Ghaznavid dynasty

Ghaznavid dynasty

(977–1186) Turkish dynasty that ruled in Khorasan (northeastern Iran), Afghanistan, and northern India. It was founded by Sebüktigin (r. 977–997), a former slave. His son Mahmud (998–1030) enlarged the empire to its greatest extent; during his reign, Ferdowsi wrote the epic Shah-nameh (“Book of Kings”). Mahmud's grandson Mas'ud I (1031–41) lost the western half of the empire to the Seljuq dynasty. The Ghaznavids continued to rule their eastern provinces until they were defeated by the Ghurid dynasty in 1186. They are noted for their architecture and for their patronage of the arts and sciences. See also al-Biruni.