6. Mai Bhago
Of all the worlds major faiths, Sikhism stands out for its advocacy of equality in all things, including gender, and for its belief that self-defensive violence is sometimes justified. These two things were combined in Mai Bhago, a revered warrior who led a valiant charge to defend her faith and won a Pyrrhic victory that forever endeared her to her people. In the early 18th century, the Sikh religion had come under grave threat from the Mughal Empire, a dynasty descended from the all-conquering Mongols. An army marched to surround the holy city of Amritsar in northern India, demanding its surrender and the capitulation of Guru Gobind Singh, the incumbent figurehead of the faith. Many valiant Sikh warriors rushed to the defence of the city and their spiritual leader, resulting in brutal fighting as the Mughals ordered continuous human wave attacks to wear down the defenders. The line held initially, but eventually sheer force of numbers began to overwhelm the Sikhs. With the situation turning against them, some 40 defenders reluctantly renounced their religion to spare their lives and fled the battle. Whilst lamenting the inevitable doom of their shrines and spirituality, the deserters chanced upon Mai on the road. Hearing of their spinelessness and general demoralisation, she proceeded to give them an extraordinary verbal spanking, castigating their cowardice and rallying them to return. To further encourage them to seek a glorious redemption in defence of their faith, she grabbed her sword and musket, mounted her horse and dared them to grow a pair and ride at her side. Back at Amritsar, the Guru and his remaining bodyguards had been forced to retreat, and were being relentlessly pursued and harassed by the Mughals. All hope seemed truly lost. And then, like Gandalf arriving at Helms Deep, Mai appeared on the horizon with her 40 reinvigorated warriors. They immediately charged into the Mughal lines, hacking at everything within sight and reach with righteous religious rage. This display made the enemy force void their bowels, and they promptly retreated. Alas for the 40 soldiers, redemption in this case meant death; Mai Bhago was the only survivor. The Guru forgave the deserters and, greatly impressed, slowly rehabilitated Mai back to health and inducted her into his personal bodyguard. She is said to have spent the rest of her days travelling with the Gurus, dying peacefully of old age. Backing up her words with actions, Mai Bhago is an eminent figure amongst Sikhs for her valour, and the anniversary of the battle in which she fought is regularly commemorated.