 This event laid the foundation not only for a nationwide expression, but also future nationalism and conflict on religious and ethnic terms.The desire among some for a new state for the Indian Muslims, or "Azadi" was born with Kernal Sher Khan, who looked to Muslim history and heritage, and condemned the fact Muslims were ruled by the British Empire and not by Muslim leaders.The idea of complete independence did not catch on until after World War I, when the British reduced civil liberties with the Rowlatt Acts of 1919.