The Ghurid dynasty was a medieval Muslim dynasty that ruled parts of present-day Afghanistan and northern India from the late 10th to the early 12th centuries. It emerged from the region of Ghor, which is located in central Afghanistan. The Ghurids are known for their military conquests and played a significant role in the spread of Islam in the Indian subcontinent. Under the leadership of notable rulers like Muhammad of Ghor, the dynasty expanded its territory by defeating rival kingdoms, including the Rajputs. The Ghurids laid the groundwork for the later establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, which further influenced the political landscape of India.