Vaisakhi 2017- Rise of Sikh Women

Rise of Sikh Women
Apr 13, 2017
13 min read

Gurbani and Sikh tradition, empowered women in early Sikh history to contribute to the achievement of Khalsa temporal and ideological (miri-piri) objectives. In the last two centuries, that role has diminished due to cultural & social influence on Sikh thought and institutions. There is an urgent need to create awareness about Sikh women's heritage and equality rights in the Sikh society.

Too little is still known about the history of Sikh women's history. Women have played a vital role in shaping Sikh history, however, their voices have often been left out of standard historical narratives, silenced by a lack of primary sources as well as an assumed belief by male historians that they were not part of the development of Sikhism.

Rise of Sikh Women aim to educate about Women in Sikh History.

The Rise of Sikh Women campaign, brought to you by the charity, Billion Women, has two core aims. It is a celebration of the achievements and contributions made by women of Sikh heritage. It also an effort to ask new, critical questions about the past, in a way that will help us to understand the roots of the many gendered ills of our society, and to challenge them. Issues that have blighted the Sikh community for too long include the mistreatment of women and young girls through infanticide, domestic violence and sexual abuse. We hope to empower women by re-claiming and better understanding their incredibly rich heritage.

It is believed that the first Sikh was a woman: Bebe Nanaki (1464-1518), the elder sister of the first Sikh guru and founder of the faith, Guru Nanak Devji (1469-1539). Bebe Nanaki nurtured the talent of her brother, and provided shelter and support for him so that he could freely compose and share his spiritual works – which would later form the basis of the Sikh holy teachings, the Guru Granth Sahib. Later, women would themselves be able to preach to the growing congregations of Sikh disciples; as the third guru, Guru Amar Das (1479-1574) equally appointed men and women as missionaries to share Sikh teachings across the Punjab.

After the creation of the Khalsa on the day of Vaisakhi in 1699, Sikh men could take on the title ‘Singh’ (lion) after their first name, whilst women adopted the surname of ‘Kaur’ (princess). These titles rendered men and women equal in gendered terms, as well as erasing the traces of their former caste and class hierarchies from their identities. It is this spirit of equality that we strive to uphold and celebrate, over three centuries after the Vaisakhi of 1699.

Exhibited images :

Mata Sahib Kaur - The Mother of the Khalsa.

Mata Sahib Kaur was present and influential in the ceremony in 1699 of the creation of the Khalsa Panth.

Mata Sahib Kaur - The Mother of the Khalsa by Kanwar Singh – Art of Punjab

Mai Bhago ji : The Woman Warrior Who Fought for Freedom

A Sikh woman who led Sikh soldiers on the battlefield against the Mughals in 1705.

Her bravery, strength and leadership lead her to become the personal bodyguard of Guru Gobind Singh.

Mai Bhago Ji by Kanwar Singh – Art of Punjab

Sophia Duleep Singh

The third daughter of Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, granddaughter of the first Sikh Emperor, Maharaja Ranjit Singh and God daughter of Queen Victoria. Born in 1876 in Belgravia brought up among British aristocracy, Sophia fought for social justice and equality in the UK and was a key figure in the suffragette movement fighting for women’s right to vote.

Princess Sophia Duleep Singh

Sikh Women Making History,

Shaping History, Serving in the Military.

Bebe Nanaki - first Sikh, Guru Nanak’s first follower.

It is believed that the first Sikh was a woman: Bebe Nanaki (1464-1518), the elder sister of the first Sikh guru and founder of the faith, Guru Nanak Dev ji (1469-1539).

She was 5 years his elder but played the role of a mother to him. She not only protected him from their father because he feared Nanak's continued retreat from the world and social responsibilities, but she loved him unconditionally.

Bebe Nanaki and her brother were the children of Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta. Born in the city of Chahal, near Lahore (present Kasur district), Bebe Nanaki was named by her grandparents who named her Nanaki after the word Nanakian, meaning the home of your maternal parents. Bebe and Ji are added to her name as a sign of respect. Bebe is used in regards to an older sister and Ji given to anyone you want to show your respects to. Bebe Nanaki was married off at an early age at 11 years old. In those days it was customary to be married at such a young age.

