Although they were Turks, the Ghaznavids were thoroughly Persianized in terms of culture, language, and administration.

Waihind (modern Hund) was the capital of the Hindu Shahi kings Jayapala and Anandapala.

In Thanesar, Mahmud wanted to destroy the famous idol of Chakraswami (a form of Vishnu).

Multan was often referred to as the City of Gold (though this title was also used by earlier Arabs, Mahmud targeted it for its immense wealth).

Malik Ayaz was a slave from Georgia who rose to become a general and a close companion of Mahmud, often symbolizing loyalty in literature.

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.