Explain why the Khilafat Movement had failed by 1924? ( 7 Marks )

 

PAK STUDIES

 CHAPTER 7

7 Mark Questions 

Q1. Explain why the Khilafat Movement had failed by 1924?

The Khilafat Movement failed due to a couple of reasons. Firstly, was the withdrawal of Gandhi's support. In 1922, in Chauri Chara in United Province a large group of protestors, participating in the non-co-operation movement, clashed with police, who opened fire. In retaliation, the demonstrators attacked and set fire to a police station. This incident resulted in the death of 22 policemen. Gandhi who was strictly opposed to violence was convinced with this event that India was not yet ready for a mass campaign, withdrawing his support. Thus, this weekend the Movement as now it only had the support of Muslims and not the Hindus, who were actually the majority of the country, thus, the main strength. 

Secondly, in 1920, 18,000 Muslims sold all their property and goods and tried to migrate to Afghanistan. They were told that India was Dar-ul-Harb, a place where non-Muslims ruled, and Friday and Eid prayers should not be offered. However, the Afghans refused to let such a large number of immigrants to enter; thus, many people died on their way back as the journey was long, even those who reached back had lost all their wealth.  This Hijrat took away the enthusiasm of many supporters after looking at the miserable condition of these Muslims. Thirdly, in 1924, Kenal Attaturk, the new leader, himself abolished the Khilafat and exiled the Khalifa, Muhammad VI. Hence, the Khilafat Movement in India also came to an end.