Mahdist War (1881-1899). It faced the followers of Sudanese religious leader Muhammad Ahmad bin Abdullah bin Fahal, the self-proclaimed Mahdi, against Egyptian Khedivate troops, who were later joined by British forces. Second Battle of El Teb (29th February 1884). Major General Gerald Graham (1831-1899), commanding an army of British and Indian soldiers, defeated the Mahdists led by Osman Digna, whose main position was on a hill near El Teb. The British army advances towards the heights occupied by the insurgents. Drawing by M. Alcazar. Engraving by Vela. La Ilustracion Espanola y Americana (The Spanish and American Illustration), March 30, 1884.