Why syed Ahmed barelvi started his jihad movement?

Answer 1

[Freedom] Muslims peasants were leading oppressed lives under the exploitation of Hindu landlords and tax collectors. They were humiliated and ill-treated. Their properties, lives and dignity were not safe from the hands of Hindus and Sikhs. Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi (SASB) wanted to restore their pride, respect and living conditions. That is why he started Jihad to win freedom for the Muslims so that they could lead lives according to their own wishes.

[Religious Liberty] In the Sikh regime under Ranjit Singh in Punjab, Muslims had restrictions in practicing their faith - even the call to prayers was banned in some places. This was intolerable, because Muslim culture, values and religion were in danger. Syed Ahmed believed that an independent state was necessary for having religious liberty. Therefore, he started armed struggle (Jihad) to get rid of Sikh rulers.

[Purifying Islam] SASB was a great religious leader who wanted to uproot the evils that had corrupted the Islamic society. He wanted to purify the Muslim society from Hindu customs, beliefs, myths, influences and practices that had crept into their worship and daily lives. He wanted to clean the Muslims from social and moral evils. But spiritual upbringing and purification of their beliefs were not possible under the control of Sikhs and Hindus. For this purpose, he launched Jihad Movement and revived the desire of Jihad in the Muslims of India. He made an army of volunteers and gave them military training.

Answer 2

He launched the Jihad movement to revive Islam among the Muslims of the subcontinent. Barelvi realized that the freedom of Muslims could come as a result of armed struggle against Muslim oppressors [talking about Ranjit Singh of Punjab who had banned Muslim practices such as calling of Azaan etc.]. He launched the Jihad movement so that Islam could be rejuvenated and rescued from customs that contradicted Islamic beliefs which had crept in a Muslim's everyday life.