Razia Sultan: The First, The Only Female Muslim Ruler And Sultan

While reading the books of History, we often encounter male rulers who impacted their kingdoms greatly. Be it Akbar or Aurangazeb, their positive and negative influence is still alive in the pages of history or in the archaeological excavations. But how many times have we learnt about female rulers? How many pages of History were dedicated to the impact they created? Even if reading about them was fascinating, how many of us consider the female rulers a significant part of Indian History? One such female ruler whose reign is either less researched or forgotten is Razia Sultan, the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. Let's know more about her reign, struggles and her courageous success over the opposition. 

Born in the year 1205, Razia Sultan was the first-born and the only daughter of Shamsuddin Iltutmish. Her full name was Raziyyat-Ud-Dunya Wa Ud-Din and was a descendant of a Turkic slave (mamluk) of Qutub-ud-Din Aibak. Her father, Iltutmish, was a slave of Aibak and Turkan Khatun, the chief wife of Iltutmish and mother of Razia, was the daughter of Aibak. As a slave, Iltutmish impressed Aibak through his work and got appointed as the provincial governor. Later, he became the third and the greatest Delhi Sultan of the Slave dynasty. 

Razia Sultan's Childhood

Iltutmish taught his prowess to all his children, including Razia, and made sure that everyone excelled in archery, martial arts and administration. Iltutmish was impressed by the administration skills of Razia when she handled the Sultanate in his absence during 1231-1232. Iltutmish was busy in his Gwalior campaign. Upon returning, he declared Razia as his rightful heir. He even got Officer Tajul Mulk Mahmud Dabir to make a decree about Razia being his heir. 

However, when Iltutmish died in 1236, the Muslim Nobility denied accepting Razia as the ruler and appointed her half-brother Ruknuddin Firuz as the new king. The reign of Firuz was handled by his mother, Shah Turkan, who had planned to execute Razia. However, during the rebellion, Razia not only instigated the public against her but also got the mother-son duo assassinated. However, some pages of history suggest that Firuz was only deposed from the throne. 

How Razia Sultan's Reign Began

Then began the historical reign of Razia Sultan as she assumed the throne. Even though she served as ruler only in the northern Indian subcontinent, she holds the title of the first Muslim female ruler of the region and the first female Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. In November of 1236, Razia assumed the throne as Jalalat-ud-Din Raziya. The first and the most defying act of hers was shedding her  veil and putting on the male attire. 

During her reign, Razia brought many changes in the kingdom starting from economy and education to treating people fairly. As per the History, Razia issued silver coins in her name, manifesting herself as the 'pillar of women' and 'Queen of the times'. These silver coins, known as taka, leveraged the economy of the kingdom as they were of the same weight and size across the kingdom. Razia was very keen about growing the education and arts in her kingdom. She started schools, colleges and public libraries for people to learn. She also directed books to be translated in the language spoken by the kingdom to increase their reach. 

Proud of her kingdom, she always placed her eyes on conquering new territories and expanding her kingdom. She treated everyone in the kingdom fairly and ensured they were cared for. She appointed knowledgeable and good people to help her in managing the kingdom. But if anyone faltered, she made sure that they were punished.

The Opposition To Her Throne From Turkish Nobles

Despite all these hard works and significant changes in the kingdom, the opposition against her didn't stop. People were still against Razia being their ruler but Razia didn't pay heed to these hurdles and was determined. 

The Turkish Nobles couldn't digest the efficacy of Razia's reign and were also displeased by the rumoured involvement of Razia with Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut, an Abyssinian Siddi slave. Despite her courageous efforts to defend her throne, she was held captive. Taqut was murdered and Razia's throne was overtaken by her brother Muizuddin Bahram Shah. 

Razia And Altunia's Conquest To Win The Throne Back 

But this was not the end of Razia Sultana's life. History tells us that Malik Altunia, the governor of Bhatinda, fell in love with the charm and wits of Raziya and took her as his wife. He rebelled against the Turkish noble who opposed Raziya's rule. He even planned a siege and along with Razia walked towards Delhi. However, they were defeated in the conquest in 1240. 

Then, the duo fled Delhi and reached Baithal. The minimal army that supported them also stepped back. Razia and Altunia met an unfortunate death at the hands of Hindu jats who robbed and killed them. 

Lack Of Mention And Evidence Of Razia Sultan's Life

The life of Razia Sultan was filled with challenges that mainly opposed her suitability for the throne and the title of Sultana. She had to battle just to defend her throne. Despite this, she made significant changes in the kingdom and grew its reach. But history has little mention of this brave female ruler. The archaeological or documentary evidence of her reign is also missing. No one knows where the site of her grave could be. 

But Razia and her bravery find mention in folklore and lyrics written by women to inspire themselves and the entire womankind. Some movies and television series were also made on the life of Razia Sultan. Even though Razia lives through these arts, it would have been better if she found a special mention in history. 

Here is a glimpse of a poem by Aabha Vatsa named Mallika Delhi: Razia Sultan:

Razia Sultan, the darling daughter

Of Iltutmish, the Sultan of Delhi

Was born with a meteoric destiny

That blazed Medieval India. 

Her reign of less than four years

A torch bearer

Not just for women of the contemporary world

But as long as life exists

Razia

No Sultana

But the Supreme Sultan herself.