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Women in Sikh
History.
Sikhism
was the first religion to confer equal
status to women as men. Throughout our
history there have been many brave and
praiseworthy women. We list some of the
achievements of women here...
Bibi Nanaki - Guru Nanak's older
sister was arguably the first Sikh
(disciple) she was the first to recognise
Guru Nanak as a great prophet. She and
Mata Tripta (Guru Nanak's mother) were
very important in encouraging Guru Nanak
to pursue his lifelong mission.
Mata Khivi was the wife of Guru
Angad Dev and was in charge of the
langar. She was an unlimited source of
bounty and helped create a new social
consciousness for women.
Sikh Missionaries. Guru Amar Das
trained missionaries to spread Sikhism
throughout the country. Of the 146
missionaries Guru Amar Das trained and
sent out, 52 were women. At one time the
country of Afghanistan and Kashmir were
under the jurisdiction of women, who had
responsibilities of decision making,
collection of revenues and preaching to
the congregation.
Bibi Bhani has a unique position
in Sikh history as the daughter of Guru
Amar Das Ji, wife of Guru Ram Das Ji and
mother of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Bibi Bhani
was an inspiration during the formative
years of Sikh History.
Mata Gujri was an illuminating
force behind her husband Guru Tegh
Bahadur Ji and after his martyrdom she
guided and inspired her son, Guru Gobind
Singh Ji.
Mata Sahib Kaur, the wife of Guru
Gobind Singh Ji, played an
important role during the Initiation of
the Khalsa on Vaisakhi 1699. She added
sweets to the Amrit which was prepared by
Guru Gobind Singh Ji for the Panj Payare.
Mata Sahib Kaur is the spiritual mother
of the Khalsa.
Mai Bhago was the brave warrior
who shamed the 40 Muktai (deserters) to
return to the battle of Muktsar. She led
them into battle where they were blessed
by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and were martyred
defending the Sikh ideal.
Women Braving Persecution. During
the time of the Mogul occupation of
India, Sikhs caused the greatest threat
to the Moguls. For this reason they were
also most persecuted and a price was put
on every Sikh's head. Sikh women were
particularly targeted and many were
captured and imprisoned at Nakhas in
Lahore. Here they were tortured and saw
their children cut up and their limbs
were hung around the necks of these brave
women who still did not succumb to Islam.
We think of these women and many more who
have sacrificed everything for Sikhism,
in the ardas we read each day.
Sandeep Singh Brar
Article and photos from the Sikhism
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