Born: 1861 (Khig, Kandahar province, Afghanistan)
Biography:
Malalai of Maiwand, also known as Malala or Malalai Anna, is a national folk hero of Afghanistan. She is renowned for her pivotal role in rallying Pashtun fighters during the Battle of Maiwand, which took place on 27 July 1880, during the Second Anglo-Afghan War. Born in 1861 in the village of Khig, located about 3 miles southwest of Maiwand in the southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan, Malalai’s life and actions have left an indelible mark on the history of her country.
During the late 1880s, Afghanistan found itself at war with Great Britain, with the most recent conflict between the two nations taking place in the 1840s. The British, along with their Indian forces, had launched a major expedition into Afghanistan from India, establishing their main garrison in Kandahar, which was the closest city to the town of Maiwand. On the other side, the military of Afghanistan was led by Ayub Khan, son of Afghan Emir Sher Ali Khan.
As war engulfed the region, Malalai’s father, a shepherd, and her fiancé joined Ayub Khan’s army in the large-scale attack against the British-Indian forces in July 1880. Like many Afghan women of the time, Malalai was present on the battlefield, tending to the wounded and providing refreshments and spare weapons. Interestingly, it was reported that the day of the battle was supposed to be Malalai’s wedding day. Despite the perilous situation, she remained steadfast in her commitment to helping her people.
It was on September 2, 1880, about a month after their victory at the Battle of Maiwand, that Malalai showcased her extraordinary courage and determination. As the Afghan army was starting to lose morale, despite their superior numbers, Malalai seized the Afghan flag and with a resounding voice, shouted, Young love! If you do not fall in the Battle of Maiwand, by God, someone is saving you as a symbol of shame! Her words ignited a fire within the hearts of the Afghan fighters, inspiring them to redouble their efforts.
When the lead flag-bearer was killed, Malalai fearlessly advanced and held up the flag, singing a landai, a short folk-song traditionally sung by Afghan women. Her words echoed across the battlefield, With a drop of my sweetheart’s blood, Shed in defense of the Motherland, Will I put a beauty spot on my forehead, Such as would put to shame the rose in the garden! In her act of bravery and sacrifice, Malalai became a beacon of hope and inspiration for her compatriots.
Tragically, Malalai’s life was cut short when she was struck down and killed by a British soldier. However, her resolute spirit and unwavering dedication had already propelled her countrymen to victory. In the aftermath of the battle, Malalai was honored for her extraordinary efforts and laid to rest in her native village of Khig, where her grave remains a testament to her heroism to this day.
Malalai’s impact extends far beyond her time on earth. Her story continues to be celebrated and taught in Afghan school textbooks. Her unwavering bravery and sacrifice serve as a lasting source of inspiration for generations to come. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, numerous schools, hospitals, and institutions in Afghanistan bear her name, ensuring that her legacy endures.