Description
The Ghaznavid dynasty was a Muslim dynasty of Turkic mamluk (slave) origin, founded by Sabuktigin in 997 CE. The Ghaznavid rulers are generally credited with spreading Islam into the Indian subcontinent. In addition to the wealth accumulated through raiding Indian cities, and exacting tribute from Indian rajas, the Ghaznavids also benefited from their position as an intermediary along the trade routes between China and the Mediterranean.