The Nāṣirī Generations 2: I.—Amíru-l Ghází Násiru-d dín Subuktigín.

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Imám Abú-l Fazl Baihakí writes that Nasr Hájí was a trader in the reign of 'Abdu-l Malik Núh Sámání. He bought Subuktigín, and took him to Bukhárá as a slave. The marks of wisdom and activity were stamped upon his forehead, and he was purchased by the Lord Chamberlain [Amír hájib], Alptigín. In the service of this nobleman he went to Tukháristán, and when Alptigín was appointed governor of that place he continued to serve him. In the course of events Alptigín came afterwards to Ghaznín, when he conquered the country of Záwulistán, and wrested Ghaznín from the hands of Amír Anúk.
Eight years afterwards Alptigín died, and was succeeded by his son Is'hák. This chief fought with Anúk, and being defeated he went to Bukhárá, where he succeeded in obtaining assistance from Amír Mansúr Núh. Thus strengthened, he returned and retook Ghazní. One year later he expired, and Bilkátigín, the chief of the Turks, was raised to his place. This chief was a very just and religious man, and was one of the greatest warriors in the world. He died after a reign of two years. Amir Subuktigin was in his service. Bilkdtigin was succeeded by Amir Pari, who was a very depraved man. A party of the inhabitants of Ghazni opened communications with Abu 'Ali Anuk, and invited him back. Abu 'Ali obtained the aid of the son of the king of Kabul, but when they came into the vicinity (hadd) of Charkh, Subuktigin with five hundred Turks fell upon them, and defeated them. He put a great number to the sword, and took many prisoners. He also captured two elephants, and carried them to Ghazni. After the achievement of this victory the people, who were disgusted with Pari on account of his wickedness (fasad), raised Subuktigin with unanimous consent to the chieftainship of Ghazni. On the twenty-seventh of Sha'ban, A.H. 366 (April, 977), on Friday, he came out of the fort with the umbrella, jewels, and banners, and proceeded to the Jami' Masjid, where he was confirmed in the government and sovereignty of the country. He carried his arms from Ghaznin to different countries, and brought Zamin-dawar, Kusdar, Bamian, the whole of Tukharistan and Ghor into his possession. On the side of India he defeated Jaipal at the head of a large army and numerous elephants. He also drove back Bughra Khan, of Kashghar, (from his attacks upon) the Samanian dynasty. He then went to Balkh, and restored the chief of Bukhara to his throne. In his time great exploits were performed, and all the sources of internal dissensions in Khurasan were eradicated.
In the month of Shawwal, a.h. 384 (November, 994), the command of Khurasan was conferred on Amir Mahmud, under the title of Saifu-d daula, and Amir Subuktigin received the title of Nasiru-d din. He expelled Abu-l hasan Saimjur, and Khurasan was cleared of its enemies. Amir Subuktigin was a wise, just, brave, and religious man, faithful to his agreements, truthful in his words, and not avaricious for wealth. He was kind and just to his subjects, and the Almighty God had bestowed upon him all the great qualities which are admirable in nobles and princes. The length of his reign was twenty years, and of his life fifty-six years. He died in the vicinity of Balkh, at the village of Barmal Madrui, a.h. 386 (996 a.d.).