Several empires have played crucial roles in Indian history. The Mauryan Empire, led by Emperor Ashoka, united a significant part of the Indian subcontinent in the 4th century BCE. The Gupta Dynasty, known as the "Golden Age" of India, flourished in the 4th century CE and witnessed remarkable advancements in various fields. The Mughal Empire, which emerged in the 16th century, left a lasting impact on Indian culture and architecture.