Malalai of Maiwand facts for kids

Malalai of Maiwand, also known as Malala, is a national hero of Afghanistan. She is famous for her bravery during the Battle of Maiwand in 1880. This battle was a big part of the Second Anglo-Afghan War. Malalai helped the Afghan fighters, led by Ayub Khan, win this important battle on July 27, 1880. People sometimes call her "The Afghan Jeanne d'Arc" because she was so courageous. Many schools and hospitals in Afghanistan are named after her. Her story is even taught in Afghan school textbooks.

Malalai: A Young Hero's Story

Malalai was born in 1861 in a small village called Khig. This village was near Maiwand in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan. In the late 1880s, a war started between Afghanistan and Great Britain. British forces, along with their Indian soldiers, marched into Afghanistan from India. Their main army base was in Kandahar, close to Maiwand.

The Battle of Maiwand Begins

The Afghan army was led by commander Ayub Khan. Malalai's father, who was a shepherd, and her fiancé joined Ayub Khan's army. They were part of a big attack against the British-Indian forces in July 1880. Like many Afghan women, Malalai was at the battle. She was there to help wounded soldiers. She also brought water and extra weapons to the fighters. Local stories say that this day was supposed to be her wedding day.

Afghan military commanders on September 2, 1880. This was about a month after their victory at the Battle of Maiwand.

Malalai's Brave Actions

During the battle, the Afghan army started to lose hope. Even though they had more soldiers, their spirits were low. That's when Malalai stepped forward. She grabbed the Afghan flag and shouted a powerful poem:

Her words filled the Afghan fighters with new courage. They fought even harder. When the soldier carrying the flag was killed, Malalai quickly took the flag. Some stories say she even used her own veil as a flag. She then sang a landai, which is a short folk song sung by Afghan women:

Her Sacrifice and Victory

Sadly, Malalai was shot and killed by a British soldier. But her brave words had already inspired her countrymen. They fought on and won the battle. After the victory, Malalai was honored for her amazing courage. She was buried in her home village of Khig. Her grave is still there today. She was only 18 or 19 years old when she died. Her grave, along with those of her father and fiancé, is seen as a special shrine by local people.

Malalai's Lasting Legacy

Malalai's story continues to inspire people in Afghanistan. The Pashtun poet Ajmal Khattak wrote these lines about her:

Malalai also appeared in an animated scene in the documentary film called He Named Me Malala. Her bravery and sacrifice are remembered as a symbol of Afghan strength and spirit.