Question

What were the reasons for launching the Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movements?

Hint:

The movements were driven by the Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, post-war hardships, and Muslim anger over the Khilafat issue.

Answer 1

Concept: The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Khilafat Movement led by Indian Muslim leaders emerged in the post–World War I period as a united mass struggle against British rule.
Step 1: The Rowlatt Act (1919). The British passed the Rowlatt Act, allowing detention without trial and curbing civil liberties. This created widespread anger and distrust among Indians.
Step 2: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. The brutal killing of hundreds of unarmed civilians at Amritsar in 1919 shocked the nation and exposed the oppressive nature of British rule, intensifying nationalist feelings.
Step 3: Economic hardships after World War I. Post-war inflation, heavy taxation, and unemployment created discontent among peasants, workers, and the middle class, making them receptive to mass movements.
Step 4: The Khilafat issue. Indian Muslims were upset over the dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire and the weakening of the Turkish Caliph, who was regarded as a spiritual leader of Muslims. British policies hurt Muslim sentiments.
Step 5: Need for Hindu–Muslim unity. Gandhi supported the Khilafat Movement to unite Hindus and Muslims in a common anti-colonial struggle, strengthening the national movement.
Conclusion: The Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movements were launched as a response to British repression, political injustice, and religious grievances, marking the beginning of a united mass struggle against colonial rule.