Razia Sultana was the daughter of Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, a former slave who rose to become the Sultan of Delhi. She was born in 1205 to Qutb Begum and had an older brother, Nasiruddin Mahmud, who was their father’s favorite and prepared to become the next ruler. However, Nasiruddin died unexpectedly in 1229, leaving Iltutmish unsure about his successor, as he found his other sons unfit for the throne.
Impressed by Razia’s intelligence and abilities, Iltutmish chose her as his heir, breaking tradition. But after his death in 1236, her half-brother Rukn ud-din Firuz became the Sultan. His reign lasted only six months before he and his mother were assassinated, clearing the way for Razia to become the first female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
As a ruler, Razia proved to be wise, just, and strong. She cared for her people and was a skilled leader in both administration and battle. However, her reign faced many challenges. Several governors rebelled against her, including Malik Altunia, the governor of Bathinda, who was once her close friend and possibly her childhood sweetheart.
Rumors of Razia’s closeness with her trusted advisor, Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut, caused jealousy among the nobles, including Altunia. He rebelled against her, leading to a battle. During the conflict, Yaqut was killed, and Razia was captured and imprisoned by Altunia. To save herself, Razia married him, and together they marched to reclaim Delhi.
Unfortunately, by then, her brother Bahram Shah had seized the throne. Razia and Altunia were defeated in battle near Kaithal. Betrayed by fate, they were both killed, ending the reign of the courageous Razia Sultana.
Her legacy lives on as a symbol of strength and determination, proving that women can be just as capable as men in leadership.
Rule of Razia Sultan
Razia Sultana, the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, ruled from 1236 to 1240 CE. Iltutmish designated Razia as his successor because of her competence and administrative abilities, bypassing his sons, whom he deemed unfit to rule.
Characteristics of Razia Sultan’s Rule
1. Administrative Reforms: Razia demonstrated strong leadership and implemented efficient administrative policies. She focused on maintaining law and order and strengthening the central authority.
2. Religious Tolerance: Unlike some of her predecessors, Razia was known for her relatively secular outlook. She treated people of all faiths with fairness.
3. Challenges to Her Authority:
– Razia faced significant opposition from the Turkish nobility (the “Chahalgani,” or Forty), who were resistant to being ruled by a woman.
– To consolidate her power, she appointed non-Turks, such as Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut, to high positions, which further alienated the conservative nobility.
4. Military Campaigns: Razia proved her mettle in several battles and defended her kingdom against internal revolts and external threats.
6. End of Her Rule: In 1240, Razia and Altunia attempted to reclaim the throne but were defeated by forces loyal to her brother, Bahram Shah. She was killed shortly after, marking the end of her reign.
While much of her focus was on maintaining political stability and central authority, she also initiated certain social changes, directly and indirectly, that distinguished her rule.
Here are the key social reforms and initiatives attributed to Razia Sultan:
1. Breaking Gender Barriers
Razia’s very ascension to the throne was a revolutionary act in a patriarchal society. She demonstrated that leadership and governance were not limited to men.
By adopting the title of Sultan (rather than the feminine “Sultana”) and wearing male attire, she challenged societal norms and set a precedent for women’s capability in leadership.
2. Promoting Meritocracy
Razia sought to break the dominance of the Turkish nobility (the Chahalgani or “Forty”) by appointing capable individuals from diverse backgrounds to high positions.
Her appointment of Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut, an Abyssinian slave, as superintendent of the royal stables, reflected her emphasis on talent and loyalty over ethnicity or social status.
3. Encouragement of Religious Tolerance
Razia’s governance demonstrated an inclusive approach, treating people of all religions fairly and ensuring their participation in administrative and social systems.
Her policies helped maintain harmony in a society characterized by a mix of Hindu and Muslim populations.
4. Improving Justice and Administration
Razia prioritized justice and worked toward curbing corruption in the administration.
She regularly held public audiences to hear grievances directly from her subjects, making her accessible to common people and ensuring that justice was swift and impartial.
5. Focus on Education and Culture
Razia encouraged the development of educational institutions and libraries, fostering learning and intellectual growth.
She supported scholars, poets, and artists, contributing to the cultural enrichment of her time.
6. Advancing Women’s Representation
Razia Sultan’s rule symbolized the potential for women to hold positions of power and influence. While she did not implement specific policies for women’s rights, her leadership itself served as a powerful statement against gender discrimination.
7. Public Works and Welfare
Although historical records primarily focus on her political and military efforts, Razia is credited with initiatives to improve infrastructure, such as roads and irrigation systems, which indirectly supported economic and social development.
Razia Sultan’s reforms reflected her progressive vision and commitment to building a more equitable society. Despite resistance from conservative factions, her policies and governance style left an enduring legacy, making her a symbol of empowerment and merit-based leadership.
Legacy
Despite her short rule, Razia Sultan is remembered for breaking gender barriers in medieval India. She was a capable and just ruler who prioritized merit over lineage. Her reign, though brief, showcased her administrative acumen, bravery, and vision, making her a symbol of women’s empowerment in Indian history.