Delhi (Second Mongol Invasion).
Fought 1398, between the Mongols under Tamerlane, and the Delhi Mohammedans under Mahmud Tughlak. Tamerlane, having crossed the Jumna to reconnoitre with an escort of 700 horsemen, was attacked by Mahmud with 5,000 cavalry. Tamerlane repulsed the attack, and later, having brought his main body across the river, totally defeated Mahmud, and drove him into Delhi, which at once surrendered. The city was plundered, and Tamerlane withdrew laden with spoil.
Delhi (Second Mahratta War).
Fought September 11, 1803, between 4,500 British under General Lake, and 19,000 Mahrattas of Scindiah's army under Bourquin[Bourquin]. The enemy occupied a strong position with the Jumna in their rear, and Lake, feigning a retreat, drew them from their lines, and then turning upon them drove them with the bayonet into the river, inflicting enormous loss upon them. The British lost 400 only.
Delhi (Second Mahratta War).
The city was invested October 7, 1804, by 20,000 Mahrattas, with 100 guns, under Jeswunt Rao Holkar, and was successfully defended for nine days by a small British garrison. At the end of this period, Holkar withdrew. So small was the garrison, that they were on constant duty on the ramparts, throughout the siege, without relief.
Delhi (Indian Mutiny).
After the outbreak at Meerut, Delhi became the rallying place of the mutineers, and on June 8, 1857, Sir Harry Barnard commenced the siege of the city. His force was too small for a complete investment, while the mutineers numbered 30,000, and could obtain continual reinforcements, and ample supplies. The garrison made constant sorties, and fighting was incessant at the outposts. On September 8 the breaching batteries opened fire, and on the 14th the final assault was made and the city entered. It was not, however, till the 20th that the Palace was taken, and all resistance at an end. Among those who fell was John Nicholson.
Delium (Peloponnesian War).
Fought B.C. 424 between the Athenians under Hippocrates. 17,000 strong, and the Bœotians under Pagondas, 18,000 strong. The armies met on a plain before Delium, and after an obstinate encounter, in which the Thebans on the right overpowered the Athenians, while their left attack was repulsed, the appearance of a large body of cavalry on their flank alarmed the Athenians, who broke and fled, Hippocrates fell in the battle.