Battle of Maiwand
Background
The Battle of Maiwand was a significant engagement during the Second Anglo-Afghan War, fought on July 27, 1880, near the village of Maiwand in Afghanistan. This conflict was a part of the broader geopolitical struggle known as the Great Game, which involved the British Empire and the Russian Empire vying for influence in Central Asia. The battle is notable for the decisive victory of Afghan forces under the leadership of Ayub Khan against the British-Indian contingent commanded by Brigadier General George Burrows.
The Second Anglo-Afghan War was initiated by the British in 1878, driven by fears of Russian expansion into Afghanistan. The British aimed to establish a friendly government in Kabul that would act as a buffer against Russian advances. The war saw several phases, with the initial British success leading to the Treaty of Gandamak in 1879. However, the situation deteriorated with the assassination of the British envoy in Kabul, prompting further military action.
Prelude to the Battle
In the summer of 1880, Ayub Khan, a son of the deposed Afghan ruler Sher Ali Khan, advanced from Herat with a sizable force aiming to reclaim control over Afghanistan. His march towards Kandahar posed a direct threat to British interests. In response, Brigadier General Burrows was tasked with intercepting Ayub Khan's forces. Burrows' brigade, comprising British and Indian troops, moved to confront the Afghan army, which was significantly larger and better equipped than anticipated.
The British underestimated the strength and resolve of Ayub Khan's forces, which included seasoned warriors and artillery acquired from the defeated Persian army. The Afghan forces were also bolstered by local tribesmen who were motivated by religious and nationalistic fervor.
The Battle
The battle commenced on the morning of July 27, 1880, with the British forces positioned near the village of Maiwand. The terrain was challenging, with the British occupying a defensive position on a ridge. Ayub Khan's forces launched a coordinated assault, utilizing their numerical superiority and artillery advantage.
The Afghan attack was characterized by aggressive infantry charges and effective use of artillery. The British line, initially holding firm, began to falter under the relentless pressure. The Afghan cavalry exploited gaps in the British formation, causing disarray and panic among the troops. Despite valiant efforts to regroup and counterattack, the British forces were overwhelmed.
The battle saw acts of extraordinary bravery on both sides. The British 66th Regiment, in particular, fought tenaciously, suffering heavy casualties. The Afghan forces, inspired by their leaders and the presence of local heroines like Malalai of Maiwand, pressed their advantage, ultimately forcing the British to retreat in disarray.
Aftermath and Consequences
The defeat at Maiwand was a significant setback for British forces in Afghanistan. It resulted in the loss of approximately 969 British and Indian soldiers, with many more wounded or captured. The Afghan victory bolstered Ayub Khan's position, allowing him to lay siege to Kandahar. The battle also had a profound impact on British military strategy and policy in the region.
In response to the defeat, the British dispatched reinforcements under the command of General Frederick Roberts, who successfully relieved Kandahar in September 1880. The subsequent victory at the Battle of Kandahar marked the end of major hostilities in the Second Anglo-Afghan War. The conflict concluded with the British withdrawing from Afghanistan, having secured a buffer state but failing to establish a lasting influence.
Legacy
The Battle of Maiwand holds a significant place in Afghan national history, symbolizing resistance against foreign intervention. It is commemorated in Afghan folklore and literature, with Malalai of Maiwand celebrated as a national heroine. The battle also served as a poignant reminder to the British of the complexities and challenges of military engagements in Afghanistan.
In military history, the battle is studied for its lessons on leadership, logistics, and the impact of morale on combat effectiveness. The engagement highlighted the importance of understanding local dynamics and the limitations of numerical superiority in unfamiliar terrain.