Nankana Sahib Massacre & Gurdwara Reform Movement: A Pivotal Moment in Sikh History
- balrajd
- Feb 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 16
Part of our Sacred Journey Blog Series
For us as Sikhs, Nankana Sahib holds the deepest spiritual significance as the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. However, this sacred site also witnessed one of the most tragic events in our modern history - the Nankana Sahib Massacre of 1921, this dark chapter strengthened the Sikh community's resolve to protect our gurdwaras and played a crucial role in the broader Gurdwara Reform Movement.
Background: The Mahant System
To understand what led to the massacre, we need to know about the mahant system. During British rule, many of our historical gurdwaras were controlled by mahants (priests) who had become hereditary custodians. Some mahants began treating gurdwara lands and offerings as their personal property, straying from Sikh principles and traditions.
Nankana Sahib was under the control of Mahant Narayan Das, who had turned this sacred site into his personal estate. He was known for:
Misusing gurdwara funds for personal luxury
Allowing practices that went against Sikh teachings
Controlling the shrine's substantial income and land
Resisting reforms proposed by the Sikh community
The Growing Gurdwara Reform Movement
By 1920, our community had become increasingly concerned about the corruption in historical gurdwaras. The newly formed Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) began working to restore these shrines to proper Sikh management.
When reformers peacefully attempted to discuss changes at Nankana Sahib, Mahant Narayan Das responded by hiring armed mercenaries and fortifying the gurdwara.
The Nankana Sahib Massacre: The Tragic Events of February 20, 1921
On the morning of February 20, 1921, a jatha (group) of about 150 Sikhs led by Bhai Lachhman Singh Dharowali approached Gurdwara Nankana Sahib to hold discussions with the Mahant. They came unarmed and in the spirit of peaceful dialogue.
What happened next shook our entire community:
The jatha was allowed to enter the shrine compound
Armed men employed by the Mahant attacked the peaceful group
The gates were locked, trapping the Sikhs inside
The attackers used guns, swords, and other weapons
Some Sikhs were burned alive in boiling tar
Others were locked in rooms that were then set on fire
Almost the entire jatha was martyred, with historical accounts putting the number of shaheed (martyrs) at around 130.
Aftermath and Impact
News of the massacre spread quickly throughout Punjab. Thousands of Sikhs gathered at Nankana Sahib. British authorities were forced to arrest Mahant Narayan Das and his mercenaries.
The massacre became a turning point in the Gurdwara Reform Movement:
It highlighted the urgent need for Gurdwara reform
United the Sikh community in their demand for control of their sacred places
Led to the eventual passage of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act of 1925
Demonstrated the sacrifice our community was willing to make for their faith
Remembering the Martyrs
Today, we commemorate the shaheeds of Nankana Sahib every February. The massacre site, now known as Shaheed Ganj, stands as a memorial within the gurdwara complex. The event reminds us of:
The price paid by our ancestors for religious freedom
The importance of standing up for what's right
Our community's resilience in the face of adversity
The need to protect our religious institutions
Legacy
The Nankana Sahib Massacre, while tragic, strengthened our community's resolve. It played a crucial role in:
Establishing Sikh control over historical gurdwaras
Reinforcing the importance of the Gurdwara Reform Movement
Demonstrating the power of peaceful resistance
Uniting Sikhs across Punjab in a common cause
The sacrifice of these shaheeds ensures that today, our Gurdwaras remain centres of worship, learning, and seva (selfless service) as intended by our Gurus.
Reflection
As we visit Nankana Sahib today, we should remember these brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their martyrdom reminds us of our responsibility to preserve and protect our heritage, and to ensure our gurdwaras remain true to their intended purpose - serving the Sangat (community) and spreading the universal message of Sikhi.
The events of 1921 teach us that preserving our faith sometimes requires great sacrifice, and that staying true to Sikh principles of peace and justice, even in the face of violence, ultimately leads to positive change.
This blog is part of our Sikh Sacred Journey blog series
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