- Mahmud of Ghazni ruler of Samanid Area in west Asia
- 10th Century AD: volatile situation in W Asia - constantly attacked by central asians
- 2 tasks before Mahmud of Ghazni
- to protect Samanid area
- propagate Islam
- was able to convince central asians to convert to Islam
- in his endeavour, the book Firdausi “Shahnama” played vital role
- after that, Ghazni invaded india to improve his wealth & establish himself as most powerful ruler
- invaded 17 times, committed worst types of crimes, killed people, looted cities, temples
- destroyed, demolished Somnath temple