Bebe Nanaki Ji

Guru Nanak Dev was sent to live with Bebe Nanaki when he was only 15 years old. She searched for a wife for him. Bebe Nanaki along with her husband found Mata Sulakhni, for Guru Nanak Dev to marry. Since Bebe Nanaki had no children of her own she loved and helped raise her brother's children.

Bibi Nanaki Ji was the first to recognise that Guru Nanak was not an ordinary man. Bebe Nanaki nurtured the talent of her brother, and provided shelter and support for him so that he could freely compose and share his spiritual works – while others would get upset with Guru Nanak’s actions, Bibi Nanaki Ji would encourage her brother on his mission, which would later form the basis of the Sikh holy teachings, the Guru Granth Sahib.

Bebe Nanaki is known as being Guru Nanak Dev's first follower. She was eternally devoted to him and his cause. As well as she is known for inspiring Guru Nanak Dev in using music as an instrument of devotion to God. Knowing he had musical talent she bought him a Rebab to help him further his music.

Bebe Nanaki died in 1518. As one of her last wishes she willed her brother, Guru Nanak Dev, to be by her side during her last days. Her last breaths were enlightened with the Japji Sahib which was recited to her.

Mata Khivi - She became a pillar of support and continuity for the Sikhs, meeting five Gurus during the course of her lifetime.

Mata Khivi (1506-1582) is another incredible example of the pivotal role played by women in laying the foundations of the Sikh faith and community. She was the wife of Bhai Lahina, who would later go on to become the second Guru, known as Guru g the course of her lifetime.

Angad Devji. They were married for some twenty years before Lahina became the Guru. It is thought that Mata Khivi first learnt about the teachings of Guru Nanak from Mai Birahi, a family friend and disciple of the first Guru. Around the same time, her husband also heard of Guru Nanak and became his disciple, and later his successor, after meeting with him at Kartarpur. Mata Khivi herself adopted the path of Sikhi at this point, and rapidly became a prominent figure alongside her husband. Their household and family became a model of Sikh teachings: which state that a Sikh should earn their bread through honest means, and live a family/householder’s life, rather than becoming an ascetic recluse.

Mata khivi Kaur

Mata Khivi raised her four children (two boys and two girls) to be well-versed in gurbani (the writings of the Gurus), as well as opening up her household and dedicating her time to managing the langar (kitchen distributing free food) for the growing community. She became a pillar of support and continuity for the Sikhs, meeting five Gurus during the course of her lifetime.

Mata Khivi was just and humble in her principles; she even persuaded her own son to give up his pretensions to the Guruship when Guru Amar Das was recognised as the third Guru instead of him. It was in fact her daughter, Bibi Amro, who is thought to have inspired Amar Das to learn about Sikhi originally – from this we can see the great influence that Mata Khivi had as a teacher, mother and leader in the long term.

Sikh women as equals & leaders

It is important to recognise that within the Sikh faith, men and women are recognised as equals. This principle was clearly laid down by the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das (1479-1574). Guru Amar Das abolished the practice of sati (widow-burning) and purdah (wearing of a veil) for women, and established the so-called ‘piri system’. This entailed the division of the Punjabi countryside into distinct geographical units, to which female preachers appointed by the Guru were sent, in order to spread the teachings of Guru Nanak amongst Indian women.

Guru Amardas promoted equality for men & women

The different districts looked after by female preachers became known as pirhian, after the Punjabi word for piri (stool), upon which the women would sit when leading a gathering. Regrettably, relatively little is known about the women who had a critical part to play in expanding and educating the nascent community of Sikhs in this way – though Bibi Amro is understood to have been the first woman appointed to such a seat.

Mata Sahib Kaur - Mother of Khalsa Panth

Sikh tradition further recognises the prominent role played by a woman on the historic occasion of the creation of the Khalsa by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708).

Mata Sahib Kaur was present and influential in the ceremony in 1699 of the creation of the Khalsa Panth. She participated in preparing Amrit by adding sugar wafers. Guru Gobind Singh ji proclaimed her to be the Mother of the Khalsa . Mata Sahib Kaur Ji accompanied Guruji throughout his life, even during battles, serving him in every possible way. Mata Sahib Kaur died in 1747 at the age of 66 and was cremated at Gurdwara Bala Sahib, New Delhi. Her memorial stands close to the one commemorating Mata Sundari.

