The Mughals were descended from the Mongols.

The Mughal Empire, which ruled over the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th centuries, was founded by Babur, a descendant of the Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan. The Mughals were of Central Asian Turkic-Mongol origin, with their roots tracing back to the nomadic tribes of the Mongolian steppes.

Background of the Mughals:
The Mughals were descendants of Timur (also known as Tamerlane), who was a Turco-Mongol conqueror and the founder of the Timurid Empire. Timur's empire stretched across Central Asia, Persia, and parts of South Asia. Babur, a direct descendant of Timur, established the Mughal Empire in 1526 after defeating Ibrahim Lodi, the last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, at the Battle of Panipat.

Mongol Origins:
The Mongols were a nomadic people who originated from the steppes of Central Asia. They were skilled horsemen and warriors, known for their military prowess and ability to conquer vast territories. Genghis Khan, the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, united the various Mongol tribes and launched a series of successful campaigns that resulted in the creation of one of the largest empires in history.

Babur and the Mughal Empire:
Babur, a descendant of both Genghis Khan and Timur, inherited a small kingdom in Central Asia and sought to expand his rule. Facing threats from rival factions, Babur moved his attention towards India, which was politically fragmented at the time. In 1526, he led an army into the Indian subcontinent and defeated Ibrahim Lodi, establishing the Mughal Empire.

Legacy of the Mughals:
Under the leadership of subsequent Mughal emperors such as Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire reached its zenith. The Mughals brought about significant cultural, architectural, and artistic developments in the region. The Taj Mahal, one of the most famous landmarks in the world, was built during the reign of Shah Jahan.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Mughals were descended from the Mongols, specifically through their ancestral links to Genghis Khan and Timur. The Mongol origins of the Mughals played a significant role in shaping their empire and their subsequent contributions to the cultural and historical legacy of the Indian subcontinent.