After his succession, Sultan Mahmood considerbly expanded the Ghaznavi Kingdom. He also conquered Multan, Turkistan and central Asia.
The Ghaznavid Dynasty which lasted for 175 years on Indo-Pakistan, left irremovable imprints on the history as it provided a milestone of a separate Muslim state in the years to come. Eleventh century saw the prime of the Muslim rule when Mahmud Ghaznavi dominated over northern areas of Pakistan defeating Jai Pal and Anand Pal, his son.
Multan and Sindh, which were fused together later, came under his decree and his power sprawled over the whole of current Pakistan and from Khurasan and Balkh to the River Satlej. He did not seize any area beyond Ravi River though he shipped his artillery to Gwalior, Kanauj, Muthra, and Baran. Lahore served as the outer post and logistic capital of Mahmud’s empire from where he launched his expeditions to the nearby areas.
Masud, the son of Mehmud (1030-1041)
Masud, the son of Mehmud (1030-1041) held the vast empire left by his father after a tussle with his brother
Mohammad who was enthroned by the elites in the court of Mehmud. Masud was in Hamadan when he got the news of his father’s demise. Succession of Mohammad thrived him mad and he rushed to Ghazni and conspired with Ayaz, the famous salve of Mehmud Ghaznavi. Ayaz plotted against Mohammad and helped Masud occupy the throne. Mohammad was arrested in Herat and was blinded while Hasanak, Masud’s minister was brutally beheaded as the sentence of rebellion against Masud. His head was presented in a feast by Masud to the courtiers in order to show his valor and warn them in the future. Khawaja Ahmad Mohmandi was appointed as Vazir (second to the King).
Revolts
After patching up the warfare and revolts, Masud turned his face to the affairs of Punjab where Ayariq, the governor was reported of his atrocities on the masses. Masud called him to the court and the later was imprisoned and killed. Masud ran his administration very well in the beginning but later he drowned himself into wine and luxuries which took a heavy toll from him. Punjab was made a no man’s land after the dismissal and murder of Ayariq. To fill the vacancy, Masud appointed Ahmad Niyalitgin (the treasurer of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi) the new governor of Punjab. But Ahmad was an unfair person in his dealings and had no administrative experience which led to the deterioration of situations in Punjab. Ahmad (who claimed to be the offspring of Mahmud Ghaznavi) rose against Masud. Sultan Masud sent Tilak, a Hindu general to curb Ahmad Nayalitgin. Tilak found Ahmad Niyalitgin confining the royal army to the fort. He cut the hands of the enthusiasts of Ahmad and bribed some of his followers who brought about a ruthless death for Ahmad. They beheaded him for five lac dirhams and Masud sent his son to Punjab as the governor.