Mata Sahib Kaur - Dear Mother of Khalsa.

Mata Sahib Kaur, a follower of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born in 1681 at Rohtas, Jhelum. Her parents, Mata Jasdevi Ji and Bhai Rama ji were ardent devotees of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The devotion of her parents to Guruji influenced her very much and she also decided to devote her whole life in the service of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. She inherited from her parents, humility, love for humanity and devotion to God and was deeply influenced by Gurbani during her formative years.

In her young age, she dedicated herself to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. When the proposal of her marriage was brought for discussion to Anandpur, Guru Gobind Singh had already been married. Therefore, Guruji said that he could not have another wife since he was already married. The dilemma before the parents of the girl was that, the proposal having become public, no Sikh would be willing to marry a woman who had been betrothed to the Guru.

Finally, Guruji agreed for her to stay at Anandpur but without accepting her as his wife on the term that the relationship with Mata Sahib Deva would be of a spiritual nature and not physical. The question arose, as most women desire to have children, how she could have one without being married. Then Guruji told that, "She will be the 'mother' of a great son who will live forever and be known all over the world." Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed her by giving her a unique title of MOTHER OF KHALSA.

Mai Bhago - She was a Sikh woman who led Sikh soldiers against the Mughals in 1705.

Born into a Sikh family, Bhag Kaur (later popularly known as Mai Bhago) was among the first generation of young girls who were initiated into the Khalsa from 1699. By 1705, she was a married woman and her husband was part of the Guru’s army.

At that time, Mughal forces were in hot pursuit of Guru Gobind Singh, and had laid siege to his fort at Anandpur Sahib. Although the Guru and his immediate bodyguard managed to escape, a desperate battle ensued thereafter from which several of the Guru’s other soldiers ran away – including Mai Bhago’s husband.

Mai Bhago

However, when he and forty of the other deserters returned home, they met with the fury and disappointment of Mai Bhago. She declared that she and the other wives would take up arms themselves, if the deserters did not repent and go back to help their Guru. The men felt ashamed, and under Bhag Kaur’s leadership, they turned back to face the Mughals. Mai Bhago devised a clever ruse to cause disarray amongst the 16,000-strong Mughal army, so that they would not come to discover Guru Gobind Singh’s hiding place.

In a remarkable feat of daring, her band of 40 men took on this force, and managed to save the Guru from capture. All of her Sikh companions were killed, but Mai Bhago managed to survive. Guru Gobind Singh was so moved by her bravery and devotion that he thereafter appointed her to his personal bodyguard.

Mata Gujri Ji - (1624 -1705) (whose formal name was 'Mata Gujar Kaur') was the wife of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur; the mother of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh and the grandmother of the four Sahibzade.

Mata Gujri (1624-1705) lived a long and an extremely challenging life. She had the responsibility of solely raising and safeguarding her son, Gobind Rai, who became the tenth and last Guru of the Sikhs at the age of nine. Her husband and Guru Gobind’s father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, lost his life in 1675, after suffering persecution and horrific torture on the orders of the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb.

The circumstances in which Mata Gujri supported the new young Guru in her forties must have been difficult; but these challenges were enhanced when his first wife, Mata Jito passed away, and the elderly Gujri became responsible for taking care of her young grandsons, while their father was fighting to protect the Sikh panth.

Mata Gujri Ji with Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh

It is fair to say that she sacrificed her life in these endeavours. In 1705, she and her two youngest grandchildren, Zorawar and Fateh Singh, were captured by the Guru’s opponents after the entire family fled from Anandpur Sahib. The regional Mughal governor endeavoured to convert the two young boys to Islam through persuasion and torture, but their grandmother exhorted them to remain steadfast in their faith, and so they consistently refused to heed him.

Mata Gujar Kaur and her grandsons were arrested on 8 December 1705 and confined in Sirhind Fort in what is referred to in Sikh chronicles as Thanda Burj, the cold tower.

Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh were eventually sentenced to death by being bricked alive into a wall.

