Final answer:
Babur and his followers were called "Mughals" because of their descent from the Mongols, reflected in the Persian pronunciation of 'Mongol'. Their empire in India started with Babur's victories and expanded under successors like Akbar.
Step-by-step explanation:
Babur, the founder of the Mughal empire, and his followers were called "Mughals" due to their descent and ethnic links to the Mongols of Central Asia. The term 'Mughal' is the Persian pronunciation of 'Mongol,' which reflects Babur's mixed heritage of being half-Turk and half-Mongol. His lineage can be traced back to the great conqueror Timur on his father's side and to Chinggis Khan through his mother's family. Combining this distinguished lineage with the adoption of Persian culture, Babur's ascension started in Central Asia and culminated with the establishment of the Mughal Empire in India after the defeat of the Delhi Sultanate in 1526. The empire lasted until 1857, during which it expanded significantly under rulers like Akbar who embraced Indian culture and managed to control most of the Indian subcontinent, fostering a legacy of cultural and religious syncretism.