According to historical records, Mata Sundri and Mata Sahib Kaur stayed for many years in Kucha Dilwali Singh near Ajmeri Gate. They were attended to by Bhai Nand Lal who worked as Mir Munshi to Prince Muazzam--Emperor Bahadur Shah. Besides, Bhai Kirpal Chand maternal uncle of the tenth Guru, and Bhai Sahib Singh, brother of Mata Sahib Kaur, also looked after them. When Guru Gobind Singh Ji traveled to the Deccan his wife Mata Sundri Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, the mother of the Khalsa, came to Delhi and stayed for some time at the Haveli of Bhai Jawahar Singh at the Turkman Gate. Later Mata Sundri Ji stayed at the Gurdwara till she breathed her last. It was during her stay at this Gurdwara that Mata sundri Ji appointed Bhai Mani Singh ji as Granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib—the Golden Temple Amritsar. Five weapons-one sword, one khanda (double edged sword), one khanjar (Poniard) and two katars (daggers) of Guru Gobind Singh are also placed in this Gurdwara which Guruji had given to Mata Saheb Kaur on her departure from Deccan. It was Mata Sundri who looked after Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia during his childhood. Later, he sent him to Punjab to serve under Nawab Kapur Singh, the then leader of the Dal Khalsa. By the blessings of Mata Sundri, Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia achieved great distinctions as a warrior and made victories against the Afghans and Mughal armies. He conquered Lahore and minted his own coins. Mata Sundri expired in 1747 A.D. while Mata Sahib Kaur died a year or two later. After the death of Mata Sahib Kaur the Guru's weapons were preserved by Bhai Jiwan Singh and his descendants in their house in 'Chitli Kabar Mohalla' of Matya Bazar. Visit: http://ehmerapunjab.tumblr.com/

• published: 01 Dec 2013