The Mughal Empire was an Indian imperial power that ruled a large portion of the Indian subcontinent. It began in 1526 and by the late 17th and early 18th centuries they invaded and ruled most of India. At the height of their power around 1700, they controlled most of the Indian Subcontinent extending from Bengal in the east to Balochistan in the west, Kashmir in the north to the Kaveri basin in the south. Mughlai cuisine represents the cooking style used in Delhi, Lucknow, Punjab and Kashmir. The cuisine is strongly influenced by Persia and Turkey and is known for it’s richness which comes from exotic spices, dried fruits and cream. The taste of Mughlai cuisine varies from mild to spicy.