Mai Bhago, also known as Mata Bhag Kaur, was a brave Sikh warrior who played a significant role in the history of Sikhism. She is remembered as one of the most remarkable women in the Sikh community who fought for the rights and freedom of her fellow Sikhs. Born in a time of turmoil, Mai Bhago dedicated her life to the service of Guru Gobind Singh and the Khalsa Panth.
Early Life of Mai Bhago
Mai Bhago was born in a small village called Jhabal Kalan, located near the city of Amritsar, in the year 1660. Mai Bhago's father, Malo Shah, was a devoted Guru Hargobind's army member, and her mother, Sito Devi, was a pious and devout woman. Mai Bhago was born into a family of Sikhs who had a history of serving the Sikh Gurus. Her grandfather, Bhai Pero Shah, was the younger brother of Bhai Langah, the chief of 84 villages who had converted to Sikhism during the time of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru. This family legacy of service to the Gurus would majorly shape Mai Bhago's life.
As a child, Mai Bhago's parents took her to Anandpur Sahib for a darshan (a glimpse) of Guru Gobind Singh. She was deeply moved by the Guru's teachings and was inspired to become a part of the Khalsa, the community of initiated Sikhs. However, when Mai Bhago expressed her desire to join the Khalsa forces, her family denied her request. Despite this, her father trained her in the art of Shaster Vidya, the martial training of arms, recognizing her enthusiasm for the Sikh way of life.
As Mai Bhago grew older, she continued to yearn for a life of service to the Khalsa. She eventually married Bhai Nidhan Singh of Patti, a warrior in the army of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The couple settled in the village of Patti and devoted themselves to the service of the Guru and his followers.
The confrontation with the Mughals
In the early 18th century, the Mughal Empire under the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb attempted to capture Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Led by Wazir Khan of Sirhind, a large Mughal army proceeded to Anandpur Sahib, along with the Mughal armies of Lahore and Kashmir, to lay siege on the Sikh stronghold. The hill chiefs surrounding the area demanded that the Sikhs evacuate and stop provisions for food. The siege lasted for several months, causing great crisis and hardship for the Sikhs.
As the siege continued, the Mughals announced that any Sikh who renounced their faith and declared they were no longer followers of Guru Gobind Singh would be left unharmed, while others would be killed. In this dire situation, a group of forty Sikhs known as Chali Mukte, led by Mahan Singh Rataul, approached Guru Gobind Singh and declared that they were no longer his Sikhs. The Guru requested them to draft a document stating, "We no longer consider ourselves as your Sikhs" and sign it. Except for a Sikh named 'Bedava', all the forty Sikhs signed the document renouncing their allegiance to Guru Gobind Singh and left. Bhai Nidhan Singh, the husband of Mai Bhago, was also among the Chali Mukte who renounced their faith.
Mai Bhago’s Response
Mai Bhago was profoundly affected upon learning that her husband and several Sikhs from her village had deserted Guru Gobind Singh during a critical time of hardship. Her heart was filled with disappointment and anger, and she did not hesitate to express her thoughts. She openly condemned their cowardice, her sharp and passionate words resonating with the deserters and igniting feelings of shame within them for their betrayal.
Recognizing the gravity of their actions and feeling the weight of their dishonor, Mai Bhago resolved to take action. Determined to rectify the situation, she gathered her husband and the other deserters and set out on a quest to find Guru Gobind Singh, who was journeying through the Malwa region at that time. Her goal was clear: she wanted to make amends for their mistakes and plead with the Guru for forgiveness, believing that redemption was possible if they acknowledged their wrongdoings and sought to return to the fold of the Sikh community.
Mai Bhago’s determination not only exemplified her bravery but also showcased her commitment to the principles of honor and loyalty in the face of adversity. She sought to restore the honor of her husband and the other deserters, reflecting the true spirit of Sikh values.
The Sequence of Events at Anandpur Sahib
A significant event unfolded when a messenger reached the fort of Anandpur, delivering an oath signed by Emperor Aurangzeb on a copy of the Quran. This oath promised permanent peace negotiations on honorable terms if Guru Gobind Singh agreed to leave the fort. However, the Guru harbored doubts about the sincerity of these promises. Nevertheless, to unveil the true intentions of the Mughal forces, he made the decision to exit the fort.
At this time, the fort was surrounded by the Mughal army and the Hill Chiefs, necessitating an evacuation. During this chaotic retreat, the Guru's family was tragically separated. His two youngest sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, were with their grandmother, Mata Gujari Kaur, while his elder sons, Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jhujhar Singh, fought valiantly alongside their father.
