It was then that another emperor from abroad attacked North India in 14th century – Timur, also known as Tamerlane. He was a Turko-Mongol, and the founder of one of the largest empires in world history (1370 –1405). 

Also known as Timur the Lame, his empire included Turky, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, parts of Kazakistan, Afghanistan, parts of Russia, Turkmenistan, Usbekistan, Kirgistan, the north western parts of India etc. 

Timur, who was ruling his empire from Samarkhand of Usbekistan, turned to India with his troops on hearing about the rat race for power and their internal squabbles. In September1398, Timur crossed River Indus and captured villages and towns and cities, and indulged in mass murders and marched forward unchecked. 

In December, he captured Delhi, defeating the troops of Naziruddin Muhammed of the last ruler of the Tuglaq dynasty. This attack and invasion of Delhi resulted in the death of thousands and the destruction of the city. It was Khisrkhan, whom Timur appointed governor of Delhi founded the Sayyid dynasty of rulers in Delhi. 

The administration of the Sultanates was as per the Islamic dictum. The reign of the Sultanate was instrumental in paving the way for the Persian culture and language to acquire a decisive role in Indian politics.