Timur, known for his brutal military campaigns across Central Asia, set his sights on India, particularly Delhi, in 1398. His ambition stemmed from a desire to expand his empire and seek retribution against the Delhi Sultanate, which had been a significant power in the region. Sultan Nasir-u Din Mehmud, though not a prominent military leader, attempted to defend his territory against Timur's formidable forces. The Sultan's army, despite their numbers, was no match for the tactical skills and discipline of Timur's soldiers.

The battle that ensued resulted in a catastrophic defeat for Nasir-u Din's forces. The forces engaged in fierce combat, but Timur’s strategic maneuvers and heavy cavalry ultimately proved decisive. After the initial skirmishes, Timur’s army managed to encircle the Sultanate's troops, leading to a rout. Following the victory, Timur and his troops entered Delhi, executing a widespread campaign of looting, destruction and showcasing his brutality toward captured cities.

The conquest would mark the deterioration of the Delhi Sultanate's power and influence, setting a precedence for future invasions in the Indian subcontinent. The devastation experienced in the city would serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of military defeat and the volatility of power in the region during this period. Timur’s incursion not only altered the political landscape of India but also had profound cultural and demographic impacts, contributing to the eventual rise of the Mughal Empire in the subsequent century.