1914 Khilafat

The 1914 Khilafat Movement was a collective effort by Indian Muslims to support the Ottoman Caliphate during World War I. When the Ottoman Empire, a Muslim-majority empire, faced defeat and possible disintegration, Indian Muslims feared losing their religious and political leadership. They aimed to protect the Caliphate as a symbol of Islamic unity and identity. The movement sought to rally Indian Muslims to defend the Ottoman Empire’s sovereignty, viewing the Caliph as a spiritual leader for Muslims worldwide. It also played a role in fostering Indian nationalist sentiments, eventually influencing broader independence efforts.