Mughal Empire

The Mughal dynasty was founded by Babur (ruled 1526-1530), a Mongol-Turkic prince from Central Asia. The emperor Akbar (ruled 1556-1605) extended the boundaries of the Mughal emperor through military conquests and diplomacy, set up efficient structures of government. Mughal architecture reached its zenith under Shah Jahan (ruled 1628-1658). The Taj Mahal was constructed during this period. The Mughal Empire declined in political, economic, and cultural strength after the death of the emperor Aurangzeb in 1707 and finally collapsed at the hands of the British Raj in 1857.