Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi (971 AD - 1030 AD)

Full name: Yamin al-Dawla Abul-Qasim Mahmud ibn Sebuktegin
Father: Sebuktegin
Also known as: 'Mahmud ghaznavi' or 'Mahmud of Ghazni'
Known for: His era of rule as 'Sultan' of Ghaznavid Empire during which he carried out his famous campaigns in the Indian subcontinent
Predecessor: Ismail of Ghazni
Successor: Mohammad Ghaznavi (his son)
Born: 2 October 971 at Ghazna (which is now part of Afghanistan)
Died: 30 April 1030 at Ghazna
Spouse: Kausari Jahan
Religion: Islam

Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi was one of the most famous rulers of Ghaznavid Empire in the medieval era. He is known for his extensive campaigns in the region of central asia and indian subcontinent.
Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi softened the Indian subcontinent for later afghan rulers who carried on the legacy of Ghaznavi. During his campagins Hindushahi Kingdom, Arab kingdoms of Multan & Mansurah and Pratihara kingdom of Kannauj disappeared and the whole region came under the authority of Ghaznavi Empire.

17 invasions of Mahmud Ghaznavi
1. Ghaznavi started his expeditions in year 1000 AD when he attacked the north western frontiers of India and captured some frontier forts.
2. In 1001 AD Ghaznavi defeated Jaipal in Battle of Peshawar (1001 AD), took him a prisoner and released him after payment of huge amount.
3. In 1004 AD Ghaznavi defeated Raja of Bhera in Jhelum region.
4. In 1005-1006 Ghaznavi defeated Anandpal (the son of Jaipal) in Bhatinda region. Anandpal retreated into Kashmir valley. In the same year muslim ruler of Multan 'Fateh Daud' rebelled against Ghaznavi. The rebellion was crushed and Jaipal's grandson Sukhpal was appointed the ruler of Multan after he converted to Islam.
5. In 1007 AD Sukhpal renounced Islam and rebelled against Ghaznavi. He was defeated and imprisoned for life bringing Multan again under the authority of Ghaznavi.
6. In 1008 AD Anandpal came with a confederacy of Hindu rulers. The combined force was defeated in the battle of Waihind. Forts of Nagarkot and Narayanpur were also captured. Anandpal retreated to Dehli.
7. In 1009 AD Ghaznavi marched against Anandpal and defeated him at Dehli.
8. In 1011 AD a rebellion was crused again in the region of Multan.
9. In 1014 AD Ghaznavi defeated Trilochanpal (son and successor of Anandpal). This was a decisive victory and the end of the Hindushahi kingdom.
10. In 1014 AD he annexed the region of Thanesar.
11. In 1015 AD Ghaznavi made an unsuccessful attempt to annex Kashmir and Transoxiana.
12. In 1018 AD he captured Mathura and Kanary by defeating the Hindu ruler Rajyapal.
13. In 1021 AD Ghaznavi led a successful expedition against Chandella prince Vidhyadar.
14. In 1021 - 1022 AD he led and expedition against Kashmir capturing some frontier forts.
15. In 1022 AD Ghaznavi marched against Chandellas successfully capturing Kalinjar and Gawalior fort.
16. In 1025 - 1026 AD Ghaznavi carried out his last expedition which resulted in the famous battle of Somnath. He started from Ghazni and came through Multan. He then passed through Ajmer and Anhilwara defeating the Raja of Gujrat. Battle of Somnath was fought near the temple of Somnath.
17. In 1027 AD during the return from Somnath his army was attacked by Jats. His last campaign was to punish them.

Death
Sultan Mahmud died on 30 April 1030 of Malaria. His tomb is located in Ghazni.

Related events:
Battle of Peshawar (1001 AD)
Battle of Waihind (1008 AD)