COMSATS University Islamabad

HUM111 Pakistan Studies

Assignment1

Rayan Asghar
FA21-BCS-080
Question#01:

Khilafat Movement and Congress' Role in its Decline:

The Khilafat Movement encountered formidable challenges both from external geopolitical
shifts and internal ideological divergences. Externally, its viability hinged on the global
political climate, particularly the fate of the Ottoman Empire. The signing of the Treaty of
Sèvres in 1920, leading to the dissolution of the empire, dealt a severe blow to the aspirations
of the Khilafatists.
Internally, the Khilafat Movement grappled with a spectrum of ideological inclinations and
regional interests. Although the leaders shared a common goal of safeguarding the Caliphate,
their strategies often diverged. Some advocated for a more militant approach, while others
favoured non-violence and civil disobedience. These ideological disparities at times hindered
concerted action.
The pivotal moment came with Congress' decision to prematurely halt the non-cooperation
movement. The tragic episode at Chauri Chaura, where protests escalated to violence,
prompted Gandhi to retract his endorsement of non-violent resistance. While rooted in
Gandhi's unwavering commitment to non-violence, this move left many Khilafat leaders
disheartened and marginalized, leading to a fracture within the united front.
Additionally, the withdrawal of Congress' support constituted a significant setback. The Khilafat
Movement lost a critical source of political clout, financial backing, and organizational
infrastructure. This weakened the movement's capacity to mobilize and sustain its
momentum, ultimately contributing to its decline.

Questio#2:

Answer :
Khilafat Movement and the Shaping of Separate Identities:

The Khilafat Movement served as a catalyst in shaping the political consciousness of Indian
Muslims. It foregrounded their religious identity and their profound concerns for the global
Muslim ummah (community). It underscored that for many Muslims, their religious
affiliations transcended geographical boundaries and national loyalties.

The collapse of the Khilafat Movement underscored the recognition that the interests of
Muslims in India were distinct and occasionally divergent from the broader Indian nationalist
movement. This awakening laid the foundation for the subsequent call for a distinct state for
Muslims, Pakistan.

Muslim leaders, in response to these dynamics, began articulating a narrative that accentuated
the unique political, cultural, and religious identity of Muslims. This narrative gained
traction, particularly under the stewardship of figures like Allama Iqbal and Muhammad Ali
Jinnah, culminating in the formal demand for a separate Muslim state.

To summarize, the Khilafat Movement, despite its genesis in an international issue, left an
enduring imprint on the political landscape of India. It not only influenced the trajectory of
Indian politics but also provided a crucial impetus for the eventual partition of India in 1947.
The legacy of the movement resonates in the intricate fabric of South Asian history and
politics.