Inspiring Sikh Women YOU Need to Know

In Canada, the month of April is regarded as SIkh Heritage Month. Beginning with the advocacy of Jagmeet Singh and Sukh Dhaliwal, this month moved from providence to nation-wide celebration. April was chosen for its importance in Sikhism- as it remembers the birth of Khalsa. With the recency of International Women’s Day, here are 3 Sikh women who deserve higher recognition for their activism and strength in their communities.

1. INDERJIT KAUR

Inderjit Kaur was a social activist and professor. Already a prominent advocate, being the first woman to head two educational programs, she aided families and peoples displaced by the Partition of India. The organization she founded, single handedly aided over 400 refugee families from the 1947 Partition. Her impact on women in her community is undeniable, creating self-defense classes for women refugees, setting up gidda classes for girls, and teaching at the Government College for Women, Patiala. Her life was dedicated to creating innovative and impactful solutions during a period of lost hope, violence, and grief. 

2. MATA BHAG KAUR

A skilled warrior and dedicated follower, Mata Bhag Kaur or Mai Bhago, led Sikh soldiers against the Mughals in 1705. She is revered as a warrior saint in Sikhism, being known for rallying 40 Sikhs who had abandoned Guru Gobind Singh and bringing them back to fight. Mughal chiefs had threatened the warrior supporters of Guru Gobind Singh with death, leading the group of Sikhs to concede their faith. Upon hearing of this, Mai Bhago led the 40 men back to the battlefield to seek out the Guru in apology, demonstrating her commitment to truthful faith and justice.

3. MAHARANI JIND KAUR

Maharani Jind Kaur, known as the “Rebel Queen’ and “Messaline of the Punjab”, was the last Sikh Queen of Lahore. Renowned for her strength, beauty, and fear-causing reputation, she spent years organizing Sikh resistance against the British. In fact, she led a rebellion against the British, restored balance between the army and civil administration, held court, and continuously fought to keep her family’s legacy alive despite the challenges of British imprisonment. Through her legacy, she remains a powerful figure in history representing Female Sikh excellence in the midst of British colonial struggle.