The Khilafat Movement (1919–1924) was a major political and religious movement launched by Indian Muslims to protest against the dismemberment of the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I. The British and their allies decided to dismantle the Ottoman Empire, which alarmed Indian Muslims who regarded the Caliph (Khalifa) as their spiritual leader.

Led by Maulana Muhammad Ali Johar and Maulana Shaukat Ali, the movement aimed to pressure the British government to preserve the institution of the Caliphate. It gained widespread support among Muslims and was later joined by the Indian National Congress, including Mahatma Gandhi, who linked it with the Non-Cooperation Movement to forge Hindu-Muslim unity.

Key features of the Khilafat Movement:

• Strong anti-British sentiment

• Mass resignations from government jobs

• Boycotts of British goods and institutions

• Promotion of Hindu-Muslim political cooperation

• Nationwide protests and strikes

However, the movement declined after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk abolished the Caliphate in 1924, making the movement’s goal obsolete. The collapse of the Khilafat Movement led to Hindu-Muslim rift and Muslim political reorientation. Despite its failure, it played a significant role in awakening Muslim political consciousness and laid groundwork for future Muslim nationalist movements.