Who started the Wahhabi movement and why?

The Wahhabi movement was started by Sayyid Ahmad of Rae Bareli. It was a vigorous movement for socio-religious reforms in Indo-Islamic society in the nineteenth century with strong political undercurrents.

Following the revolt of 1857, it turned into an armed struggle against the British, prompting them to carry out extensive military operations against the followers of the movement. By 1870, the movement was completely suppressed.

• Social and Religious Movements in 19th Century India
• British Raj
• Revolt of 1857