Women in Sikhi’ Story Of 12 Brave Sikh Women the force Behind Sikh Gurus

THE UK-based organization, ‘Mahala9’, has recently collaborated with the charity group ‘Realise One’ to unveil their newest creation, the ‘Women of Sikhi’ calendar for 2023. The calendar highlights the stories of twelve remarkable Sikh women whose tales of bravery, resilience, and commitment have often been overlooked.

The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, believed that women held a critical role in society, stating “From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman, he is engaged and married.

Woman becomes his friend, through her, the future generations come. When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to the woman he is bound. So why call her bad?

From her, kings are born. From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.” This respect for women was upheld by Nanak’s successors, and they condemned oppressive practices like sati and purdah, which were used to subjugate women.

Soul Bride

Despite the recognition given to the ten Sikh Gurus’ bravery, wisdom, and courage, the stories of the women behind them have been largely overlooked. 

The UK-based organization, Mahala9, recognized this discrepancy and aimed to bridge the gap with their artwork that connects individuals with their heritage.

In collaboration with Realise One, they have created the ‘Women of Sikhi’ calendar for 2023, which showcases twelve Sikh women whose dedication, perseverance, and courage have played a significant role in shaping Sikhism’s teachings.

These women have been the driving force behind the ten Sikh Gurus and have exhibited remarkable courage during challenging times. The ‘Women of Sikhi’ calendar for 2023 hopes to shed light on these lesser-known women, their contribution to Sikhism, and their inspirational stories of resilience and strength.

Enlightenment on the path of the Guru, known as Sikhi, is often described as a journey of uniting with the Divine through a metaphorical representation of a young bride-to-be getting married to her husband.

According to this metaphor, every individual, irrespective of their gender, is considered to be the bride hoping to achieve unity with the husband and experience the bliss of being united.

In Sikh poetry, the voice of a woman is often used by the Gurus to describe how the lucky bride attracts the divine in the form of her husband. As one verse in Ang 426, Raag Aasaa, written by Guru Amar Das Ji states, “The fortunate bride decorates herself, placing a garland of good virtues around her neck.”

The virtuous qualities of humility, sweet speech, truthfulness, compassion, friendliness, admiration, and loving devotion act as jewellery that attracts and binds the husband to the bride. This union, reflecting enlightenment, is created through these attributes, which lead to the blissful experience of letting go of one’s past identity and merging with their Beloved.

Sikh history notes that women visionaries practiced these qualities and were involved in shaping the community’s institutions from its inception. The Sikh calendar aims to visually communicate the significance of these virtues.

You must remember that in Sikhism, menstruating women are permitted to sit in gurdwaras without being treated as untouchables, and widows are allowed to remarry.

BIBI AMRO

Bibi Amro, daughter of Guru Angad Dev Ji and Mata Khivi, and wife of Bhai Jasoo, possessed a remarkable talent for reading and writing in Gurmukhi. She diligently memorized extensive amounts of Sikh scripture. On one occasion, when her husband’s uncle, Amar Das, visited, he was enchanted by Bibi Amro’s captivating voice as she sang Gurbani.

This encounter proved transformational for Amar Das as he spent several years in the service of Guru Angad Dev Ji. Subsequently, Amar Das was appointed as the third Guru, known as Guru Amar Das Ji. Under his leadership, a structure was established within the Sikh community, and Bibi Amro was appointed as the head of one of the 22 districts formed.

She assumed responsibility for all aspects of administration and played a significant role in the decision to select Amritsar as the spiritual home for Sikhs.

DEEP KAUR

On a journey to Anandpur Sahib to see Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Deep Kaur gained immense recognition for her courage. While travelling to catch up with her group, she was ambushed by four thugs who intended to rob her. Undeterred, Deep Kaur fought back and managed to defeat all four of them, even wielding the sword of one of her assailants.

When her fellow Sikhs arrived, they found her sitting atop one of the defeated thugs. Guru Gobind Singh Ji praised her bravery and encouraged other women in the congregation to follow her example and embody the spirit of a valiant goddess.

