Mahmud of Ghazni was a prominent ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire from 997 to 1030. He is known for his numerous invasions into the Indian subcontinent, during which he conquered and annexed various territories. One of his notable conquests was the annexation of Peshawar and Punjab.

The answer to the question is option 'A' - Hindushahis. Mahmud of Ghazni defeated the Hindushahis to conquer and annex Peshawar and Punjab.

The Hindushahis were a dynasty that ruled over the region of Gandhara, which included Peshawar and parts of Punjab, from the 9th to the 10th century. They were of Hindu origin and had managed to maintain their independence for several centuries. However, Mahmud of Ghazni saw their territories as a valuable addition to his expanding empire and launched a series of invasions to conquer them.

To understand this conquest in more detail, let's break it down into key points:

1. Mahmud's invasions: Mahmud of Ghazni launched a total of 17 expeditions into the Indian subcontinent between 1000 and 1027. These invasions were primarily aimed at plundering the wealth and resources of the region and expanding the influence of the Ghaznavid Empire.

2. The Battle of Peshawar: Mahmud's conquest of Peshawar is often associated with the Battle of Peshawar, which took place in 1001. The Hindushahi ruler Jayapala led a resistance against Mahmud's forces but was defeated. As a result, Peshawar came under the control of Mahmud.

3. Annexation of Punjab: After conquering Peshawar, Mahmud set his sights on Punjab. He launched several campaigns into the region, defeating various local rulers and annexing their territories. The exact timeline and details of these campaigns may vary, but ultimately Mahmud succeeded in bringing Punjab under his rule.

4. Legacy of Mahmud's conquests: Mahmud's conquest of Peshawar and Punjab had significant implications for the region. It marked the beginning of Ghaznavid rule in these territories and established a Muslim presence in the area. The Ghaznavids played a crucial role in the spread of Islam in the Indian subcontinent.

In conclusion, Mahmud of Ghazni defeated the Hindushahis to conquer and annex Peshawar and Punjab. His conquests were part of his larger ambition to expand the Ghaznavid Empire and establish Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent.

A