5 Courageous Sikh Women
Sikh women have demonstrated and lived a life of high morals and ideals. They have not only practised but also preached the faith of the Gurus. Sikh women have taken part in all aspects of life, from fighting on the battlefield, to travelling the country and spreading the teachings of the Gurus. Even those who did not live the “adventurous” life, played an immensely important role of raising the next generation of saints and soldiers ready to serve the Sikh faith.
4. Bibi Sahib Kaur
Bibi Sahib Kaur was the daughter of Raja Amar Singh of Patiala. Her brother Raja Sahib Singh was a weak and gullible character. In 1729 the Patiala Kingdom was in disarray and in real danger of collapsing so Bibi Sahib Kaur took on the administration to great effect. She lead in battles against the Marhatta invaders and defeated them.
In 1796, when the Sanyasis at Hardwar snatched and burnt a saroop of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, she was hurt by this sacrilege and attacked them. In 1797 George Thomas invaded Panjab, the Sikhs fought back but did not have protection against the British artillery fire so they were retreated. Bibi Sahib Kaur joined the battle after getting all her Sikh brothers to pledge in front of Guru Granth Sahib Ji that there will be no retreat. The Sikhs were victorious and the British lost their General Hopkins.
George Thomas wrote: “Sahib Kaur was a better soldier than her brother and instances indeed have not occurred infrequently were Sikh women have actually taken up arms to defend their inhabitants from desultory attacks of the enemy. Throughout the attacks they acted with the intrepidity of spirit that was highly praiseworthy.”