The Ghaznavid Empire was a medieval Islamic state that existed from the late 10th to the 12th century. Founded by Mahmud of Ghazni, it was centered in present-day Afghanistan and extended into parts of northern India. The empire is known for its military conquests, cultural achievements, and the promotion of Persian literature and art. Under the Ghaznavids, the region became a hub of trade and scholarship. The empire played a significant role in the spread of Islam in South Asia and established a legacy that influenced subsequent dynasties, including the Ghurid Empire and the Delhi Sultanate.