Early modern period (c. 1526–1858 CE) The early modern period of Indian history is dated from 1526 CE to 1858 CE, corresponding to the rise and fall of the Mughal Empire , which inherited from the Timurid Renaissance . During this age India's economy expanded, relative peace was maintained and arts were patronized. This period witnessed the further development of Indo-Islamic architecture ; [314] [315] the growth of Mahrattas and Sikhs enabled them to rule significant regions of India in the waning days of the Mughal empire, which formally came to an end when the British Raj was founded. [22] With the discovery of the Cape route in the 1500s, the first Europeans to arrive by sea and establish themselves, were the Portuguese in Goa and Bombay . [316] Mughal Empire Main article: Mughal Empire See also: Bengal Subah , Muslin trade in Bengal , Mughal architecture , Mughal clothing , and Mughal painting Mughal Empire A map of the Mughal Empire at its greatest g