By Nayjot Kaur Boparai
With his baptismal nectar, Guru Gobind Singh had infused fearless valour in all hearts; He was verily changing jackals into lions. He was preparing tiny sparrows to fight and pluck mighty hawks. The process was not confined to menfolk alone. The Guru had lifted women to a position of equality with men. He had baptized them in the same manner as and along with men. Men and women of all castes and classes partook of the amrit together, from the same vessel. A spirit of fearless heroism filled them through and through.
There are numerous examples of Sikh women, displaying what is commonly called the manly spirit of courage. One of them is given below:
Once a number of Majha Sikhs, men and women, were on their way to Anandpur. On reaching near a certain village, they halted by the side of a well in order to refresh themselves. A young woman named Deep Kaur, continued to march on. She preceded on until her Teached a grove of trees and thick bushes. Her companions were, by then, out of sight and out of earshot.
But she was not afraid. Suddenly four armed bandits closed around her. They had been lying hidden among the bushes. Their evil designs could be read in their eyes and gestures. They stood blocking her way and threatening her. She displayed the true Sikh spirit. She did not lose her presence of mind. She was not afraid in the least. She showed no trace of panic. Her alert mind worked quickly. She threw one of her gold bangles on the ground before them and said, “Take that and go away.”
One of the ruffians bent down to pick up the bangle. Deep Kaur quickly drew her sword. In the twinkling of an eye, she cut off his head from his shoulders. His companions were not prepared for such an adventure. They were taken back and stunned. Before they could recover from their shock and draw their swords, two of them were dispatched by that brave daughter of Guru Gobind Singh. Then she fell upon the remaining one. With a quick stroke of her sword she wounded him. He fell on his back. Instantly she was on his chest. Sitting on his chest, she pierced him through the heart. In this way she finished all of her four assailants.
Just at that time the rest of the party arrived on the spot. They saw Deep Kaur just stepping aside after having killed the last of the ruffians. They saw the four corpses lying on the ground. They were all filled with wonder. They marveled at the courage and presence of mind displayed by Deep Kaur. They were full of praises for the feat of swordsmanship performed by her. The corpses were thrown into the well. The party proceeded on their way to Anandpur.
The incident was narrated to the Guru. He was highly pleased at the brave and manly performance of Deep Kaur. He said, “She has proved herself to be a true Sikh. She saved her honors and life. Let all follow her example.”
Article extracted from this publication >> January 5, 1990
