The Nankana Massacre: A Tragic Chapter in Sikh History

The Nankana Massacre History

The Nankana Massacre, also known as Saka Nankana Sahib, was a significant event in the history of the Sikh faith that took place on February 20, 1921. This article will provide an in-depth look at the events leading up to the massacre, the key players involved, and the aftermath of the tragic incident.

Historical Background of Gurudwara Janam Asthan

The Gurudwara Janam Asthan is a sacred Sikh site located in the city of Nankana Sahib in present-day Pakistan. It is the birthplace of the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Gurudwara had been in the control of the Mahant Narayan Dass for many years, and he had become known for his corrupt practices.

Role of Mahant Narayan Dass

Mahant Narayan Dass was the custodian of the Gurudwara Janam Asthan and had been accused of embezzlement and other corrupt practices. He was accused of selling off land belonging to the Gurudwara and pocketing the proceeds for himself. The Mahant also imposed a tax on Sikh pilgrims visiting the Gurudwara, which was resented by the local Sikh community.

How people gathered against him

The local Sikh community, led by the Akali Dal, had been agitating for the removal of Mahant Narayan Dass from the Gurudwara for several years. The Akali Dal was a political party that represented the interests of the Sikh community and was formed to fight against the corrupt practices of the Mahants who controlled the Sikh shrines.

The Akali Dal organized a peaceful protest march to the Gurudwara Janam Asthan on February 20, 1921, to demand the removal of Mahant Narayan Dass. The march was attended by thousands of Sikhs from the surrounding areas.

How the massacre happened at last

The peaceful protest march was met with resistance from Mahant’s supporters, who had barricaded themselves inside the Gurudwara. The Mahant had Pashtun mercenaries to murder peaceful Sikhs and he also called in the local police to disperse the protestors. When the police failed to disperse the protestors, they opened fire on the crowd, killing and injuring many innocent Sikhs.

According to reports, around 150 Sikhs were killed in the massacre, with many more injured. The incident shocked the Sikh community and sparked widespread outrage across India.

The aftermath of the Massacre

The Nankana Massacre led to widespread condemnation of the British colonial authorities, who were seen as complicit in the violence. The massacre also had a profound impact on the Sikh community and sparked a renewed sense of unity and solidarity among the community.

Mahant Narayan Dass was arrested and tried for his role in the massacre. He was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. The Gurudwara Janam Asthan was eventually taken over by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, an organization set up to manage Sikh shrines, and has remained under its control ever since.

Conclusion

The Nankana Massacre remains a tragic event in the history of the Sikh faith and a symbol of the struggle against corruption and injustice. The incident led to the emergence of a strong Sikh political movement and ultimately played a role in the Indian independence movement. The Gurudwara Janam Asthan remains an important site of pilgrimage for Sikhs around the world, and the memory of those who lost their lives in the massacre continues to be honored and remembered to this day.

Download PDF

For readers who are interested in learning more about the Nankana Massacre and its historical significance, we highly recommend downloading the book “Saka Nankana Sahib” written in the Punjabi language. This detailed account of the events leading up to the tragedy and its aftermath provides a comprehensive understanding of this tragic chapter in Sikh history. Don’t miss the chance to gain a deeper insight into one of the most tragic incidents in the history of India.