Mahmud of ghazni (998-1030 ce) was a turkish conqueror who established his empire in ghazni (present day afghanistan). As a part of his expansionist policy,he raided india 17 times between 1001 1027 ce at places like punjab,mathura,multan and thaneshwar. His most daring raids at kanauj in 1018 ce and against somnath in 1025 ce. He planned his attacks carefully and did not allow his enemies to combine against him.Mahmud was closely associated with the rebirth of iranian culture. He decorated the palaces , mosques , and tombs in ghazni . Many scholars resided at his court . Among them firdausi , the author of shahnama (the biography of mahmud), was the most famous . He died in1030 ce at ghazni.

Sultan Muhammad of Ghazni: The Great Conqueror

Introduction
Sultan Muhammad of Ghazni was a prominent ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire during the 11th century. He is known for his military campaigns, particularly his conquests in the Indian subcontinent. Sultan Muhammad played a significant role in shaping the history of South Asia during the medieval period.

Early Life and Rise to Power
- Sultan Muhammad was born in 971 AD in the city of Ghazni, which is present-day Afghanistan.
- He was the son of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, who was also a renowned conqueror.
- After the death of his father, Muhammad succeeded him as the ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire at the age of 17.

Conquests in India
- Sultan Muhammad's most notable achievements were his expeditions in India.
- He launched a series of campaigns to plunder the wealthy temples and cities of northern India.
- In 1001 AD, Muhammad first invaded the Indian subcontinent, targeting the region of Punjab.
- Over the next two decades, he conducted numerous raids and expeditions, gradually extending his control over the northern parts of India.
- Muhammad's most significant victory came in 1025 AD when he conquered and looted the famous temple of Somnath in Gujarat.
- These conquests not only brought immense wealth to the Ghaznavid treasury but also established their dominance over the region.

Legacy
- Sultan Muhammad's reign marked the beginning of Turkic domination in India.
- He laid the foundation for the subsequent Muslim invasions and the establishment of Islamic rule in the Indian subcontinent.
- Muhammad's military expeditions had a profound impact on Indian society, culture, and architecture.
- The plundered wealth from his campaigns was used to construct magnificent mosques and palaces in Ghazni and other cities.
- His conquests also facilitated the spread of Islam in the region.

Conclusion
Sultan Muhammad of Ghazni was a formidable conqueror who left an indelible mark on the history of South Asia. His military expeditions and conquests in India played a crucial role in shaping the political, cultural, and religious landscape of the region. Muhammad's legacy as a powerful ruler and patron of art and architecture continues to be remembered to this day.