![]() | This article duplicates the scope of other articles, specifically, List of largest empires. (April 2021) |
This is a historical list of the largest empires in India with an area covering more than 1 million square kilometers. An empire involves the extension of a state's sovereignty over external territories. The values given here should generally be interpreted as being only indicative, and not as determining a precise ranking. The calculation of the land area of a particular empire is controversial. Where estimates vary, entries are sorted by the lowest estimate.
Empire | Approximate maximum extent (Area in km²) |
Size as percentage of area of Republic of India |
Approximate date of maximum extent |
Estimate by |
---|---|---|---|---|
British Raj | 4,574,000 | 139% | 1911 | Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.)[1] |
Republic of India (for comparison) | 3,287,263 | 100% | - | Government of India[2] |
Delhi Sultanate | 3,200,000 | 97% | ||
Maratha Empire | 2,500,000 | 76% | 1760 | Peter Turchin et al.[3] |
Kushan Empire | 2,000,000–2,500,000 | 61%–76% | 200 | Peter Turchin et al. (low)[3] Rein Taagepera (high)[4] |
Gupta Empire | 1,700,000–3,500,000 | 52%–106% | 440 or 400 | Rein Taagepera (low)[4] Peter Turchin et al. (high)[3] |
Empire of Harsha | 1,000,000 | 30% |
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