Amazing description of 18th Century Singhnees

[shastarSingh]

Gyani Gian Singh Nirmala on Singhnees.

For a Singh a Singhnee is necessary. Not only does she take care of their house but also is the foundation upon which he depends. Often Singhnees in Purataan times used to go into battle and lead armies and kingdoms. Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, Mai Bhago Ji and Rani Sada Kaur are just the few names which come to mind. Below Gyani Gian Singh Ji Nirmala describes an eighteenth century Singhnee, and her contrasts the mughal princesses. It also briefly explores the traditional roles of women in both Sikhi and Islam.

 

Adorning weapons, chakars [quoits] and knifes they wore many [in their dumallas – high conical turbans]. Forty kilos of weapons and armour they adorned. Dressed alike were young and old women. They were strong, powerful and of great charity. Some wore dress of women.

 

 

 

 Five dressed like men [i.e. in full warrior dress]. Getting Singh and Singhnias ready thus. Sending one Sirdar with them, the Singhnia set off towards the royal palace. The powerful Singhs stood outside. All the royal women came out to see them. They [Singhs] had great moustache and beards.

 

 

 

Their eyes were full of rage and eyebrows greater. Wearing many weapons. Seeing their great form and beauty, they were as if incarnations of the warrior spirit. The Begams were astonished. Begams sent them [Singhs] gifts. Saluting the Singhs, they sent them away.

 

 

 

Then they looked at the Singhnia. They took them into their palace. They [Singhnia] said, “Sat Siri Akal”. They replied “Salaam” and sat them down. Seeing their form and strong bodies. Dressed in armour and weapons. Listening to their conversation of plundering and war. And how to kill a hunt. 

 

 

And how to aim with bows and muskets. Hearing them, they were astonished. Under their ‘Salwars’ [trouser like garments], were ‘Kashehras’ [breeches]. Seeing their great clothes. Listening to their manly words. The Begams were astounded.

 

 

The four Singhnia had a special female dress. They wore silver ornaments twenty pounds in weight. Seeing this they were awe struck. Their Salwars were twenty yard long. They wore heavy lower garments. Their top knots stood span and half high. Their Shmeezes were of special design.

 

 

 Their physiques were large and heavy. Seeing them the Begams were astounded because they stood unarmed and weak of body. Fearing the Singhnia they cowered to half their size. Then began discussion on religion. Singhnia dismissed all other religions. 

 

 

The traditions of Muslims [Turks] they called false. The way of Mohammed they said was full of faults. The Singhnia described all the atrocities of the Turks. Hearing them the Begams shuddered. Shocked they covered their mouths with their hands.

 

 

 Hearing of the chastity, sincerity and morals of the Singhs. The Begams spoke nodding their heads. “Singhnia you are of great fate. You move about with you husbands. We are pathetic and suffer greatly. Our life is like life imprisonment. One king has sixty wives. By marrying we are as if trapped in a trap”.’

 

(‘Naveen Panth Prakash’, Giani Gian Singh Nirmala, 1877, Bhasha Vibhag Publication, Pa.1151-1153).

 

http://tisarpanth.blogspot.in/2012/12/gyani-gian-singh-nirmala-on-singhnees.html

[jkvlondon]

10 minutes ago, shastarSingh said:

http://tisarpanth.blogspot.in/2012/12/gyani-gian-singh-nirmala-on-singhnees.html

Thanks for posting veer ji , I remember reading this in another translation as a kid, it was so aweinspiring then ...still is  I had forgotten the source now I will share with my daughter

 

 

[Guest Jacfsing2]

Something for the youth and the future to hopefully be interested in. Training both Singhs and Kaurs. To fight for righteousness. Hopefully we go in that direction as a Panth.

[dallysingh101]

Be nice to read the original Gurmukhi text too.