'The Lost Heer' Tells Panjab’s History Through Women Protagonists

Toronto-based author Harleen Singh’s book The Lost Heer reimagines Panjab’s history through women protagonists whose lives have long remained in the shadows of a male-centric narrative. Spanning from the earliest appearance of British influence in Panjab’s princely states until the Partition of Panjab in 1947, the book draws upon archival sources and personal accounts to illuminate the extraordinary contributions of women typically relegated to roles as consorts, mothers, and daughters. The strength of the book lies in the truly wide sweep in terms of the women featured in the book. Singh moves beyond figures like Maharaja Ranjit Singh to focus on, for instance, Mai Fatto of Patiala, Bibi Sahib Kaur, the warrior princesses of Patiala, and Mai Moran, whose political counsel to Ranjit Singh is reappraised. Equally engaging is the inclusion of foreign women, such as Emily Eden, who interacts with the women of the zenana (bath house) in Lahore, and Elizabeth Janvier Newton, an American missionary in Ludhiana. The text delves into the experiences of pioneer female doctors, activists, and reformers, like Leelawati, Mai Bhagwati, Harnam Kaur, and Zainab Khatun, as well as cultural icons such as actress Mukhtar Begam and poet Amrita Pritam. Singh’s argument is further strengthened by an extensive bibliography and end notes, indicating rigorous research. As an exception to regular reviews, editor Karthik Venkatesh is mentioned as his contributions infuse the volume with additional depth. A critique that emerges is that the chapters, labeled simply One, Two, Three, offer no thematic clues, potentially making navigation challenging for scholars seeking particular material. Nonetheless, the book’s compelling vignettes of women forging significant sociopolitical impact—be they queens, revolutionaries, or missionaries—underscore a vital yet underexplored dimension of Panjab’s heritage. The Lost Heer stands out as a major contribution for those seeking a richer, more inclusive understanding of Panjab’s past.