War Elephants in Medieval India: Instruments of Power and Psychological Warfare

Abstract

Elephants in India occupied a central position in Military traditions, serving not only as a fearsome animal but also as a symbol of power, majesty, and terror. From as early 4th century BCE, their use in battlefield and siege operations reflects their strength and performance in Indian Warfare. Their presence on the battlefield projected power but also created vulnerabilities which foreign invaders skilfully exploited. This study begins with the early military elephants in Indian warfare, highlighting their use as a mobile fortress and psychological weapons. It then examines how the Ghaznavids adopted and adapted elephants into their tactical systems, and how Ghori transformed elephants from instruments of dominance into liabilities during the Battle of Tarian.  Then, how elephants played a strategic defence against the Mongols during the reign of Alauddin, and emblems of sovereignty were maintained through Pil Khana. The study concludes with the invasion of Timur, demonstrating the overdependence of Rulers on elephants and marking the near end of their dominance in Indian Military History.

DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/177