Al-Biruni was a famous medieval Islamic scholar, born in Khwarezm region (present-day Uzbekistan) in 973 CE. He was a polymath, who made significant contributions to various fields of study, including astronomy, mathematics, geography, history, and linguistics. However, he is best known for his works on India, where he spent a considerable part of his life and developed a keen interest in its culture, history, philosophy, and religion.

Development of Interest in India:

Al-Biruni's interest in India can be traced back to his early life when he was taken as a prisoner of war by Mahmud of Ghazni, a powerful ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire, in 1017 CE. Mahmud was known for his frequent raids into India and had a keen interest in its wealth, culture, and religion. He brought Al-Biruni to Ghazni, where he was offered a position as a court scholar and tasked with translating various Hindu texts into Arabic.

During his stay in Ghazni, Al-Biruni had access to a vast collection of books and manuscripts, which introduced him to the rich intellectual and cultural heritage of India. He was particularly fascinated by the works of Indian mathematicians, astronomers, and philosophers, such as Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Varahamihira, and Charaka. He also learned Sanskrit, the classical language of India, which enabled him to read and understand the original texts.

In 1018 CE, Mahmud of Ghazni launched his first invasion of India, and Al-Biruni accompanied him as a scholar and observer. He witnessed the battles, the customs, and the way of life of the people, which provided him with valuable insights into the political, social, and religious aspects of India. He also met several Indian scholars, who shared their knowledge and ideas with him.

Al-Biruni's works on India:

Al-Biruni's interest in India continued even after he left Ghazni and travelled to other parts of the Islamic world, such as Persia (present-day Iran) and Central Asia. However, he always considered India as his second homeland and returned to it several times during his lifetime.

Al-Biruni's works on India comprise a vast corpus of literature, including his magnum opus, the "Kitab al-Hind" (Book of India), which is a comprehensive study of Indian culture, history, geography, religion, philosophy, and sciences. The book is based on his personal observations, interviews, and readings of Indian texts, and is considered one of the most valuable sources of information on medieval India.

Apart from the "Kitab al-Hind," Al-Biruni wrote several other works on India, such as "Tarikh al-Hind" (History of India), "Asar al-Baqiya" (Remnants of the Past), and "At-Tafhim li Awa'il Sina'at at-Tanjim" (Introduction to the Conjunctions of the Planets). These works cover a wide range of topics, such as Indian mathematics, astronomy, medicine, philosophy, music, and literature. They also provide a critical analysis of the Indian systems of knowledge and their relation to Islamic thought.

Conclusion:

Al-Biruni's interest in India was not only a result of his captivity and association with Mahmud of Ghazni but also a reflection of his deep intellectual