ROLES AND STATUS

OF WOMEN IN
SIKHISM
KARLEEN KOUR
SIKH WOMEN

EQUAL STATUS RELIGIOUS RIGHTS CONTRIBUTION IN

SIKH HISTORY
EQUAL STATUS
◦In Sikhism we believe in equality. We practice
equal religious, social and political rights for Sikh
women and men.
◦Sikh Amrit Dhari women wears the same attire as
Sikh men.
◦Sikh women holds an immense place in Sikhism.
◦Guru Nanak Dev Ji strictly opposed some of the
practices like Sutak, Asceticism, female infanticide
etc.
◦ Women is looked upon as someone with immense knowledge to
lead a house, and a women who has the power to give birth and
lead a house, is believed to do the same as she walks out in the RELIGIOUS
world.
◦ By the grace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, there were no restrictions
RIGHTS
implemented upon women. They are free from any kind of • Have equal right to practise
pakhand (Hypocrisy) like fasting for their husband, avoid going to Sikhism.
Gurudwara while their time of the month, sati system, being called
impure, veil system etc.
• Have equal right to recite
Gurbani.
◦ Same level of educational rights are promoted within sikh women.
No discrimination based on gender in Sikhism is practised. • Have equal right as a
spiritual leader.
CONTRIBUTION
IN SIKHISM
SOME OF THE GREAT SIKH WOMEN –
• Mata Natti Ji
• Bibi Nanaki Ji
• Mata Bhag Kaur
• Bibi Amro Ji
• Mata Kaulan Ji
• Bibi Bhani Ji
• Bibi Rajni Ji
• Mata Khivi Ji
• Mata Sundari Ji
• Mai Bhago Ji
 CONTRIBUTION IN SIKH HISTORY

◦ Mata Natti Ji (daughter-in-law of sixth guru) was responsible for upbringing of Guru Har Rai Ji (seventh Guru). She took the leadership
of the household after the death of Guru Hargobind Ji. She played the role of a mother and a leader dedicatedly.
◦ Bibi Nanaki Ji – was the first to realize the greatness of Guru Nanak Dev Ji at the age of just five and fully supported him in his journey.
◦ Mata Bhag Kaur (Mai Bhago Ji) lead 40 Sikh soldiers against Mughals in a battlefield in 1705 i.e., Battle of Muktsar. She was
considered as a saint warrior and was the sole survivor in the battle. She was the first women to fight the battle and that too successfully.
◦ Bibi Amro Ji was made in charge of one of the “Manji” (districts) by Guru Amar Das Ji. She was the daughter of Guru Angad Dev Ji
(second guru). She persuaded her husband Amar Das to follow the footsteps of the second guru thereby leading them in becoming Guru
Amar Das Ji.
◦ Mata Kaulan Ji was a true disciple of Guru Hargobind Ji. She was rescued from the torture of Qazi Rustam Khan by Guru Sahib, after
which spent her life under the guidance of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji
◦ Bibi Bhani Ji was a dedicated daughter. She was daughter of Guru Amar Das Ji. She managed to take care of her father in a way proving
that she is no less than a son. She remained a devoted daughter even after marriage serving Guru Ji with immense love and care.
◦ Bibi Rajni was known for her faith in Guru Sahib despite of all the obstructions she faced, she never stopped doing Naam Jaap. Her
dedication and faith in Guru Sahib let her through the difficult phase of her life where her father (in anger) got her married to a crippled
person. She contributed to Sikh history by constructing of sacred pool of Sri Harminder Sahib in Amritsar.
• Mata Khivi Ji (wife of Guru Angad Dev Ji) organised Sewa system and was responsible for the establishment of Langar system. She took care
of all the arrangements of the langar system and was accounted for the comfort and hospatility of many devotees of Guru Sahib.

• Mata Sundari Ji (wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji) after death of Guru Sahib took leadership in her own hand and she managed to collect all the
work done by Guru Sahib to publish them. She took care of the management of all the Gurudwaras at the time. She issued orders for Khalsa
army and was also successful in bringing Sikhs together with her spiritual and political knowledge.
SIKH WOMEN IN TODAY’S ERA
◦ Sikh women in today’s era has great responsibility on her shoulder to follow her faith and to grow with that faith wisely.
◦ To contribute within her society; think about the betterment of her panth and pay regards towards the Guru Sahib who has his
faith in her.
◦ No matter what, she must follow her Sikhi Marayada and stay in her Sikhi Marayada and according to the will of
Akhalpurakh.

◦ Grow spiritually and give immense importance to her own well-being.