Sikh Shastra Vidhya and Gatka underwent a period of decline when the Sikh Missal Nawabs (Sikh warriors) after Maharaja Ranjit Singh lost to the British after the introduction of firearms and especially after the full establishment of British colonial rule in the 19th century in India. The British eventually banned Sword, Neja and Gatka and the Sikh custom of carrying swords so as to prevent rebellion and anti-colonial sentiments.

During this time, many Indian martial arts had to be practiced in secret and were often confined to rural areas. They survived as folk-sports in certain changed patterns by replacing stick instead of sword.

Gatka is an important part of the anthropological heritage of Sikh Shastra Vidhya and culture and became integral part of Punjabis during Gurus period. Gatka is practiced for self-defense and combat fighting skills since antiquity but nowadays it became popular sport in India and accessible to the all communities. Gatka promotion means to uphold national pride and build a strong Nation.

The influence of Indian martial arts can be found in literature and in the performance arts specific to Asia. Recently, those influences have extended to the movies and television that targets a much wider audience. As a result, martial art Gatka has spread beyond its ethnic roots and has a global appeal.