Biruni

He is known for his work in astronomy, mathematics, the natural sciences, geography, and history. He lost his father at a young age. He was taken under the protection of the Khwarazmian rulers and received an education in mathematics and astronomy at the court. His teachers there were Ibn al-Iraq and Abdussamed ibn Hakim. During this period, he wrote his first book at the age of 17. When the Khwarazmian Empire was conquered by the Mamunids, Biruni went to Iran and lived there for a time. Later, he came under the patronage of the Ziyarids. He wrote his book *Al-Asar al-Baqiya* at the Ziyarid court. After working there for two years, he returned to his homeland and began collaborating with Abu’l-Wafa on astronomy. In 1017, when Mahmud of Ghazni overthrew the Khwarezmian Empire, Biruni also came to the city of Ghazni and came under the patronage of the Ghaznavids. He was held in high esteem at court and participated in Mahmud of Ghazni’s campaign to India. There, he caught the attention of Indian scholars, and after the conquest of India, he settled in the city of Nendene, where he continued his scientific work. He learned Sanskrit and studied the life and culture of Indian society.