Al-Beruni
Al-Beruni was the scholar entrusted by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni to write an account of the subcontinent. He was a renowned Persian scholar and polymath who made significant contributions to various fields such as astronomy, mathematics, geography, history, and linguistics. Al-Beruni was born in 973 CE in Khwarazm (present-day Uzbekistan) and lived during the Islamic Golden Age.

Background
During the 11th century, Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, who ruled over the Ghaznavid Empire in present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan, was a patron of arts, sciences, and learning. He had a particular interest in the knowledge of different cultures and wanted to gather information about the Indian subcontinent, which was known as Hindustan at that time. As a result, he entrusted Al-Beruni with the task of writing an account of the subcontinent.

Al-Beruni's Work
Al-Beruni spent several years in India, primarily in the region of Punjab, from 1017 to 1030 CE. During his stay, he immersed himself in the local culture, language, and knowledge systems. He extensively studied Sanskrit texts, interacted with scholars, and conducted scientific observations.

Kitab al-Hind
The culmination of Al-Beruni's efforts was his magnum opus, "Kitab al-Hind" or "The Book of India." This comprehensive work provided a detailed account of the geography, history, religions, languages, customs, social structure, and scientific advancements of the Indian subcontinent. It covered a wide range of topics, including astrology, mathematics, medicine, philosophy, and linguistics. Al-Beruni's work was groundbreaking as it bridged the gap between the Islamic and Indian intellectual traditions.

Legacy
Al-Beruni's work, "Kitab al-Hind," remains a valuable source of information for historians, anthropologists, and scholars interested in the medieval history and culture of the Indian subcontinent. His meticulous observations, unbiased approach, and intellectual curiosity laid the foundation for future studies on the region. Al-Beruni's contribution to the understanding of Indian civilization and his role as an intermediary between different cultures have earned him a prominent place in the history of scholarship.