Elephant fight, Mughal Empire
Miniature gouache painting, anonymous, after 1698
From Niccolao Manucci's Storia do Mogor

The Mughals employed elephants in battle for their intimidating presence, using armoured elephants with archers on howdahs to disrupt enemy formations. With the advent of firearms and artillery, the effectiveness of war elephants waned, leading to their decline on the battlefield. Niccolao Manucci's Storia do Mogor, written in the 17th century, stands as a captivating memoir detailing his experiences in the Mughal Empire during the years 1653 to 1708. After leaving the Jesuit order, Manucci ventured to India, where he found employment in various roles within the Mughal court, serving under rulers like Aurangzeb. His voluminous work provides a rich tapestry of historical narratives, offering vivid descriptions of the political, social, and cultural milieu of the Mughal era. Although criticised for potential inaccuracies, Manucci's engaging and anecdotal style, coupled with his unique perspective as a European immersed in Mughal society, has cemented his work as a valuable source for scholars and historians seeking insights into this fascinating period of empire. Manucci did not personally execute the miniatures contained in the manuscript. The identity of the hand remains unknown.