The Khilafat Movement began in India in 1919 as Muslims launched a nationwide protest against British policies towards the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I. It soon merged with Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, becoming a powerful united struggle against British rule.

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* Movement launched to protect the Ottoman Caliphate after its dismantling by the Allied Powers.

* Led by Ali brothers, Maulana Azad, Ajmal Khan, and Hasrat Mohani; supported by Gandhi and Congress.

* British actions in Punjab, the Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh intensified public anger.

* Khilafat and Non-Cooperation merged, creating unprecedented Hindu–Muslim unity.

* Mass participation from students, peasants, women, traders, and the working classes.

* The government declared Khilafat and Congress volunteer bodies illegal; arrested most leaders.

* Afghanistan’s “Hijrat” attempt and Moplah rebellion weakened the movement.

* Chauri-Chaura violence led Gandhi to suddenly withdraw Non-Cooperation.

* Abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1924 formally ended the movement.

* Movement strengthened political awareness, communal unity and mass mobilisation in Indian freedom struggle.