In 1398, Timur started his campaign towards Indian Subcontinent (Hindustan). At that time the subcontinent was ruled by Sultan Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Shah Tughluq of the Tughlaq dynasty but it had already been weakened by the formation of regional sultanates and struggle of succession within imperial family. Timur started his journey from Samarkand. He invaded the north Indian subcontinent (present day Pakistan and North India) by crossing the Indus River on September 30, 1398. He was opposed by Ahirs, Gujjars and Jats but Delhi Sultanate did nothing to stop him.