Revisiting Saka Nankana (1921): Potential Factors and Probable Effects

Abstract

The Saka Nankana took place on February 20, 1921, when Mahant Narain Das and his mercenaries killed more than 200 Sikhs in a row over the custody of the Gurdwara Janam Asthan at Nankana Sahib. There is a general agreement among scholars who believe that the Sikhs sacrificed their lives in trying to free the Gurdwara from Mahant and his associates, who reportedly were alleged to have violated Janam Asthan’s sanctity by drinking alcohol and being involved in other immoral activities in its vicinity, and misusing its funds. However, Noori Kamboka’s thirty-six dholas challenge this narrative and reveal that the killing of the Sikhs was driven by economic factors (the Gurdwara land became valuable after canal irrigation), revenge (stemming from the Sheikhupura battle), and ego. A qualitative content analysis of the primary and secondary sources suggests that a combination of religious, economic, and personal enmity factors caused the massacre.