Gurdwara Sri Thanda Burj Sahib - Fatehgarh Sahib.

The fort was known as Thanda Burj(cold tower), and was considered a cool place during the summer. However, it was a punishment for Guru's sons and his mother to be kept here in extreme winter. It was at this place that Mata Gujri collapsed on hearing the news of the martyrdom of her grandsons. Later on, Gurdwara Mata Gujri was constructed here.

Maharani Jind Kaur - She was regent of the Sikh Empire from 1843 until 1846. She was the youngest wife of the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, Ranjit Singh, and the mother of the last Maharaja, Duleep Singh.

Born in 1817, Jind Kaur’s life was one of dramatic events and upheavals. She started out as the daughter of a kennel-keeper, before being married to Maharajah Ranjit Singh in her teens. In 1843, her infant son, Duleep Singh, was placed on the throne of Lahore, after a bloody coup in the capital of the Sikh Empire.

Jind Kaur ruled in the name of her son for around five years. She faced the difficult tasks of tackling in-fighting within the Punjabi political elite; as well as guarding against the incursions of the British East India Company – who though nominally the allies of the Sikh Empire, were increasingly intent on taking over the affairs of her son’s kingdom.

Maharani Jind Kaur

Jind Kaur was reviled by the British, who cast aspersions on her moral character, and saw her as a threat to their own ambitions. She was deposed and exiled in 1847 by a British political officer. This mistreatment was one of the causes that later sparked the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-9) – a rebellion against British infiltration which is also thought to have been coordinated by Jind Kaur.

The Maharani audaciously escaped from British custody and ran away to Nepal in 1849, where she lived in exile for thirteen years. She was finally reunited with her son in 1861, after thirteen years of enforced separation. She was never allowed to visit the Punjab again, and died in London in 1863.

Princess Sophia Duleep Singh - was a prominent suffragette in the United Kingdom. Her father was Maharaja Duleep Singh, son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, known as the Lion of the Punjab.

The third daughter of Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, granddaughter of the first Sikh Emperor, Maharaja Ranjit Singh and God daughter of Queen Victoria.

Born in 1876 in Belgravia brought up among British aristocracy, Sophia fought for social justice and equality in the UK and was a key figure in the suffragette movement fighting for women’s right to vote.

Though not a Sikh herself, Princess Sophia certainly had illustrious Sikh ancestry! She was the grand-daughter of Maharani Jind Kaur and Maharajah Ranjit Singh, and the daughter of Maharajah Duleep Singh and his first wife, Maharani Bamba. She was born and raised a Christian (as her father converted to Christianity), and had Queen Victoria for a godmother. Princess Sophia had a very turbulent childhood.

Though her early years were spent in splendour living at her father’s regal country estate in Elveden, Suffolk; by her tenth birthday, Maharajah Duleep Singh decided to launch a controversial rebellion against the British Government.

Princess Sophia Duleep Singh

After the failure of his initial plan to re-settle his family in India, the Maharajah abandoned his wife and children in England, and set off alone to pursue his ambitions to reclaim his Punjabi kingdom. Sophia’s mother died in 1887, leaving the young girl to be raised by her older siblings and legal guardians. Perhaps as a result of the difficulties of her early years, Sophia developed a quiet, but inspiring fighting spirit.

Just one prohibited trip to India was to change it all — .Sophia travelled to India in secret as a young woman and this experience changed her. She returned to England as a radical, beginning a life-long battle to bring about social justice and equality in her country. Sophia not only became involved in battles for women's rights, but also fought tirelessly for Indian independence.

As an adult, she used her name and position to champion several important causes: including supporting bereft Indian sailors and workers in London, and highlighting the contributions of Indian soldiers in the First World War.

She is however most well-known for her role in the Suffragette Movement. Princess Sophia campaigned side-by-side with such famous leaders as Emmeline Pankhurst and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, and raised publicity for their cause by refusing to pay tax to a government that would not grant women the right to vote, thereby bringing her protests before the law courts and media. Women over the age of 21 finally gained the right to vote in the UK in 1928. Princess Sophia died twenty years later, at her country home in Buckinghamshire.

Source - Mani Kaur Bajwa, Priya Atwal.