The Sultanate of Delhi, 711–1526 A.D. c20.s5.4

c20.s5.4

Timur occupied Delhi on 18th December, 1398. The citizens of the capital, headed by the *ulema*, waited on the conqueror and begged quarter. Timur agreed to spare the citizens; but, owing to the oppressive conduct of the soldiers of the invading force, the people of the city were obliged to offer resistance. Timur now ordered a general plunder and massacre which lasted for several days. Thousands of the citizens of Delhi were murdered and thousands were made prisoners. A historian writes : “High towers were built with the heads of the Hindus, and their bodies became the food of ravenous beasts and birds . . . . . such of the inhabitants who escaped alive were made prisoners.” The conqueror acquired immense riches. Every soldier in his army became rich overnight and “there was none so humble but he had at least twenty slaves.” Timur picked up the best artisans of Delhi and sent them to Samarqand to build for him the famous Friday Mosque.