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Mahatma Gandhi's support to Khilafat Movement

 Do you think Mahatma Gandhi's support to Khilafat Movement had diluted his secular credentials? Give your arguments based on the assessment of events.
The Khilafat Movement was started against the dis-membership of Turkey, and the disbanding of the institution of the Caliphate. Gandhiji supported the movement which critics felt was a backward step. But Gandhiji saw it an excellent opportunity for launching a combined offensive against the British and felt that it would give an impetus to Hindu Muslim unity in Inida..

Though, it looked to others as if he was supporting a communal cause, but infact, he was seeking the support of not only the Muslim Leauge but the entire muslim community in Non-Cooperation Movement. He was successful in doing so.

The Khilafat Committee and the Congress agreed upon the triple purpose of 
  • Non-cooperation; 
  • satisfactory solution of the Khilafat question, 
  • redressal of the Punjab and attainment of Swaraj.


As to the Non-cooperation course of action, the Khilafat Committee in its 6th June, 1920 meeting outlined four stages of Non-cooperation viz, 
  • resignation of titles and honorary posts, 
  • resignation from civil services under the government, 
  • resignation from police and army services and finally
  • Non-payment of taxes.


It was a very pragmatic step by Gandhi. He harnessed the support of Muslim elite class. He continued his approach of taking along all the classes with himself. The Non-cooperation, and the events of 1919-1920, saw remarkable Hindu-Muslim unity.

Mahatma Gandhi's support to Khilafat in fact re-established his credential as a secular leader. The Muslim league by this time had started branding Indian National Congress as a Hindu body.

The Khilafat Committee too responded to the call, and participated whole heartedly in the Non-Cooperation Movement. The Gandhian strategy of alignment with the Muslim worked exceedingly well for the Hindu-Muslim unity.

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