In December 1398, the formidable conqueror Timur (Tamerlane) delivered a crushing blow to Sultan Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Shah Tughluq of the Delhi Sultanate. By strategically exploiting the Sultan’s reliance on war elephants, Timur unleashed fire-bearing camels and incendiary catapults, creating chaos among the ranks and causing the elephants to panic. This brilliant tactic resulted in a resounding defeat for the Indian forces at the gates of Delhi. 

This painting powerfully captures the intense, chaotic clash between Timur’s cavalry and the mighty war elephants commanded by Sultan Mahmud Shah Tughluq.