 Why did the Khilafat

Movement fail?
 The Khilafat Movement, which emerged in the
aftermath of World War I, aimed to protect the
Ottoman Caliphate, the symbolic leader of the global
Muslim community, following the defeat of the
Ottoman Empire and the potential dismantling of the
Caliphate by the victorious Allied powers.
The movement was primarily led by
Indian Muslims, notably the Ali
brothers—Muhammad Ali and
Shaukat Ali—along with the Indian
National Congress, particularly under
the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi
 Lack of Unity: The movement
faced internal divisions and lacked
cohesive leadership. There were
disagreements among leaders
regarding strategies and goals,
which weakened the movement's
effectiveness.
• Suppression by British Authorities:
The British colonial government in
India cracked down on the
movement, arresting its leaders
and imposing restrictions, which
hindered its progress.
 Limited International Support: The
Khilafat Movement failed to garner
significant international support,
particularly from the Muslim world and
the Ottoman Empire's allies, which
weakened its diplomatic leverage.
Dissolution of the Ottoman Caliphate: Despite efforts to
preserve the Ottoman Caliphate, it was eventually
abolished by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1924 as part of
his reforms to modernize Turkey. This dealt a significant
blow to the Khilafat Movement's objectives.
 Shift in Indian Politics: The movement's focus on the
Khilafat issue diverted attention from broader Indian
nationalist goals, leading to tensions within the Indian
National Congress and hindering the unity of the Indian
independence movement.
 • a combination of internal divisions, British
suppression, limited international support, the
dissolution of the Ottoman Caliphate, and strategic
shifts in Indian politics contributed to the failure of
the Khilafat Movement to achieve its objectives.