New
New
Year 7

Singh, Kaur as social levellers

I can explain why the names Singh and Kaur are important in Sikhi and how Princess Sophia Duleep Kaur Singh promoted equality.

New
New
Year 7

Singh, Kaur as social levellers

I can explain why the names Singh and Kaur are important in Sikhi and how Princess Sophia Duleep Kaur Singh promoted equality.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Your name may impact how people perceive you and could reveal things about your heritage.
  2. Indian last names might reveal the 'caste' or 'varna' to which your family belong and signifies social hierarchy.
  3. Guru Gobind Rai established the Khalsa and Khalsa Sikhs may take 'Singh' or 'Kaur' after their name.
  4. The names 'Singh' and 'Kaur' come from the Sanskrit for 'lion' and 'princess'.
  5. By removing ties to the caste system, these new names may help to remove social hierarchy and show equality among Sikhs.

Keywords

  • Kaur - ‘princess’ - the name given to female members of the khalsa

  • Khalsa - the group of Sikhs that have a commitment to following Sikhi, including wearing the Panj Kakkars (5 Ks)

  • Singh - ‘lion’ - the name given to male members of the khalsa

Common misconception

You can only have the names 'Singh' or 'Kaur' if you are a Khalsa Sikh.

'Singh' and 'Kaur' have also become used as a surname.


To help you plan your year 7 religious education lesson on: Singh, Kaur as social levellers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Teach the story of Guru Gobind Rai (Singh) and the Panj Payre to consolidate the learning in this lesson.
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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the key words to their definitions.

Correct Answer:Khalsa,a group committed to living by Sikh teachings

a group committed to living by Sikh teachings

Correct Answer:Waheguru,the Sikh name for God

the Sikh name for God

Correct Answer:kirpan,a ceremonial short sword symbolising Sikh values

a ceremonial short sword symbolising Sikh values

Q2.
The kirpan is usually made of iron or ...

Correct Answer: steel, Steel

Q3.
What is the gatra used for?

a robe worn during prayer
Correct answer: a strap to carry the kirpan
a necklace given at weddings

Q4.
What does Miri represent?

Correct answer: power and action in society
a connection to God
obedience to the Gurus

Q5.
What is Miri Piri Divas?

a Sikh marriage festival
a day for reading the Guru Granth Sahib
Correct answer: a celebration of Guru Hargobind’s teaching

Q6.
The kirpan is worn only by Sikh warriors.

Correct answer: False – it’s a symbol of Sikh commitment.
False – it is only worn during festivals.
True – only trained fighters carry it.

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Guru Gobind Singh chose men who became the first members of the Khalsa.

Correct Answer: five, 5

Q2.
What is the caste system?

Correct answer: a social ranking that can lead to discrimination
a way to organise prayer times in Sikhi
a traditional diet followed by Sikh families

Q3.
Using the names Singh or Kaur aimed to promote among Sikhs.

Correct Answer: equality

Q4.
What are the Panj Kakkar?

Correct answer: the five items worn by Khalsa Sikhs
special meals prepared at festivals
the names of the five Khalsa Gurus

Q5.
How did Princess Sophia Duleep Kaur Singh support equality?

opening a school for Sikh girls
becoming a Member of Parliament
Correct answer: joining the Suffragette movement and helping Indian soldiers

Q6.
Only Khalsa Sikhs can have the names Singh or Kaur.

True – only Khalsa Sikhs are allowed these names.
Correct answer: False – many Sikhs use them as surnames today.
True – it’s part of the 5 Ks and not optional.