– While not a long-term ruler, Alexander invaded the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent in 326 BCE. His campaign reached the Beas River, where his troops, exhausted and homesick, refused to go further.
– Founded by Chandragupta Maurya, the Maurya Empire was one of the largest empires in ancient India. Emperor Ashoka, a Mauryan ruler, is particularly famous for spreading Buddhism across the Indian subcontinent.
– The Gupta Empire is often referred to as the "Golden Age of India" due to its significant contributions to art, science, and literature. Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, and Chandragupta II were notable rulers.
– Various Islamic rulers and dynasties, including the Umayyad Caliphate, Abbasid Caliphate, Ghaznavids, Ghurids, and Delhi Sultanate, invaded and established rule in different parts of India.
– The British East India Company, through various wars and treaties, gradually gained control over India. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 led to the end of the company's rule, marking the beginning of direct British colonial rule.
– The Delhi Sultanate was a series of Muslim dynasties that ruled Delhi and the surrounding areas. Notable rulers include Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish, Balban, Alauddin Khilji, and Muhammad bin Tughluq.
– Founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, the Vijayanagara Empire was a powerful Hindu empire in South India. Krishnadevaraya is one of its most famous rulers.
– Founded by Babur, the Mughal Empire was one of the largest and most influential empires in Indian history. Akbar the Great, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb were notable rulers.
– Founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha Empire rose to prominence in the 17th century. Shivaji, along with later rulers like Chhatrapati Sambhaji and Chhatrapati Shahu, played crucial roles in its expansion.