Medieval India refers to the period in Indian history that spans roughly from the 6th century CE to the 18th century CE. It is characterized by significant political, social, and cultural changes brought about by the arrival of Muslim rulers from Central Asia and the establishment of various Muslim dynasties in different regions of the Indian subcontinent. The medieval period in India came to an end with the decline of the Mughal Empire in the early 18th century and the subsequent arrival of European colonial powers, primarily the British, who gradually established their dominance over the Indian subcontinent.