The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.6

v3.c20.6

In October 994 Sabuktigīn, by aiding Nūh II of Bukhārā to expel Abu ‘Alī Sūnjūr, a rebel and a leader of the Ismā‘īlian heretics, from Khurāsān, obtained the government of that province, to which he appointed as his deputy, his eldest son, the famous Mahmūd. Sabuktigīn died, in August 997, near Balkh, having firmly laid the foundations of the great empire which was to be extended and consolidated by his more famous son.