BEBE NANKI

As the first Sikh, Bebe Nanki was quick to recognize the exceptional qualities of her younger brother, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. She valiantly defended him from slander and misunderstandings, knowing full well the depth of his spiritual power and profound insights.

Her unwavering faith in his transcendent nature set the foundation for the growth of the Sikh faith.

Seva was at the heart of Bebe Nanaki’s character. She extended her hospitality to Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his wife by offering them a position at her husband’s shop and later opening her own home in Sultanpur to them.

She also provided the Rabab that Bhai Mardana played in accompaniment. Bebe Nanki had contributed remarkably to raise Baba Sri Chand.

As Guru Ji recited Japji Sahib, Bebe Nanaki drew her final breath while cradled in her brother’s arms.

MATA SAHIB DEVA

After Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s death in 1708, Mata Sahib Deva, the revered empress of the Sikh community and mother to the Khalsa, presided over court in Delhi.

Mata Ji, affectionately referring to the Khalsa community as her children, played a dual role as a leader in both the socio-political and humanitarian domains. She oversaw projects such as well creation for the congregation and performed daily worship to Guru Gobind Singh’s weapons.

In a contemporary context, her name is often modified to include the honorific ‘Kaur’, as is customary for women who have been baptized into the Khalsa panth. Despite this practice, all hukamname she wrote after the Khalsa’s inception in 1699 were signed as Sahib Deva, indicating her preference for her original name.

BIBI MUMTAZ

After the Battle of Anandpur Sahib in 1704, Bibi Mumtaz, daughter of Muslim Nihang Khan, tended to the medical needs of the legendary horseman Bhai Bachittar Singh until his final days.

In the defence of Anandpur Sahib’s rear, Bhai Bachittar Singh sustained grave injuries. Thankfully, his profound devotion to Guru Gobind Singh Ji was shared by Nihang Khan, who took him in and provided care for his wounds.

Bibi Mumtaz tended to Bhai Ji’s medical needs, while keeping him hidden in a room during enemy confrontations. Nihang Khan assisted by passing him off as Bibi Mumtaz’s husband.

However, tragedy struck when Bhai Bachittar Singh became a Shaheed. Bibi Mumtaz accepted Nihang Khan’s account that she was married to Bhai Bachittar Singh and spent the rest of her life dedicated to the Guru as his widow in deep meditation.

MATA KHIVI

Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Guru, had a wife named Mata Khivi who held significant importance in the early Sikh community. Mata Khivi is also the only Sikh woman directly mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib Ji, making her a noteworthy figurehead.

In Ang 967, Raag Ramkali, Sata and Balwand describe Khivi, the devoted spouse of Guru Angad. She’s renowned for her benevolent nature that offers abundant shade to all. Her selfless service includes providing scrumptious communal food that tastes like heavenly nectar, including rice pudding with clarified butter.

Mata Khivi’s contribution to the growth of langar seva is unparalleled. As a resident of Khador Sahib, she dedicated her life to raising four children, including the renowned Bibi Amro, who is also spotlighted in this calendar.

MATA NANKI

Mata Nanaki was an unwavering pillar of strength for the Sikh community, much like Baba Budha. She and Baba Budha lived exceptionally long lives, witnessing the tenures of several Gurus. Mata Nanaki was fortunate enough to serve five Gurus, from Guru Arjan Dev Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Under the guidance of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the Sikh community in Amritsar flourished, an advancement witnessed by Mata Nanaki.

During a significant era in Sikh history, Mata Nanaki emerged as a prominent community leader. Along with her son, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and Mata Gujri Ji, she traveled eastward.

While Guru Tegh Bahadur was away in Assam, Mata Nanaki took on the responsibility of raising a young Gobind Rai. Her unwavering support and guidance proved instrumental in the latter half of the Sikh physical Guruship period.

The picture portrays Mata Nanaki holding infant Gobind Rai, while Kirpal Chand and Mata Gujri are faintly visible in the background.

MATA SOLAKHNI

Mata Solakhni, the One with Extraordinary Characteristics and the spouse of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was a mainstay of help for the underpinning of the early Sikh people group.

