War Elephants in the Age of Gunpowder

From Alexander's advance into India to Hannibal's crossing the Alps, the War Elephant has always stood out as one of the most terrifying and exotic of ancient weapons. Be it heavily armoured with archers and spearmen on its back, or merely serving as an imposing mount for generals and lords, the concept of utilizing these multi-ton behemoths on the field of battle has always been a popular one- regardless of how efficient they may or may not have been!

But while War Elephants are such a strong symbol of the terror, mystique, and exoticism of ancient warfare, we so rarely hear about the application of these animals in other times. Were War Elephants used in the 18th Century? If so, how did they perform against the firepower and discipline of modern armies? And why was their use so limited?




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