Maḥmūd of Ghazna summary

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Maḥmūd of Ghazna, (born 971—died April 30?, 1030, Ghazna, Ghaznavid empire), Son of the founder of the Ghaznavid dynasty, Sebüktigin. After ascending the throne in 998, he gave nominal allegiance to the caliph of the ʿAbbāsid dynasty and in return was granted autonomy. He expanded his kingdom through some 17 invasions of the Punjab and northeastern India, carrying with him the banner of Islam. With the treasures he amassed, he transformed the city of Ghazna into a brilliant cultural centre. At his court were the scholar al-Bīrūnī and the poet Ferdowsī.

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