Late reign of Ghaznavid Sultan Mahmud

Timeline

1. 1020–1026Punjab · PunjabIn his later years Mahmud still campaigned several times against Indian states, plundering wealth and compelling local rulers to pay tribute. Gold, silver, and spoils flowed continuously back to Ghazni, supporting palace construction and religious charity, but also consuming large amounts of manpower and logistics.
2. 1025–1029Khurasan · KhurasanSeljuk Turkic tribes under Tughril consolidated power on the Central Asian steppe, eroding Ghaznavid control in eastern Khurasan and vassal territories. Though Mahmud sent armies to suppress them, he could not eradicate nomad infiltration and rebellion, and cracks appeared in the eastern defenses.
3. 1028–1030Ghazni · GhazniMahmud was long ill, while his sons Mas'ud, Muhammad, and others openly and secretly contended over the succession. Viziers and court factions were drawn into the struggle over the heir apparent; central authority was already loosening on the eve of the sultan's death, foreshadowing the succession crisis of 1030.