SAHIB KAUR, BIBI (1771-1801), warrior and leader of men who played a prominent part in the history of the cis Sutlej states from 1793 to 1801, was the elder sister of Raja Sahib Singh of Patiala. Born in 1771, Sahib Kaur was married at an early age to Jaimal Singh of the Kanhaiya clan, who resided at Fatehgarh and was master of a greater part of the Bari Doab above Dina Nagar in present day Gurdaspur district of the Punjab. In 1793, Raja Sahib Singh, in view of mounting dissensions within his state, recalled his sister Bibi Sahib Kaur to Patiala and entrusted to her the office of prime minister. She had not been long in Patiala when she had to return to Fatehgarh at the head of a large Patiala army to rescue her husband who had been captured by Fateh Singh, a rival chief. Back in Patiala she faced a large Maratha force marching towards the town in 1794 under the command of Anta Rao and Lachhman Rao. Raja Bhag Singh of jind, Jodh Singh of Kalsia and Bhanga Singh of Thanesar joined hands with her while Tara Singh Ghaiba sent a detachment of troops. The joint force, numbering about 7,000 men, met the enemy at Mardanpur near Ambala where a fierce engagement took place.The Sikhs were severely outnumbered and would have retreated had not Sahib Kaur, alighting from her rath, i.e. chariot, made a brave call with a drawn sword in hand for them to stay firm in their ranks.
The next morning they made a sudden charge on the Marathas who, taken by surprise, retired towards Karnal in utter confusion. Bedl Sahib Singh of Una charged the Pathan chief of Malerkotia with cow killing and attacked him. He was saved by the timely succour given him by Sahib Kaur. In 1796, in response to the request of the Raja of Nahan who had sought help from Raja Sahib Singh of Patiala to quell a revolt in his state, Sahib Kaur proceeded to the hills with a strong force and soon reduced the insurgents to submission.
The Raja was reinstalled on the gaddi and, at the time of Sahib Kaur`s departure, lie presented her with many rich and valuable gifts in token of his gratitude. In the summer of 1799, George Thomas, an English adventurer, who had become very powerful and who ruled the country in the neighbourhood of Hansi and Hissar, turned his attention to the Sikh territories on his northern frontier and marched upon Jind. Sahib Kaur led out a strong contingent to relieve the besieged town and, assisted by the troops of other Sikh chiefs, she forced George Thomas to withdraw. Owing to differences with her brother, Bibi Sahib Kaur had to leave Patiala to take up residence in Bherian, near Sunam, which fell within her Jagir and where she had built a fort changing the name of the village to Ubheval. She died there in 1801 in the prime other life.
References :
1. Atma Singh, Rani Sahib Kaur. Patiala, n.d.
2. Griffin, Lepel, The Rajas of the Punjab [Reprint]. Delhi, 1977
3. Pool, John J., Women`s Influence in the East. London,1892
Sahib Kaur—often remembered as Bibi Sahib Kaur—stands as an emblem of the martial spirit and unwavering leadership that has come to define Punjab’s storied past. Hailing from one of the most powerful military lineages in Sikh history as the daughter of the legendary General Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa, she was not a mere bystander in a turbulent age; she actively embraced the call to arms. In a period when the Sikh Empire was expanding its horizons while confronted by formidable foes, her presence on the battlefield signified a radical departure from traditional expectations of women. Her tactical insight and fierce determination reinforced the community’s resolve, proving that valor and leadership know no gender boundaries .
In the midst of intense military campaigns and shifting allegiances, Sahib Kaur’s contributions went far beyond the clamor of warfare. Her role as a leader was characterized by the seamless blending of martial prowess with compassionate governance—a duality deeply embedded in Sikh ideology. Accounts in folklore and community narratives highlight that her strategic acumen was complemented by an innate ability to inspire her fellow warriors during desperate hours. Though detailed contemporary records may be sparse, her legacy has been carefully preserved through oral traditions and reverent recollections that celebrate her as a fearless guardian of Sikh honor .
Sahib Kaur’s enduring influence continues to be felt across generations. In a historical landscape often dominated by tales of male generalship, her celebrated exploits serve as a powerful reminder that the defense of one’s community and identity requires contributions from all its members. Her leadership not only helped fortify the Sikh military might but also carved a permanent space in the broader discourse of gender equality and feminist leadership in Punjab. Today, her image resonates with young Sikh women who see in her story a call to courage and a model for overcoming the deeply rooted challenges of patriarchy, inspiring them to lead with both strength and empathy.
This legacy, interwoven with the ethos of resilience and justice characteristic of the Sikh tradition, invites further exploration into the diverse roles played by women in shaping the history of Punjab. As historians and enthusiasts continue to unearth the valorous deeds encoded in local lore—from the rallying cries on battlefields to the quiet strength in community leadership—Sahib Kaur’s story remains a luminous beacon of what it means to be a true warrior and leader.
