Mai Bhago

Sikhism is actually considered the first religion to provide equal status to men and women from its inception .Sikh women have a long history of fighting patriarchy, enacting radical change and taking up leadership roles.  

1. ' Mai Bhago ' was the first women to fight on the battlefield in Punjab .

2. She was from the village of Jhabal Kalan and grew up with the Sikh faith.

3. While the khalsa army was passing through Muktsar, she met some 40 sikhs who wanted to leave the battle because they were severely outnumbered.

4. She put on the battle outfit that men wore, a radical symbol of what she felt empowered to do and led them back into battle.

5. She had learned gatka , the traditional Sikh martial arts from her father as a child.

6.The khalsa army wasn't similar to the armies of today but was a part of Guru Gobind Singh's army against mughal tyranny.

7. The battle of Muktsar on December 29, 1705 was between 250 khalsa warriors and 20,000 Mughal warriors.

8. She was the only surviving Sikh in that battle.

9. Due to the sheer impact of that fight which left 4,000 mughals dead , it was a pivotal moment in the ending of the khalsa / mughal conflict in the duration of Guru Gobind Singh's life.

10. Hence , it was proved that women are equally strong and brave as men . Mai Bhago became the inspiration for many others and till today she holds special place in the hearts of people of Sikh religion  .