Mahmud of Ghazni ( 971 - 1030), was the most famous ruler of the Ghaznavid dynasty who ruled 33years until his death. He was the first ruler to carry the title called Sultan.He turned the former provincial city of Ghazni into the wealthy capital and extended up to today's Iran, Afghanistan as well as Pakistan and North-West India. His first campaign was against the Qarakhanid Empire in 999.
He invaded Indian subcontinent but he never kept a permanent presence such as Nagarkot, Thanesar, Mathura, Kanauj, Kalinjar, Somnath, Maheshwar, Jwalamukhi, Narunkot and Dwarka.