Unveiling Forgotten Voices: The Lost Heer – Women in Colonial Punjab by Harleen Singh

When we think of Punjab history books, a recurring image often dominates the narrative—of brave warriors, stoic kings, and political leaders who shaped the region. Historically celebrated as the “sword arm of India,” Punjab has been extensively portrayed through the lens of masculinity and valor. Yet, in the shadows of these heroic tales lies an entire realm of overlooked stories—those of women who lived, led, and resisted during colonial times.

In her groundbreaking book, The Lost Heer – Women in Colonial Punjab, Harleen Singh rewrites this narrative with remarkable depth and sensitivity. By focusing on the lives of women in colonial Punjab, she addresses a glaring omission in the collective memory preserved in most traditional books.

Recovering the Forgotten: Who Was the Lost Heer?

The name Heer evokes the timeless Punjabi folklore of Heer-Ranjha, where Heer is celebrated as a tragic lover. But in Singh’s telling, the “lost Heer” becomes symbolic of all the women whose stories were left untold in the male-dominated histories of Punjab. These were not women who merely stood behind great men—they were changemakers, thinkers, warriors, and survivors in their own right.

Unlike conventional Punjab history books that often mention women only in reference to the men in their lives—as daughters, wives, or widows—The Lost Heer brings their experiences to the forefront. It does so by turning to oral histories, regional literature, folk traditions, and buried archival materials that most mainstream historians have overlooked.

Unveiling Women’s Agency in Colonial Punjab

Harleen Singh’s work introduces readers to a rich tapestry of female figures who shaped their communities and resisted oppression:

• Bibi Sahib Kaur, a warrior princess who led armies and negotiated treaties during the late 18th century, proved that political acumen was not a male preserve.

• Mai Fatto, remembered in oral narratives, became a symbol of rural wisdom and resilience, showcasing leadership far from royal courts.

• Manmohini Zutshi, an early nationalist, defied societal norms to participate in civil disobedience during the independence movement.

• Dr. Premdevi, likely Punjab’s first qualified female physician, carved a path into male-dominated medicine, breaking caste and class barriers along the way.

• Khadija Begum Ferozeuddin, the first Muslim woman in Punjab to earn an MA degree, stood tall as an educational pioneer at a time when women’s literacy was rare and discouraged.

These stories are a powerful reminder that women were not silent observers in colonial Punjab—they were active participants in shaping its course. By centering their voices, The Lost Heer becomes a vital addition to any collection of Punjab history books aiming to present a fuller, more inclusive narrative.

Beyond the Archives: Regional Literature and Folk Memory

Singh doesn’t rely solely on government records or elite memoirs, which typically marginalize women’s perspectives. Instead, she mines folk songs, poems, and oral narratives—often passed down from one generation of women to another.

In doing so, Singh validates the importance of vernacular history, a realm that many Punjab history books ignore. These sources help paint a complex portrait of women’s lives, filled with agency, emotion, struggle, and quiet resistance.

The Twin Burdens: Colonialism and Patriarchy

Another key theme in The Lost Heer is how colonial rule deepened existing patriarchal structures. British legal and social reforms often formalized male authority, sidelining women from inheritance rights, political representation, and decision-making.

Singh explores how women navigated this dual oppression—by colonial power and patriarchal norms—through education, reform movements, community activism, and even rebellion. The result is a layered narrative that reflects the intersectionality of gender, class, and colonial power.

Unlike many Punjab history books that focus on high politics or military campaigns, Singh’s lens captures the domestic, the everyday, and the local—areas where women exerted influence and fought for autonomy.

Why This Book Matters Today

The Lost Heer is not just a history book—it’s an act of historical justice. By highlighting stories that have been ignored, Singh shifts the focus of Punjab’s history from a monolithic, male-centric tale to a diverse and inclusive narrative.

In contemporary times, when there’s a growing interest in revisiting South Asian histories through feminist and decolonial perspectives, this book is a much-needed contribution. It invites readers, students, and researchers to question: Who is missing from the history we’ve been taught? And why?

The Lost Heer is a must-read for anyone exploring punjab history books with a desire to engage beyond the usual accounts of kings and conquerors.

Conclusion: Rewriting History With Women at the Centre

Harleen Singh’s The Lost Heer is a bold, empathetic, and meticulously researched work that reclaims space for women in the history of colonial Punjab. It challenges the reader to rethink what counts as history and whose voices are worthy of being preserved.

If you're a student, historian, or enthusiast of Punjab history books, this title deserves a special place on your shelf. It fills a deep void, enriching the historical landscape with the stories of women who were never meant to be forgotten.