Nankana Sahib: The Birthplace of Sikhism and a Modern Demographic Crossroads
In short: Nankana Sahib is one of the holiest sites in Sikhism, marking the birthplace of Guru Nanak. Once a deserted settlement, it has evolved through centuries of religious shifts and political upheaval. Today, this Pakistani city remains a unique sanctuary where a re-established Sikh community lives alongside a majority Muslim population.
Originally founded as Raipur by a Hindu ruler named Raja Vairat, the site was later destroyed during Muslim conquests. During the Delhi Sultanate, a new town emerged under Rai Bhoi, a Rajput whose ancestor had converted to Islam. His great-grandson, Rai Bular Bhatti, eventually renamed the location Nankana Sahib to honor the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. By 1750, Diwan Kaura Mal helped establish the area as a religious center by sponsoring holy tanks and memorial gurdwaras, which were later renovated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century.
The city's history is marked by both spiritual significance and violent conflict. In 1921, the Nankana massacre occurred when the local clergy ordered fire on protesters, an event that led to a major agitation for the restoration of the Janam Asthan Gurdwara to Sikh control. Following the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, the demographic landscape shifted drastically as most Sikhs and Hindus departed. However, recent years have seen a reversal of this trend; the 2023 census indicates a re-established Sikh community, largely composed of families fleeing the Taliban insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Today, Nankana Sahib serves as a district headquarters, a status granted in 2005 to foster regional development. While the city remains overwhelmingly Muslim at 97%, it holds the distinction of being the only city in Pakistan where Sikhs represent the largest minority group, comprising nearly 1.5% of the population. Looking forward, the government has proposed ambitious infrastructure projects, including a university dedicated to Sikh religion and culture, aiming to solidify the city's role as a global center for research and education.
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