The land of Garhwal is steeped in tales of valor, and among its revered heroes stands Madho Singh Bhandari. Born around 1585 CE in the village of Maletha in present-day Tehri Garhwal, he served as the commander of Garhwal’s army under King Mahipati Shah. Known for his unparalleled courage, he holds a cherished place in the hearts of the people of Garhwal. Beyond his bravery in battle, he made a lasting contribution through the construction of the famous ‘Maletha Canal’ to irrigate the lands of Maletha.
Historical Significance and Heroic Deeds
Madho Singh Bhandari’s heroism is best illustrated by the challenges he faced during relentless attacks on Garhwal by forces from Kumaon and Tibet. Together with King Mahipati Shah, he defended Garhwal’s borders across many battles, extending the kingdom’s reach and fortifying its borders against invasions from the north. His exceptional military acumen became evident as he led Garhwal’s forces to victories in skirmishes with the Tibetan invaders, even advancing Garhwal’s borders as far as Tibet.
Even today, remnants of the boundary markers and small forts he established to protect Garhwal’s northern boundary are scattered across the hills and valleys of Garhwal. In recognition of his dedicated service, King Mahipati Shah awarded him several estates and titles.
The Construction of Maletha Canal
One of Madho Singh Bhandari’s most celebrated achievements is the construction of the Maletha Canal. Due to a lack of irrigation facilities, the farmlands in Maletha were often barren and yielded poor harvests. Inspired by a challenge from his wife, Bhandari took it upon himself to bring water to Maletha. After days of hard labor, he managed to carve a tunnel from a river located high in the hills, channeling water to the fields of Maletha and transforming the land into fertile, green farmland.
His Final Journey
According to legend, Madho Singh Bhandari lost his life while extending Garhwal’s territory towards present-day Himachal Pradesh, known back then as “Little China.” In his final moments, he instructed his fellow soldiers to remain strong and carry on, and he requested that his body be taken to Haridwar for his last rites.
His Lasting Legacy
Madho Singh Bhandari’s sacrifice, bravery, and intelligence left an indelible mark on Garhwal. His efforts turned the barren fields of Maletha into fertile farmland, and his valor continues to inspire the people of Garhwal to this day.
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