When did Indians start using guns and rifles?

Answer 1

Indians began using guns and rifles in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, shortly after the introduction of firearms by Portuguese traders and colonial powers. The Mughal Empire, which rose to prominence in the early 16th century, significantly advanced the use of gunpowder weaponry, incorporating cannons and matchlocks into their military strategies. By the 17th century, firearms became more widespread among Indian rulers and their armies, leading to the development of local gun-making industries.