Dera Baba Nanak: A historic town of spiritual legacy, military valour
The small town of Dera Baba Nanak, located in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district, is known for its deep historical and cultural significance. The town gained national attention during the 1965 conflict with Pakistan when the war theatre shifted to this area.
Notably, three Indian soldiers who participated in this battle were awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for their valour. The locals still remember and take immense pride in the bravery of Indian soldiers who fought here.
Dera Baba Nanak is also home to the Kartarpur corridor, a 4.6 km passage that connects the town to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan’s Narowal district, offering Sikh devotees the chance to visit the revered gurdwara without the need for a visa. The town, a municipal council in Gurdaspur district, lies 35 km away from the district headquarters and is located on the left bank of the Ravi River. While it holds sacred significance to Sikhs, particularly as the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, the town’s history is layered with both spiritual and military events.
Following the death of Guru Nanak, both Hindus and Muslims laid claim to his legacy, each constructing mausoleums in his honour. However, due to the shifting course of the Ravi River, the mausoleums were eventually washed away, leading to the formation of the present-day Dera Baba Nanak.
A relatively lesser-known fact is that Dera Baba Nanak contributes significantly to Punjab’s agricultural output, particularly in cauliflower production, making it a key player in the state’s farming economy.
The town’s historical importance didn’t end with its spiritual and agricultural contributions. During the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, military action was concentrated in areas like Kassowal near Dera Baba Nanak. Despite the victory, the Indian army lost 32 soldiers in battle, a fact that remains etched in the memories of locals.
In recent years, Dera Baba Nanak came back into the national spotlight with the establishment of the Kartarpur Corridor in November 2019. However, the inauguration of the corridor led to protests from villagers, as many expressed their displeasure with the Indian government’s decision to allow only passport holders to cross over to Pakistan.
The town has also seen development in recent years, with a grant of Rs 172 crore from the Punjab government in 2019 aimed at beautifying Dera Baba Nanak. The town is home to two historical gurdwaras, adding to its spiritual appeal.
Dera Baba Nanak’s rich history, both in terms of spirituality and military significance, combined with its ongoing development and potential for future growth, marks it as a town to watch in the years ahead.
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