While she and Guru Nanak Dev Ji were still in their late teen years, they moved in with Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s sister Bebe Nanaki and her significant other Jairam in Sultanpur.

It was here where Mata Solakhni would bring forth her two children, Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das, who she brought up her youngsters fully supported by Bebe Nanaki (who she held in the most noteworthy respect).

While Guru Nanak Dev Ji continued on their movements across the world, Mata Solakhni and a few different Sikhs supported the neighborhood gatherings in Panjab.

In 1704, Mughal Slope Bosses encompassed the Guru in Anandpur Sahib; expressing any man could leave depending on the prerequisite that they proclaimed themselves as done being a Sikh of the Master. 40 Sikhs consented to this and were made to sign a report by Guru Gobind Singh Ji proclaiming themselves as of now not his Sikhs.

Mai Bhago was rankled when she knew about their renunciation and stood up to them upon their landing in their home town. Her fierce insults drove them to understand their disgrace, and they enthusiastically consented to get back to the combat zone, looking for absolution.

On their excursion they caught a Mughal armed force seeking after the Guru. Mai Bhago and the 40 men battled the Mughals riding a horse with skewer close by and constrained them into retreat.

Every one of the men had accomplished Shaheedi aside from the genuinely harmed Mai Bhago. Guru Gobind Singh Ji pardoned the 40 martyred men and broadcasted them as his Sikhs indeed.

MAI BHAGO

In 1704, Mughal Hill Chief’s encompassed the Guru in Anandpur Sahib; expressing any man could leave depending on the prerequisite that they proclaimed themselves as done being a Sikh of the Guru. 40 Sikhs consented to this and were made to sign a report by Guru Gobind Singh Ji proclaiming themselves as of now not his Sikhs.

Mai Bhago was rankled when she knew about their renunciation and stood up to them upon their landing in their home town. Her fierce insults drove them to understand their disgrace, and they enthusiastically consented to get back to the combat zone, looking for absolution.

On their excursion they caught a Mughal armed force seeking after the Guru. Mai Bhago and the 40 men battled the Mughals riding a horse with skewer close by and constrained them into retreat.

Every one of the men had accomplished Shaheedi aside from the genuinely harmed Mai Bhago. Guru Gobind Singh Ji pardoned the 40 martyred men and broadcasted them as his Sikhs indeed.

Mai Bhago was taken under the consideration of the Guru and proceeded to use the remainder of her life as a Nihangani, serving inside the Guru’s military. She was one of the interesting not many, to be named as an individual watchman for Guru Ji.

KAULA

Kaula, the little girl of a Muslim minister named Rushtam Khan and an understudy of the Sufi holy person Mian Mir, carried on with a subdued way of life under her father’s watch. She found comfort in Gurbani and the couple of looks at Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji that she figured out how to get, something that further split apart her and her dad’s relationship.

Rushtam Khan himself had recently duped the Guru, by selling him a horse that was at first stolen from a Sikh. In the end, the Guru, upon the discussion of Mian Mir, protected Kaula from her Lahore home and permitted her to relocate to Amritsar close to Harmandir Sahib.

An amazingly illuminated and committed follower of Guru Ji, she is memorialized by the Kaulsar Gurdwara Sahib, which embellishes the Darbar Sahib complex.

BIBI BHANI

The daughter of Guru Amar Das Ji and the spouse of Guru Ram Das Ji; Bibi Bhani is related in sources as having a particularly illuminated soul.

Guru Ram Das Ji just a short time in the wake of accomplishing the title of Guru and died at 47 years old. Bibi Bhani accomplished incredible profound illumination from the craving to serve her father Guru Amar Das Ji, and her otherworldly understanding directed her most youthful child Guru Arjan Dev Ji to get the title of Guru.

The shabad Poota Mata Ki Aasees (inexactly deciphered as, “o child, this is your mom’s approval”) was a sonnet written in the voice of his mother by Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The shabad lauds upon the direction Guru Ji got from his mother upon his Gurgaddi at 18 years old.

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