The Khilafat Agitation and the Non-Cooperation Movement
The Khilafat agitation emerged in response to the British-imposed Treaty of Sèvres on the Turkish Sultan, causing outrage among Indian Muslims who felt a deep connection to the Khalifa. Leaders such as Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali rose in prominence as they advocated for the preservation of the Khalifa's authority over the sacred sites of Islam. Gandhi supported this agitation and called for a broader Non-Cooperation Movement that sought swaraj (self-rule) and aimed to combat injustices like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
The Non-Cooperation Movement gained traction between 1921 and 1922, with mass participation from diverse societal segments. Thousands of students boycotted government schools, and prominent lawyers relinquished their practices, while public bonfires of foreign goods symbolized resistance to British rule. Despite the movement's success in mobilizing public sentiment, it faced challenges, particularly when violence erupted at Chauri Chaura, leading Gandhi to suspend the movement. This section illustrates the growing national consciousness and unity among Indians against colonial rule, emphasizing Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and mass participation, which fostered a shared identity among various communities striving for independence.