Describe Mahmud of Ghazni's campaigns in India and their impact.

Mahmud of Ghazni ruled the Ghaznavid Empire from Ghazna. He defeated Hindu Shahi rulers and gained access to the Indus plains. Between 1000 and 1030, he conducted 17 campaigns in India, returning with enormous wealth each time. In 1018, he destroyed Mathura's temple and attacked Kannauj. In 1026, he destroyed the Somanatha temple at Somnath despite strong resistance. He did not establish permanent rule beyond Punjab. His invasions caused Indian sciences to move to safer places like Kashmir and Varanasi.