The contribution of women towards Sikh society is significant and often underappreciated. Sikh women have played crucial roles in various fields, including spirituality, education, social welfare, and leadership.
In this article, we will explore the stories of some of the powerful historical Sikh women who made significant contributions to Sikh society.
Mata Sahib Kaur
Mata Sahib Kaur was the wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. She is known for her devotion to the Sikh faith and for her contributions to the community. Mata Sahib Kaur played a significant role in the creation of the Khalsa, which is the collective body of baptized Sikhs. She was responsible for preparing the Amrit, the sacred nectar that is used in the initiation ceremony for the Khalsa.
Mata Sahib Kaur also played an important role in the management of the Sikh community. She was responsible for the administration of the langar, the communal kitchen that provides free meals to all visitors to Sikh gurdwaras (places of worship). Mata Sahib Kaur is remembered as a strong and compassionate woman who dedicated her life to the service of others.
Mai Bhago
Mai Bhago was a warrior and a Sikh saint who lived in the 18th century. She is known for leading a group of Sikh soldiers in the battle against the Mughal army. Mai Bhago was born into a family of warriors, and she was trained in the art of combat from a young age. When the Sikh soldiers of her village were considering surrendering to the Mughal army, Mai Bhago convinced them to fight instead.
Mai Bhago led the Sikh soldiers into battle, and they were able to defeat the Mughal army. After the battle, Mai Bhago decided to live a life of celibacy and devotion to the Sikh faith. She is remembered as a powerful and courageous woman who fought for her beliefs and inspired others to do the same.
Bibi Jagir Kaur
Bibi Jagir Kaur is a contemporary Sikh leader who has made significant contributions to Sikh society. She is the first woman to have been elected as the president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which is the organization responsible for the management of gurdwaras in Punjab.
Bibi Jagir Kaur is known for her work in the areas of education, health, and social welfare. She has established schools and hospitals for the benefit of the Sikh community, and she has been instrumental in the promotion of Sikh culture and traditions. Bibi Jagir Kaur is a role model for young Sikh women, and she has inspired many to take up positions of leadership and service.
Mata Gujri
Mata Gujri was the wife of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs. She is known for her courage and resilience in the face of adversity. After Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was executed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Mata Gujri was imprisoned along with her two young grandsons.
Despite the difficult conditions of her imprisonment, Mata Gujri remained steadfast in her faith and encouraged her grandsons to do the same. When the two boys were taken to be executed, Mata Gujri remained calm and composed, and she recited prayers to give them strength. Mata Gujri is remembered as a powerful and inspiring woman who remained true to her beliefs even in the face of extreme hardship.
Sikhism is a religion that was founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is a religion that values equality, justice, and service to others, and Sikh women have played a significant role in the development of Sikh society.
