only
The the Dehli
of
ruler
male
fe Sultanate
Early Life of Razia Sultan
Razia Sultan was born in 1205 CE in Badaun. She was the only daughter of
Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish, considered to be effective founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
Her mother was Qutb-ud-Din's daughter, and was married to her father for his
prodigious skill and valour.
Razia's eldest full brother Nassiruddin Mahmud died early and unexpectedly in 1229. She
also had one more brother.
Razia's half brother Ruknuddin Firuz later came in a first successor to throne after her
father died.
Since childhood, Razia was trained in the art of warefare, diplomacy, horsemanship and
administration alongwith her brothers.
Her father, Iltutmish and Malik Yaqut (an Abyssinian slave) supervised her training.
Since childhood, she had almost no interaction with the women in the harem (the
separate part of a Muslim household reserved for women of the household). So she did
not have a clear idea of the demure behaviour of women expected by the Muslim society
of that time
Nature of Razia Sultan
Razia Sultan gave rousing speech in mosque after friday prayers against Ruknuddin
and Shah Turkan. She promised that if she became sultan she will rule as per people's
wishes; failing to do she will accept any punishment including death.
She always respected her religion.
She had a strong personality and was not demur like other Muslim women of her times.
She was a really strong, couragues and respected as a ruler by her people.
She did not like to be called Sultana which was a title given to wife of Sultan and
insisted that she be addressed as Sultan which means the Supreme Ruler.
To assert her authority as a Sultan, she minted coins in her own name.
She was fearless and wanted to break the power of Turkish nobles, so she gave
governorship of some provinces to capable non-turkish, officers.
She was brave and straight forward, and led her army into battle by leading from the
front.
Extent of Razia Sultan's Empire
Razia’s father Iltutmish was a highly capable ruler who ruled for 25 years. By the time of
his death, the Delhi Sultanate had emerged as the largest and the most powerful
kingdom in northern India.
Spread of Delhi Sultanate was from Afghanistan in the North to the outskirts of Tibet.
into Bengal in the East and to the Gangentic plains in the South.
In 1236, along with this vast empire, Razia inherited a well organised, centrally recruited,
centrally paid and centrally managed powerful army of the Delhi Sultanate.
With the help of this army, Razia tried to expand her empire by invading different
territories of Ranthambhor, but she lost a large part of Rajasthan to Chahamana ruler.
She also attempted an incursion on Gwalior but failed to capture the territory.
Contributions to Delhi Sultanate
Razia Sultan was the first and last woman emperor of the Delhi Sultanate. In a short
period, she became very popular as a good administrator. She brought many reforms in
the administration.
She tried to break the influence of Turkish Nobles by appointing non-Turkish
individuals in important court positions. She even appointed her loyal former slave
Yaqut of Abyssinian origin as Amir-i-Akhur.
She minted coins in her own name to impress her power and position as a Sultan.
She established many schools to educate all the children in her province.
She opened many libraries to share the wisdom and knowledge with the public.
She invited Hindu Scholars to share their wisdom and experiences with Muslim
Scholars.
She was a skilled warrior. She bravely attacked some enemy territories and merged
some of them into the sultanate to strengthen the Kingdom.
She suppressed many enemy attacks and attacks by rebels, by leading her forces
from the front into the battle.
Internal & External Revolts
Growing confident as a sultan, Razia discarded purdah(veil), which alienated Muslim
religious leaders.
Turkish nobles were also angry with her as she started giving non-turkish officers
governorship of important provinces, and important positions within her court.
Some powerful Turkish nobles considered it below their dignity to serve a woman leader.
Soon, these nobles started rumour campaign against her to discredit her. One rumour did
serious damage to her character was about her romantic relationship with Abyssinia
slave Yakut, who she had promoted to the position of Master of Royal Stable.
Later part of her short reign of 4 years was spent in fighting rebels of the existing Delhi
Sultanate.
Shias revolted against the Sultanate, but the rebellion was suppressed in 1237.
She marched to Tabarhinda where Altunia had rebelled against her, unaware that other
nobles had joined Altunia in his rebellion. Her loyalist Yaqut was killed by Altunia and
she was captured in April 1240 by the rebels. This ended her reign as Sultan.
In October 1240, Altunia and Razia were attacked and killed by the new Sultan of Delhi.
