Some of the powers that ruled India were:
Gupta Kingdom (c. 220- c. 550 CE):
Initiating the golden age in Indian history, Sri Gupta founded the Gupta Kingdom which encompassed maximum part of India during 320 CE to 550 CE. During this period the Gupta kings were successful in ensuring peace and tranquillity in the entire region.
Delhi Sultanate (1206 AD – 1526 AD):
In the year 1206AD, Delhi Sultanate was founded by the Turks who came from Central Asia and captured most of the North India. Slave dynasty was founded by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak in India in the year 1206.
Mughal Empire (1526 AD- 1858 AD):
After eliminating Lodi dynasty, the Mughal empire spread its wings and captured most of the India and ruled conveniently till 18th century until British annexation started by London-based East India Company. Mughal Empire was founded by Babur after defeating Ibrahim Lodi, the last ruler of Lodi Dynasty, in the year 1526 AD. The Mughal Empire witnessed most powerful Mughal rulers Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb, among others.
British Rule (1858 AD-1947 AD):
British East India company had started capturing different provinces of India in the guise of their protectors as early as in the year 1757 when they defeated Nawab of Bengal Sirajuddaulah in the battle of Palassey. In 1793 they captured Mughal’s Bihar-Bengal province and till 1857 the East India Company had captured almost the entire Mughal Empire. However, officially the British rule in India started in the year 1858, after they exiled the last Mughal emperor.