Option c is the correct answer. Assertion (A) is true: Muhammad Ghazni, was a Turkic conqueror who ruled the Ghaznavid Empire from 998 to 1030 AD. Mahmud Ghazni made the very first attack on India in 1001. He attacked India 17 times in 25 years. He made his last attack on the Somnath temple in 1025 to plunder the gold. Reason (R) is false: Mahmud's primary objective for invading India was not to establish a permanent Muslim Empire. Instead, his expeditions were primarily driven by the desire to amass wealth and riches through raiding and looting the temples and cities of northern India. His invasions were more about gaining material resources and expanding his own treasury and power base. Important Tips Mahmud of Ghazni: Mahmud of Ghazni, son of Sabuktigin, was the first independent ruler of Ghazni. Starting from 999 CE, Mahmud initiated Ghazi invasions, making his mark as a skilled military leader. He battled Jayapala of the Pala Dynasty in 1001 CE using cavalry and strategic military tactics. Jayapala was defeated, and his capital, Waihind/Peshawar, suffered heavy damage. Anandapal, Jayapala's successor, resisted Mahmud's forces near the Indus but was conquered in 1006 CE. Mahmud annexed Lahore in 1015 CE, expanding his empire to the Jhelum River, and even took over Multan despite Anandapal's alliance. Mahmud aimed to acquire wealth through expeditions in the Gangetic plains, raiding the Ganga valley in 1019 and 1021 CE. His intention to expand his empire but to amass wealth and a vitalize local power in the upper Ganga He raided the Somnath temple in Gujarat in 1025 CE, a significant raid among his conquests. His desire to conquer Kashmir remained unfulfilled due to defeat in 1015 CE. Mahmud extended his empire in Iran and gained recognition from the Khalifa in Baghdad. Mahmud passed away in 1030 due to malaria and tuberculosis contracted during his expeditions.