The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.64

v3.c20.64

The story of the contest between Mahmūd’s two sons is a mere repetition of that of the contest between Mahmūd and his brother Ismā‘īl. Mas‘ūd, the abler of the two, was at Hamadān when his father died, and at once set out for Ghaznī, where a party of the nobles had, in obedience to Mahmūd’s will, acknowledged Muhammad as their sovereign. Mas‘ūd was joined during his advance by several of the leading nobles, including Ayāz, Mahmūd’s favourite slave and confidential adviser, and on October 4 those who had hitherto supported Muhammad perceived that his cause was lost, imprisoned him, and joined his brother, who had reached Herat, but their tardy submission availed them little, and they were either executed or imprisoned for life. The unfortunate Muhammad was blinded, and was carried by Mas‘ūd to Balkh, which for a time became the royal residence.