1886.] Qhaznavts in Mdivard-un-Nalir and part of Khurasan. 119 
elevation to power as follows : “ Bailiaki states, that during the reign 
of Abd-ul-Malik-i-Niih, the Samani, there was a merchant named Nasr, 
the Haji who purchased Sabuktigin and brought him to Bukhara. 
Perceiving in his countenance evident signs of capacity and energy, 
the Amir-i Hajib, Alptigin, purchased him. He accompanied his master 
into Tukharistan, when the government of that territory was entrusted 
to him; and subsequently, when the government of Khurasan was 
made over to Amir Alptigin, Sabuktigin attended him thither also. 
After some time had passed away, Alptigin, through the vicissitudes 
of fortune, retired towards Grhaznin. and subdued the territory of 
Zawulistan, and wrested Ghaznin out of the hands of Amir Abii-Bakr-i- 
Lawik. 
“ Eight years subsequent to these events Amir Alptigin died, and 
his son, Ishak, succeeded to his father’s authority. He entered into 
hostilities against Lawik, but was defeated, and retired to Bukhara, 
to the court of Amir Mansur, son of Huh, Samani, and there continued 
until that ruler directed that aid should be afforded to him, when Ishak 
came back again to Gliaznin, and regained possession of it. After a 
year Ishiik died, when Balkatigin, who was the chief commander of the 
Turkish troops, was raised to the government. He was a just and pious 
man, and one of the greatest warriors of his time. He exercised the 
authority for a period of ten years,* and died. Sabuktigin was in his 
service. 
“ After the death of Amir Balkatigin, Piri succeeded to the autho¬ 
rity. He was a great villain ; and a body of people wrote from Ghaznin 
to Abu ’Ali-i-Lawik, and invited him to come there. Abii ’Ali-i-Lawik 
acceded to their request, and brought along with him the son of the 
Shah, or king, of Kabul to assist him. When they reached the vicinity 
of Charkh, Sabuktigin with a body of 500 Turks, suddenly fell upon 
them, and defeated them, he also captured ten elephants, and brought 
them to Ghaznin. 
“ Such a great suecess having been gained by Sabuktigin and all 
having become quite sated with the villanies and misdeeds of Piri, 
wuth one accord they raised Sabuktigin to the direction of affairs. On 
Friday, the 27th of the month of Sha’ban 366 H., the sovereignty of 
that province was settled upon him.” 
Mr. Thomas in the 2nd of his papers on the coins of the kings of 
Gdiaznin,t puts the date of Alptigin’s conquest of that city as 351 H., 
which is also the date given by Ferishta, and no doubt represents the 
* Copies of the work differ in regard to the number of years he reigned. 
t Journal of the Eoyal Asiatic Society, Yol. IX, article IX, March, 1847, and 
Vol. XVII, article V, read March, 1858. 