Despite their bravery, the elder sons were martyred in battle, leaving Guru Gobind Singh to bear the profound loss. After their martyrdom, he continued to lead his remaining forces through the dense jungles of the Malwa region, with the Mughal army under Aurangzeb persistently pursuing them. This tumultuous period marked a significant chapter in Sikh history, highlighting the sacrifices made by the Guru and his family in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Battle of Mukatsar at Khidrana
As the Sikh forces approached Khidrana, they discovered that the only available water source, a pool known as a dhab, had been seized by the Mughal imperial army pursuing Guru Gobind Singh. In this critical moment, Mai Bhago, a courageous and resilient Sikh woman, rallied her men to confront the vastly outnumbering Mughal army, which consisted of 10,000 soldiers. Clad in the Khalsa uniform and armed with a kirpan, Mai Bhago marked a historic moment by becoming the first woman in Punjab to engage in battle.
The battle was fierce, but through determination and bravery, Mai Bhago and the 40 Sikhs she led successfully compelled the Mughal forces to retreat. Meanwhile, Guru Gobind Singh’s troops provided support by showering arrows onto the Mughals from the safety of higher ground. When Guru Gobind Singh arrived on the battlefield, he found that all present—except for Mai Bhago and Mahan Singh, the former leader of the deserters who was gravely wounded—had perished after expressing their regret for their earlier actions and asking the Guru to tear up the document they had signed.
Tragically, the battle claimed the lives of all forty Sikhs, including Mai Bhago's brothers and husband, with some accounts suggesting her children may have also been martyred. In recognition of their sacrifice, Guru Gobind Singh honored the fallen as the Chali Mukte, or the Forty Liberated Ones. He took Mai Bhago under his care, having sustained serious injuries during the battle. The Battle of Mukatsar at Khidrana stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit, courage, and unwavering devotion of Sikh warriors, exemplified by Mai Bhago's remarkable leadership in the face of overwhelming odds.
After the Battle
Following the Battle of Khidrana, Mai Bhago Kaur chose to remain with Guru Gobind Singh, establishing her presence at Talwandi Sabo. During this time, it’s believed that she adopted the attire of a Nihang, reflecting her commitment to the Sikh martial tradition. As the Guru continued his journeys, particularly to Hazur Sahib, Mai Bhago became one of his trusted bodyguards, showcasing her unwavering loyalty and bravery.
In her role as a protector, she armed herself with a formidable large lance that weighed around 102 pounds, along with a musket, embodying the spirit of a warrior. Dressing in male attire was a significant statement of her resolve and strength, defying traditional gender roles and demonstrating that courage knows no gender. Mai Bhago's transformation into a fierce warrior and her dedication to the Guru further solidified her legacy as a pivotal figure in Sikh history, inspiring generations with her valor and commitment to the Sikh cause.
After Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Following the passing of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1708 at Nanded, Mai Bhago Kaur journeyed further south and settled in Janwada, approximately 11 kilometers from Bidar in Karnataka. There, she established her dera (a spiritual retreat) and devoted herself to meditation and teaching Gurmat, the teachings and principles of the Gurus, for the remainder of her long life.
Her humble dwelling in Janwada has since been transformed into Gurdwara Tap Asthan Mai Bhago, a revered place of worship and learning for the Sikh community. Additionally, a hall within the Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib compound in Nanded, known as Bunga Mai Bhago, commemorates her previous residence. This space serves as a reminder of her dedication and contributions to Sikh spirituality, reflecting her enduring legacy as a warrior and a spiritual leader. Through her teachings and the spaces dedicated to her memory, Mai Bhago continues to inspire future generations in their spiritual journeys.
Mai Bhago's Legacy
Mai Bhago's bravery and leadership in the Battle of Muktsar earned her a special place in Sikh history. She is celebrated as a symbol of women's empowerment, and her story is often told to inspire Sikh women to be brave and courageous. In addition, her example helped break down gender barriers in Sikh society, inspiring other women to take up arms and defend their faith.
Today, many Sikh women look up to Mai Bhago as a role model and draw inspiration from her story. Her legacy lives on in the Sikh community, and she is remembered as a fearless warrior and leader who stood up for what she believed in.
Conclusion
Mai Bhago's story is a testament to the strength, courage, and resilience of Sikh women. Despite living in a patriarchal society that often marginalized and oppressed women, Mai Bhago was able to break through gender barriers and become a respected leader and warrior. Her bravery and leadership in the Battle of Muktsar inspired other Sikh women to take up arms and defend their faith, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of Sikhs today. Mai Bhago's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of women's empowerment and the impact that women can have when they are given the opportunity to lead and excel.
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