text:  The prowess and magnificence of Mahmood his twelve expeditions into Hindostan and the holy wars he waged against the idol-worship of that country in one of which he destroyed an image of peculiar sanctity at Diu or Du in Guzerat and carried off the gates of Somnauth (so recently once more become a trophy of triumph and defeat ) the vast treasures amassed in his campaigns and the extent and greatness of the Ghaznavide empire have always been favourite subjects with Eastern historians