliph would be weakened.
Causes of the Khilafat Movement
1. Treaty of Sèvres (1920)
The treaty dismembered the Ottoman Empire and reduced the powers of the Sultan.
2. Protection of the Caliph
Indian Muslims wanted Britain to preserve the authority of the Caliph.
3. British Betrayal
Many Indians believed Britain had violated wartime promises made to Muslims.
4. Rise of Nationalism
Indian leaders saw the movement as an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule.
Leaders of the Khilafat Movement
| Leader | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Maulana Mohammad Ali | Led agitation |
| Maulana Shaukat Ali | Organized masses |
| Maulana Abul Kalam Azad | Supported movement |
| Hakim Ajmal Khan | Active participant |
| Mahatma Gandhi | Linked Khilafat with Non-Cooperation |
Formation of Khilafat Committee
In 1919, the All India Khilafat Committee was established to organize protests against British policies regarding Turkey.
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)
Meaning
The movement aimed to achieve Swaraj through peaceful and non-violent non-cooperation with British institutions.
It was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920.
Causes of the Non-Cooperation Movement
1. Rowlatt Act (1919)
The British passed the repressive Rowlatt Act allowing detention without trial.
Important Fact
The Act was called the Black Act.
2. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)
On 13 April 1919, British troops under:
General Reginald Dyer
opened fire on an unarmed gathering at:
Jallianwala Bagh
This shocked the entire nation.
3. Khilafat Issue
Gandhi supported the Khilafat cause to promote Hindu-Muslim unity.
4. Demand for Swaraj
Indians wanted self-government and an end to British rule.
Launch of the Movement
The Non-Cooperation Movement was approved during the:
Calcutta Special Session of the Indian National Congress
and formally adopted at:
Nagpur Session of the Indian National Congress
Programme of the Movement
Boycott of Government Institutions
Government schools
CollegesCourts
Councils
Boycott of Foreign Goods
Foreign cloth burned publicly
Promotion of khadiRenunciation of Titles
Many Indians surrendered British titles and honours.
Example
Rabindranath Tagore returned his knighthood after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Promotion of National Education
Institutions established included:
Jamia Millia Islamia
Kashi VidyapithPromotion of Khadi
Spinning wheel (Charkha) became a symbol of self-reliance.
Village industries were encouraged.Popular Participation
Students
Thousands left government schools and colleges.
Lawyers
Several lawyers gave up legal practice.
Example
Chittaranjan Das
Example
Motilal Nehru
Women
Women actively participated in picketing foreign cloth and liquor shops.
Peasants and Workers
Large-scale participation occurred in many provinces.
Chauri Chaura Incident (1922)
On 5 February 1922, at:
Chauri Chaura
a violent clash occurred between protesters and police.
An angry mob set a police station on fire, resulting in the death of policemen.
Since Gandhi believed in non-violence, he withdrew the movement.
Withdrawal of the Movement
Date: February 1922
Reason: Chauri Chaura Incident
Many leaders disagreed with Gandhi's decision.
Significance of the Movements
Political
Mass participation in national movement.
Congress became a mass organization.Social
Increased Hindu-Muslim cooperation.
Spread of nationalism to villages.Economic
Growth of indigenous products.
Decline in sales of foreign cloth.Psychological
Fear of British authority decreased.
Confidence among Indians increased.End of the Khilafat Movement
The movement gradually lost relevance after:
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
abolished the Caliphate in 1924.
Thus, the Khilafat Movement came to an end.
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1919 | Khilafat Committee formed |
| 1919 | Rowlatt Act |
| 1919 | Jallianwala Bagh Massacre |
| 1920 | Treaty of Sèvres |
| 1920 | Non-Cooperation Movement launched |
| 1921 | Peak of movement |
| 1922 | Chauri Chaura Incident |
| 1922 | Movement withdrawn |
| 1924 | Abolition of Caliphate |
Important Examination Facts
One-Liners
Khilafat Movement started in 1919.
Non-Cooperation Movement launched in 1920.
Gandhi linked Khilafat with Non-Cooperation.
Rowlatt Act was called the Black Act.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occurred on 13 April 1919.
Chauri Chaura Incident took place on 5 February 1922.
Non-Cooperation Movement withdrawn in 1922.
Caliphate abolished in 1924.
Ali Brothers led the Khilafat Movement.
Nagpur Session (1920) approved the Congress reorganization.
MCQs
Q1. The Khilafat Movement was launched to protect:
A. Mughal Emperor
B. Ottoman Caliph
C. Persian Shah
D. Afghan King
Answer: B
Q2. Who linked the Khilafat issue with the Non-Cooperation Movement?
A. Tilak
B. Nehru
C. Gandhi
D. Bose
Answer: C
Q3. The Non-Cooperation Movement was withdrawn because of:
A. Simon Commission
B. Civil Disobedience
C. Chauri Chaura Incident
D. Lahore Resolution
Answer: C
Q4. Who were known as the Ali Brothers?
A. Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali
B. Azad and Ansari
C. Jinnah and Liaquat
D. Iqbal and Azad
Answer: A
Q5. The Caliphate was abolished in:
A. 1920
B. 1922
C. 1924
D. 1926
Answer: C
Statement-Based MCQs
Q1. Consider the following statements:
Khilafat Movement began in 1919.
Gandhi supported the Khilafat cause.
The Caliphate was abolished in 1924.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Q2. Consider the following statements:
Chauri Chaura Incident occurred in Uttar Pradesh.
The Non-Cooperation Movement was withdrawn after the incident.
The incident reflected Gandhi's principle of non-violence.
Choose the correct answer:
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 2 and 3 only
Answer: C
Match the Following
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Ali Brothers | 1. Khilafat Movement |
| B. Gandhi | 2. Non-Cooperation |
| C. Dyer | 3. Jallianwala Bagh |
| D. Atatürk | 4. Abolition of Caliphate |
Answer
A–1, B–2, C–3, D–4
UPSC/JKSSB Revision Box
✔ Khilafat Movement – 1919–1924
✔ Non-Cooperation Movement – 1920–1922
✔ Ali Brothers – Main Leaders
✔ Rowlatt Act – Black Act
✔ Jallianwala Bagh – 13 April 1919
✔ Nagpur Session – 1920
✔ Chauri Chaura – 5 February 1922
✔ Movement Withdrawn – 1922
✔ Caliphate Abolished – 1924
✔ First Nationwide Mass Movement under Gandhi
Most Asked Areas in Exams: Causes of Non-Cooperation, Khilafat leaders, Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh, Chauri Chaura Incident, Nagpur Session, Ali Brothers, and the abolition of the Caliphate.