Mata Jit Kaur, daughter of Bhai Harjas Rai Subhikhi, was born at Lahore. She was betrothed to Guru Gobind Sahib on May 12, 1673. Bhai Harjas Subhikhi, told Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib that he had a desire that the marriage ceremony of his daughter should be solemnized at Lahore. Guru Sahib told him that the circumstances were not proper to lead a marriage party to Lahore. In order to fulfil Bhai Harjas Subhikhi’s desire Guru Sahib founded a new town near the old village of Basantgarh, in the hills of Bilaspur area and named it Guru-Ka-Lahore, hence fulfilled Bhai Harjas Subhikhi’s wish of getting his daughter’s marriage solemnized at Lahore. The marriage ceremony was performed here on June 21, 1677. Mata Jit Kaur could not bear any child for about 13 years. Later, she gave birth to three sons: Sahibzada Jujhar Singh (14.3.1691 – 7.12.1705), Zorawar Singh (17.11.1696 – 12.12.1705), and Fateh Singh (25.2.1699 – 12.12.1705). When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib prepared Amrit for the initiation of the first Khalsas, on March 29, 1698, she was given the honour to drop some Patasas (a Punjabi sweet-meat) into the Bata (vessel) in which Amrit was being prepared. It meant transmutation of sweetness to iron. It signified that the Khanda/sword of the Khalsa will not be used in anger or for revenge. Mata Jit Kaur died at Anandpur Sahib, on December 5, 1700. She was cremated at village Agampura (adjacent to Anandpur Sahib). Gurdwara Mata Jit Kaur Ji has been built at the site. Mata Jit Kaur’s name before initiation was (Mata) Jito.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)