Abu'l-Fazl Bayhaqi

Timeline

1. c. 1005–1019Nishapur · NishapurReceived training in literature, history and administrative writing at Nishapur, laying the foundation for his later entry into the Ghaznavid chancery.
2. 1021–1030Ghazni · GhazniEntered the chancery of Mahmud's court around 1020 as an assistant to Abu Nasr Mushkan, drafting decrees and court documents and witnessing the administration of the Ghaznavid Empire at its height.
3. 1031–1077Ghazni · GhazniWitnessed the changing fortunes of later sultans including Mas'ud, then withdrew from daily administration to devote himself to the Tarikh-i Bayhaqi, recording Ghaznavid politics in the 1030s–1040s from personal experience; only part of its volumes survive.