Emperor Akbar was a Mughal monarch who was also one of India's most powerful rulers. Because his father was in exile, Akbar was raised by his paternal uncles, who spent their time hunting, horseback riding, sword playing, and sprinting, training him to be a skilled warrior. Akbar was a Muslim who constructed a massive empire that spanned much of the Indian subcontinent and was one of the most powerful kings of the Mughal Dynasty.

The Maurya Empire was formed by Chandragupta Maurya and spanned Kashmir in the north, the Deccan Plateau in the south, Afghanistan and Balochistan in the west, and Bengal and Assam in the east. He captured the Macedonian provinces and conquered Alexander's general Seleucus' eastern holdings, expanding his territory even more. Maurya is credited with uniting minor autonomous states in India to establish a vast united empire under one government, making him one of India's most influential kings.

Emperor Ashoka, the Mauryan Empire's third monarch, is credited for spreading Buddhism to various regions of the world. As he governed virtually the whole Indian subcontinent, he was also known as 'Ashoka the Great.' He was constantly focused on extending his empire. One of India's most brilliant times was during his reign.

Because Bahadur Shah Zafar was Akbar Shah II's second son, Lai Bai was not the first choice to succeed him. He was India's final Mughal emperor. He was schooled in the Urdu, Persian, and Arabic languages, as well as the military techniques of horseback, swordsmanship, bow and arrow shooting, and gun shooting. Poetry was introduced to him by two of his professors, and he fell in love with it.

He was the Emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire, who governed at the empire's most crucial period when several forces vied for control. Krishnadevaraya reinforced the kingdom by defeating the Bahmani Sultans and Portuguese, capturing their fortifications in the process. Emperor Krishnadevaraya had a long history of outstanding accomplishments and was able to preserve political stability. His achievements have been likened to those of Asia's and Europe's greatest rulers.

Ruler Prithviraj Chauhan, alias Rai Pithora, was a Rajput king who ruled the kingdom of Delhi as one of the last independent Hindu kings. His father was Ajmer's king. Prithviraj was a remarkable youngster, both brave and intellectual. Even as a toddler, his military prowess shined through: he could hit targets only by listening to their noises!

The world owes Emperor Shah Jahan a debt of gratitude for the Taj Mahal's splendor. The ivory-white marble monument was built by the emperor in honor of his wife, the empress Mumtaz Mahal, who died during delivery. Shah Jahan was well-known for his architectural prowess.

King Shivaji was born around 1630 into a house of Maratha officials. Shivaji's administrator, Dadoji Konddeo, played an important part in his upbringing when Shivaji's father left with his second wife. He taught him horseback riding, archery, marksmanship, patta, and other combat tactics.

Emperor Humayun was born in 1508 to Babur, the Mughal dynasty's founder, and Maham Begum, his mother. He was born into a huge family, with numerous members with whom he would have to struggle for power and control. He mastered Turki, Arabic, and Persian as a child and was also prepared for military service. Math, philosophy, and astrology were all interests of Humayun's. Humayun was appointed governor of Badakhshan at the age of 20 and fought in Panipat and Khanwa.

Harshavardhana was an Indian ruler whose empire crumbled after he died after ruling for 41 years, leaving no legal successors to the two sons he had with his wife Durgavati. Harshavardhana took over the empire after his brothers died while he was just 16 years old; Harshavardhana declared himself an independent monarch of Kannauj!