The Mughal Empire was a vast and influential empire in South Asia that existed from the 16th to the 19th century. Here's a brief overview of the empire's history, focusing on its notable rulers: Founding and Expansion (1526-1605) - *Babur (1526-1530)*: Founder of the Mughal Empire, defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526) and Rana Sanga in the Battle of Khanwa (1527). - *Humayun (1530-1540, 1555-1556)*: Lost the empire to Sher Shah Suri but regained it with Persian help. - *Akbar (1556-1605)*: Expanded the empire, established a centralized administration, and promoted cultural developments. Consolidation and Decline (1605-1857) - *Jahangir (1605-1627)*: Faced challenges from the Sikhs and the Portuguese. - *Shah Jahan (1627-1658)*: Built iconic monuments like the Taj Mahal but faced financial difficulties. - *Aurangzeb (1658-1707)*: Expanded the empire to its greatest extent but faced challenges from the Marathas and others. - *Later Mughal rulers*: Faced decline and eventual dissolution of the empire, with the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, being exiled by the British in 1857. The Mughal Empire's legacy includes its cultural achievements, administrative reforms, and architectural contributions ¹.