Malalai of Maiwand

[1] She fought alongside Ayub Khan and was responsible for the Afghan victory[2] at the Battle of Maiwand on 27 July 1880.

Malalai's father, who was a shepherd, and her fiancé joined with Ayub Khan's army in the large attack on the British-Indian forces in July 1880.

When a lead flag-bearer was killed, Malalai went forward and held up the flag[7][self-published source][8] (some versions say she used her veil as a flag[9]), singing a landai (a short folk-song sung by Afghan women): 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!

After the battle, Malalai was honored for her efforts and buried in her native village of Khig, where her grave remains today.

[citation needed] Pakistan activist Malala Yousafzai was named in honor of Malalai when she was born on July 12, 1997.

No British historian of that time referred to or mentioned Malalai's name, even the local records are missing.

[citation needed] The first time Malalai's name was mentioned was 40–60 years after the battle of Maiwand.