She was a woman, who challenged the status quo, and to top it, she also assumed a title reserved for men. The only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, Razia Sultan, has an important place in history.
Though her reign was short-lived, she strived to change the societal constructs—rebelling against a powerful group of noblemen.
Hailing from a slave dynasty (Mamluk dynasty), she ascended the throne on 10 November 1236. Jalâlat-ud-Dîn Raziyâ assumed the title ‘Sultan’, after renouncing her traditional Muslim attire. Razia Sultan was determined to transform several aspects of her kingdom.
Iltutmish, Razia’s father, died after he was involved in a Gwalior assault. Razia, being a proficient archer, was trained by her father. She often accompanied him in his military undertakings. Just before his death, Iltutmish handed over Delhi to Razia because he was impressed by her capabilities.
Rukn-ud-mollusk, her kin, managed Delhi for approximately seven months. Razia overpowered him in 1236 with the support of some of Delhi’s inhabitants.
Razia ruled the kingdom for three and a half years. During her reign, she enhanced facilities by building streets, burrowing wells, etc. She also built schools and opened libraries that facilitated researchers to work on the Quran. She even contributed to craftsmanship and culture by supporting scholars, painters, and craftspersons.
Although she brought reforms in the education system and administration, she could not upstage the Muslim Nobles.
Razia Sultan got subjected to the envies and discontent of the ruling and the non-ruling men in her dynasty.
Her decline began with her infatuation with Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut, an African Siddi slave, who became privileged due to their association. Her constant attempt to create a supportive group of Non-Turkic in official posts earned her the ire of the Turkish nobles.
Malik Ikhtiar-ud-Altunia, the administrative head of Bhatinda, grew up together with Razia. He was fond of Razia and stoked a rebellion to win her back. She soon lost control of the kingdom, and Yaqut was killed by Altunia.
Altunia rebelled against the Turkish nobles to win Razia back her kingdom but was unsuccessful in their conquest.
They were eventually defeated by Bahram, her kin, on 13 October 1240. Raziâ and Altunia fled Delhi after their defeat and reached Baithal, eventually meeting their ends at the hands of the locals.
Watch this space throughout International Women’s Month to know more about some strong and impactful women who shaped India’s history!
