Khilafat in History and Indian Politics

This book provides a brief historical account of the Khilafat movement, exploring why Indian Muslims were emotionally invested in it despite opposition from many Muslims outside the subcontinent. It argues that the movement was driven by a combination of political, social, and religious factors.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into a concise historical exploration of the Khilafat, an Islamic political institution that faced numerous controversies from its inception. It endeavors to present an objective critique of the Islamic polity, which, in a way, played a significant role in creating divisions within Islam upon its establishment. By the time the final Khilafat of the Ottoman Empire came to an end in the aftermath of the Second World War, the Muslim political elite in India initiated a movement aimed at restoring and perpetuating the Ottoman Khilafat.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this issue was the juxtaposition of the Arab peninsula, considered the heartland of Islam, where the people were actively seeking to break free from the Ottoman Khilafat's oppressive rule. However, it is perplexing that the Indian Muslims, who were largely unaffected by the Khilafat's policies, became deeply invested in a movement that was vehemently denounced and opposed by a majority of Muslims outside the Indian subcontinent.

The book aims to shed light on the complex dynamics that drove the Indian Muslims' involvement in the Khilafat movement. It examines the historical, social, and political factors that influenced their decision to support the Ottoman Khilafat, despite the overwhelming opposition from the Muslim world. By exploring the various perspectives and arguments, the book seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of this controversial period in Indian history.

The Khilafat movement was a significant event in the history of South Asia, as it marked a period of political and cultural alignment between the Indian Muslims and the Ottoman Empire. However, the movement also had profound consequences for the region, as it contributed to the emergence of nationalist movements and the eventual partition of India in 1947.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable insight into the Khilafat movement and its impact on the Indian Muslims and the broader Muslim world. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical, social, and political factors that shaped the movement and its consequences. By examining the complexities of this period, the book aims to contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationship between Islam, nationalism, and the politics of South Asia.

Weight: 800g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032666723