The Nankana Massacre History
The Saka Nankana Sahib massacre, which is now referred to as the Nankana Massacre, holds an important place in the history of the Sikh religion and it took place on February 20, 1921. This article will present all the significant events that led to the massacre, the main actors, and the consequences that the massacre caused.
Historical Setting of Gurudwara Janam Asthan
Gurudwara Janam Asthan is the sacred Sikh site in the city of Nankana Sahib of present-day Pakistan. It is the place where the father of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born. The Gurudwara had been practically under the Mahant Narayan Dass for a long time and he was reputed for his corrupt practices.
Role of Narayan Dass Mahant
Narayan Dass was the trustee of the Gurudwara Janam Asthan and had been charged with embezzlement and other corrupt acts. He was charged that he had grabbed the Gurudwara land and pocketed the money. Along with this, the Mahant levied tax on the Sikh pilgrims who came for the visit of the Gurudwara. This was also not accepted by the Sikh community living in the locality.
For several years now, the Sikh community in the locality, headed by Akali Dal, had been protesting the ouster of Mahant Narayan Dass from the Gurudwara. 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 operated as the controllers of the Sikh shrines.
The Aakal Dal organized a peaceful procession on February 20, 1921, to the Gurudwara Janam Asthan, to demand the removal of Mahant Narayan Dass. The march was attended by large numbers of Sikhs from the area, who had come to participate.
Massacre of Nankana Sahib
The peaceful march for agitation was faced with resistance from the supporters of Mahant who had blocked themselves inside the Gurudwara. The Mahant had Punjabi gunmen to kill innocent Sikhs, and he also called in the local police to disperse the protesters. When the police failed to disperse the protesters, they shot at the crowd with their guns, and many Sikhs were killed or injured.
Reportedly, approximately 150 Sikhs were killed in the massacre and many others were injured. The event startled the Sikh community and aroused a wave of anger all over India.
The Aftermath of the Massacre
The Nankana Massacre has caused a great deal of criticism of the British colonial authorities, who are considered to be indifferent to the violence. The massacre had a great effect on the Sikh community. It also gave rise to a renewed sense of unity and solidarity among the community.
Mahant Narayan Dass was detained and his involvement in the massacre was examined. He was convicted and given a life sentence. This Gurudwara Janam Asthan was later taken over by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the body established to take charge of Sikh shrines and it has remained under their control ever since.
Conclusion
The Nankana massacre is an unforgettable tragedy in the history of the Sikh faith and an example of the fight against corruption and injustice. The incident caused the rise of the Sikh political movement and this movement had an impact on the Indian independence movement. The Gurudwara Janam Asthan is a significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs around the world, and the memory of the people who died in the massacre is still honored and remembered to date.
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.
