Gatka developed alongside with the evolution of the Sikh religion. Gatka evolved as Sikhs began to oppose tyranny as an obligation of their religious faith. Gatka become established as a Sikh cultural artifact as Guru Hargobind militarized the Sikh nation.
Gatka is an outcome of the miri-piri doctrine of Guru Hargobind. It is a practical actualization of miri
A singular feature of gatka is that two sabres (kirpans) are used to fight. This reflects the historical fact that Sikhs were very few in number and have never fought a battle in which they have had a numerical majority. Gatka as a sword art reflects this fact. An observer viewing Gatka cannot help but have the impression that Gatka was developed to fight large opposing hordes of enemies. Unlike Kendo it does not have a fixed origin for the swordmaster and the angle of attack and defence is 360 degrees.