(9771186) Turkish dynasty that ruled in Khor 0101; s 0101; n (northeastern Iran), Afghanistan, and northern India.
It was founded by Sebüktigin (r. 977997), a former slave. His son Mahm 016B; d (9981030) enlarged the empire to its greatest extent; during his reign, Ferdows 012B; wrote the epic Sh 0101; h-n 0101; meh ("Book of Kings"). Ma 1E25; m 016B; d's grandson Mas 02BD; 016B; d I (103141) lost the western half of the empire to the Selj 016B; q dynasty . The Ghaznavids continued to rule their eastern provinces until they were defeated by the Gh 016B; rid dynasty in 1186. They are noted for their architecture and for their patronage of the arts and sciences. See also al- B 012B; r 016B; n 012B; .