BHAGO, MAI, the sole survivor of the battle of Khidrana, i.e. Muktsar (29 December 1705), was a descendant of Pero Shah, the younger brother of Bhai Langah, a Dhillon Jatt who had converted a Sikh during the time of Guru Arjan. Born at her ancestral village of Jhabal in present day Amritsar district of the Punjab, she was married to Nidhan Singh Varaich of Patti. A staunch Sikh by birth and upbringing, she was distressed to hear in 1705 that some of the Sikhs of her neighbourhood who had gone to Anandpur to fight for Guru Gobind Singh had deserted him under adverse conditions. She set off along with them and some other Sikhs to seek out the Guru, then travelling across the Malva region.
Mat Bhago and the men she was leading stopped near the dhab or pool of Khidrana where an imperial army in pursuit of Guru Gobind Singh had almost overtaken him. They challenged the pursuing host and fought furiously forcing it to retreat. Guru Gobind Singh, who had supported them with a shower of arrows from a nearby high ground, found all the men except one, Mahan Singh, killed when he visited the battlefield. Mahari Singh, who had been seriously wounded, also died as the Guru took him into his lap.
Guru Gobind Singh blessed those forty dead as the Forty Liberated Ones. He took into his care Mat Bhago who had also suffered injury in the battle. She thereafter stayed on with Guru Gobind Singh as one of his bodyguard, in male attire. After the death of Guru Gobind Singh at Nanded in 1708, she retired further south.
She settled down at Jinvara, 11 km from Bidar in Karnataka where, immersed in meditation, she lived to attain a ripe old age. Her hut in Jinvara has now been converted into Gurdwara Tap Asthan Mai Bhago. At Nanded, too, a hall within the compound of Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib marking the site of her residence is known as Bunga Mai Bhago.
References :
1. Kuir Singh, Gwbilas Patshahl 10. Patiala, 1968
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1926-37
3. Padam, Piara Singh, and Giani Garja Singh, eds., Guru kfari Sakhiari. Patiala, 1986
4. Harbans Singh, Guru Gobind Singh. Chandigarh, 1966
Mai Bhago, the valiant Sikh survivor of the Battle of Khidrana—a story that continues to inspire generations with its remarkable blend of courage, resilience, and unwavering faith.
A Glimpse into History
In the turbulent era following the siege of Anandpur Sahib, the Sikh community faced overwhelming odds. Amid harsh conditions and betrayal, a group of 40 Sikhs—feeling disheartened after abandoning Guru Gobind Singh during a period of desperate need—had turned their backs on the Khalsa. Their desertion, formalized by signing a document declaring that they were no longer Sikhs, left an indelible scar on the collective memory of a community built on loyalty and spiritual commitment.
It was in this critical moment that Mai Bhago—also known as Mata Bhag Kaur—emerged as a beacon of hope and fierce determination. Born in an era when Sikh women rarely stepped onto the battlefield, Mai Bhago defied societal expectations and became the driving force behind restoring honor and rekindling the faith of her community.
The Battle of Khidrana: A Stand for Honor
The turning point in Mai Bhago’s legendary narrative came at Khidrana, a location where fate interceded as Guru Gobind Singh and his beleaguered followers were being pursued by an overwhelming imperial force. Learning of the dire situation and deeply troubled by the infamy of the desertion, Mai Bhago fearlessly set out to reclaim the honor of the forsaken Sikhs.
- Rallying the Disheartened:
With uncompromising resolve, Mai Bhago gathered the 40 deserters, confronting them with an unyielding call to repentance and valor. She urged them to return to the fold of the Khalsa and seek Guru Gobind Singh’s forgiveness—a plea grounded in deep spirituality and an unshakeable belief in the transformative power of loyalty. - A Ferocious Charge:
At Khidrana, facing an enemy force said to number around 10,000 soldiers, Mai Bhago led the reformed group into battle. Clad in the Khalsa uniform and bearing arms with the fierceness of a born warrior, she charged into combat with the blazing spirit of a true Sikh. Her charge not only inflicted significant damage on the imperial forces but also forced the enemy to retreat, as darkness settled and wounds began to mark the battleground. - The Price of Honor:
In the struggle that ensued, while the 40 Sikhs fought valiantly and laid down their lives—earning the title of the “Forty Liberated Ones”—Mai Bhago emerged as one of the very few survivors. Guru Gobind Singh, who observed the heroic engagement from a vantage point, himself aided in the battle by raining arrows upon the enemy and later acknowledged the valiant effort with profound blessing. This act of redemption underscored the notion that even those who faltered could find a path to honor through unwavering courage and sincere repentance. Legacy of Faith and Fearlessness
Mai Bhago’s tale transcends the battlefield. It is etched into Sikh memory as a testament to the power of redemption, leadership, and the indomitable spirit of the Khalsa:
- A Revolutionary Role Model:
Her bravery stands as a symbol for Sikh women and men alike—highlighting that true strength is found not only in physical might but also in the conviction to uphold one’s principles in the face of insurmountable odds. Her leadership in rallying the deserters and battling overwhelming forces instills lessons of resilience and honor. - Spiritual Reinvention:
Beyond the martial valor, Mai Bhago’s actions carried a deep spiritual significance. By persuading her fellow Sikhs to seek forgiveness and rejoin the fold, she reinstated the communal bonds that form the heart of Sikh identity. Her dedication to the principles of the Khalsa—loyalty, sacrifice, and unwavering faith—continues to inspire spiritual and moral reflection among Sikhs around the world. - Enduring Cultural Impact:
The legacy of Mai Bhago resonates in Sikh art, music, and literature. Her story is celebrated in devotional hymns, ballads, and contemporary narratives, reinforcing a legacy that champions both the martial and compassionate aspects of Sikh tradition. Her memory is preserved in historical sites, and her story is often shared at gatherings and in educational institutions as a source of inspiration for generations to come. Conclusion
The inspiring tale of Mai Bhago, the valiant Sikh survivor of the Battle of Khidrana, is a multifaceted narrative of redemption, leadership, and resilience. Through her fearless rallying of the 40 deserters and her decisive stand against formidable forces, she not only restored honor to a beleaguered community but also left a legacy that continues to energize and uplift Sikh identity. Her story endures as a powerful reminder that the true strength of a community lies in its capacity for forgiveness, unity, and unyielding faith.
