The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Khilafat Movement (1919-1924) was a pan-Islamic political protest campaign launched by Muslims in British India. Its primary objective was to influence the British government to protect the Ottoman Empire and the authority of the Caliph (Sultan of Turkey) in the aftermath of World War I.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Khilafat Movement was launched in 1919 to protest against the British treatment of the Ottoman Empire and to preserve the integrity of the Caliphate following the Treaty of Sèvres. The abolition of the Caliphate by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk occurred later, in 1924. In fact, Ataturk's abolition of the office of the Caliph led to the collapse of the movement in India, rather than being the cause of its initiation.
- Statement 2 is Correct. Mahatma Gandhi viewed the Khilafat issue as a unique opportunity to cement Hindu-Muslim unity against British rule. He famously stated that such an opportunity to unite the two communities would not arise in a hundred years. Consequently, he supported the movement and was elected as the President of the All India Khilafat Committee in 1919.
- Statement 3 is Correct. The central demands of the Khilafat Committee included:
- The Khalifa must retain control over Muslim sacred places (Jazirat-ul-Arab), including Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.
- The Khalifa should be left with sufficient territory to enable him to defend the Islamic faith.
Key Takeaway:
The Khilafat Movement was a reaction to British policy regarding Turkey after World War I, aimed at preserving the Caliph's authority. It lost relevance when the Turkish nationalists under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk themselves abolished the Caliphate in 1924.