In 1526, Sultan Ibrahim Lodhi faced the Central Asian prince Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur, who shocked the Sultan's forces by using cannons that startled the elephants, leading to a chaotic defeat for Lodhi. Babur, descendant of notable conquerors, struggled in Central Asia and thus turned his ambitions towards India, establishing the Mughal Empire, one of the most powerful states of the early modern world. After Babur's death, his legacy was captured by his daughter Gulbadan and grandson Akbar, who consolidated power by increasing productivity through protections for peasants and expanding territory via military conquests. Akbar encouraged diverse governance by appointing Hindus to positions of power and sought internal cohesion through cultural exchanges and religious dialogues. He hosted debates among various faiths and promoted understanding among different communities, albeit without successful conversions. Architecturally, the Mughals left remarkable legacies like the Taj Mahal, and the empire remained stable with only six rulers over 180 years. The story of Jahangir, his struggles with addiction, and the influential role of his wife, Nur Jahan, illustrate the unique dynamic of Mughal governance, as she stepped in to lead during crises, proving to be a formidable figure in her own right.