The British colonial government responded to the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements with a combination of repression, concessions, and attempts to divide the movements.
- Response to the Khilafat Movement:
- Initial Dismissal: Initially, the British colonial government dismissed the Khilafat Movement as a religious issue and underestimated its political significance. They hoped that the movement would remain confined to religious sentiments and not evolve into a broader nationalist movement.
- Repression: As the Khilafat Movement gained momentum and began to merge with the broader anti-colonial struggle, the British government responded with repression. They used coercive measures such as arrests, censorship, and the suppression of Khilafat newspapers and publications to curb dissent.
- Divide and Rule: The British government also sought to exploit divisions within the Khilafat Movement, including differences between leaders and factions, to weaken its unity and effectiveness. They employed strategies of divide and rule to sow discord and undermine solidarity among Indian Muslims.
- Concessions: In an attempt to appease the Muslim community and dampen support for the Khilafat Movement, the British government made symbolic concessions, such as expressing sympathy for the plight of the Ottoman Caliphate. However, these gestures were largely perceived as insincere and failed to address the underlying grievances of Indian Muslims.
- Response to the Non-Cooperation Movement:
- Initial Intransigence: Initially, the British colonial government adopted a stance of intransigence towards the Non-Cooperation Movement, refusing to accede to its demands and dismissing it as a futile and seditious endeavor.
- Repression: As the Non-Cooperation Movement gained momentum and began to disrupt colonial administration and economic activities, the British government responded with repression. They arrested thousands of activists, including prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, and imposed harsh penalties on those involved in acts of civil disobedience.
- Countermeasures: The British government also implemented countermeasures to undermine the Non-Cooperation Movement, including propaganda campaigns to discredit its leaders and initiatives to co-opt moderate elements within the Indian nationalist movement.
- Selective Concessions: Faced with mounting pressure from the Non-Cooperation Movement and the threat of widespread unrest, the British government made selective concessions to appease certain sections of Indian society. For example, they introduced limited electoral reforms through the Government of India Act of 1919, which expanded the franchise and allowed for limited Indian representation in legislative bodies.
In summary, the British colonial government responded to the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements with a combination of repression, concessions, and attempts to divide and undermine the movements. Despite their efforts, the movements continued to gain momentum and posed a significant challenge to British authority in India. Ultimately, the government’s response contributed to further radicalization and mobilization within the nationalist movement, leading to increased demands for independence and self-rule.
