THE TRUE ORIGIN OF KAUR

Kaur is a name used by Sikh women as either a middle or last name. In 1699, the tenth guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji introduced Kaur and Singh, when he administered Amrit (baptism) to both male and female Sikhs.

In Indian society, an individual's name reveals his or her caste, and by this revolutionary concept, Sikhs were freed from the caste system.

Based on the premises of gender equality, Kaur was also given to Sikh Women to establish an identity independent of their father or husband.

Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Sahib Kaur

All female Sikhs were asked to use the name Kaur after their forename and male Sikhs were to use the name Singh.

This custom further confirmed the equality of both genders as was the tradition set by the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It was intended to give women a sense of self-respect. Singh is also used by some women because Singh can be a last name.

Amritdhari Kaur at the Golden Temple Amritsar.

Sikh principles believe that all men and women are completely equal. Therefore, a woman is crowned with great responsibility and can lead her own life as an individual, equal to men. She does not need a man's title to raise her own status.

Rani Jind Kaur by Jag Lall

Sikh girls and women with Kaur in their name are not all Amritdhari (baptised). Many Sikh women around the world still use Kaur as their last name or use it as a middle name.

Kaur provides Sikh women a sense of stability and belonging, from the day you are born to the day you die, your name remains the same.

You do not have to change it due to marriage.

It is something very unique in the history of the world.

We often talk about "Kaurs" being princesses, but what does that really mean practically for Sikh women? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment box below.