The Battle of Maiwand (poem by Rudyard Kipling)

"The Battle of Maiwand," a poem by Rudyard Kipling, recounts a 1880 conflict in Afghanistan where Afghan tribesmen decisively defeated a British army. The poem honors the bravery of British soldiers, highlighting their courage and sacrifice amidst a tough and chaotic battle. Kipling emphasizes themes of loyalty, resilience, and the grim realities of colonial warfare, portraying the soldiers as heroic despite the heavy loss. The poem serves both as a tribute to those who fought and as a commentary on the cost of imperial expansion, capturing the valor and tragedy of this significant historical encounter.