Singh, Kaur as social levellers
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why the names Singh and Kaur are important in Sikhi and how Princess Sophia Duleep Kaur Singh promoted equality.
Key learning points
- Your name may impact how people perceive you and could reveal things about your heritage.
- Indian last names might reveal the 'caste' or 'varna' to which your family belong and signifies social hierarchy.
- Guru Gobind Rai established the Khalsa and Khalsa Sikhs may take 'Singh' or 'Kaur' after their name.
- The names 'Singh' and 'Kaur' come from the Sanskrit for 'lion' and 'princess'.
- 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.
Teacher tip
Teach the story of Guru Gobind Rai (Singh) and the Panj Payre to consolidate the learning in this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the key words to their definitions.
a group committed to living by Sikh teachings
the Sikh name for God
a ceremonial short sword symbolising Sikh values
Q2.The kirpan is usually made of iron or ...
Q3.What is the gatra used for?
Q4.What does Miri represent?
Q5.What is Miri Piri Divas?
Q6.The kirpan is worn only by Sikh warriors.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Guru Gobind Singh chose men who became the first members of the Khalsa.
Q2.What is the caste system?
Q3.Using the names Singh or Kaur aimed to promote among Sikhs.
Q4.What are the Panj Kakkar?
Q5.How did Princess Sophia Duleep Kaur Singh support equality?
Q6.Only Khalsa Sikhs can have the names Singh or Kaur.
To help you plan your 7 religious education lesson on: Singh, Kaur as social levellers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 religious education lesson on: Singh, Kaur as social levellers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Social justice: how might Sikhs promote equality? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.