Ghazni is a city in central-eastern Afghanistan.

Medieval chroniclers state that fragments of the idol were sent to Ghazni, Mecca, and Medina to be trodden underfoot.

Historical accounts suggest the loot was worth approximately 20 million Dinars.

Farukhi Sistani was one of the prominent court poets of Mahmud who wrote panegyrics (qasidas) in his praise.

Sabuktigin was a trusted slave and later the son-in-law of Alptigin.

Alauddin Husain of Ghor captured and burned the city of Ghazni to the ground in revenge, earning the nickname 'Jahansuz' (World Burner).

The Ghaznavid dynasty is also known as the Yamini dynasty, named after Mahmud's title Yamin-ud-Daula.

Mahmud was often referred to as 'But-Shikan' (Idol Breaker) due to his destruction of statues and temples during his campaigns.

Khusrau Malik was the last ruler, who ruled from Lahore until he was defeated by Muhammad Ghori.

Unlike other regions he raided and left, Mahmud annexed Punjab (Lahore) to the Ghaznavid empire to use as a base for future operations.