"Raziya Sultana: Breaking

Barriers, Shaping History"

Raziyyat-Ud-Dunya Wa Ud-DinRaziya Sultan, also known as Razia
Sultana, was a remarkable figure in medieval Indian history, breaking
gender barriers and challenging societal norms in a male-dominated world.
Born in 1205 CE, she ascended the throne of Delhi Sultanate in 1236 CE,
becoming the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.

The only ever woman to do so, she defied all odds to occupy the throne,
including overcoming conflicts over her gender and her slave ancestry.
During her reign, she proved her mettle as a just and capable ruler, and was
renowned for her subversive actions, which varied from sporting men’s
attire to printing coins in her own name and image.

Raziya Sultana's reign was marked by both significant achievements and

tumultuous challenges, making her a fascinating subject for historical study
and admiration.

Razia Sultana Being Encouraged By Her

Father Sultan Iltutmish
Raziya Sultana was born to Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish, the ruler of the
Delhi Sultanate, and his wife Shah Turkaan. Despite being born into a royal
family, her ascension to the throne was far from certain due to prevailing
gender biases.
However, Sultan Iltutmish recognized her intelligence, leadership potential,
and determination, which led him to groom her for rulership alongside her
brothers.
Iltutmish sought to impart these same qualities to all his children, including
Razia, and ensured they were all well-educated and trained in archery,
martial arts, and administration.

RAZIYA SULTANA ASCENDED THE

THRONE OF DELHI SULTANATE
Although Iltutmish nominated his daughter Raziya as his successor, the Qazi
of Delhi and Wazir put Ruknuddin Feroz on the throne. When the governor
of Multan revolted, Ruknuddin marched to suppress that revolt. Using this
opportunity, Raziya with the support of Amirs of Delhi seized the
throne of Delhi Sultanate.

Razia ascended the throne as Jalâlat ud-Dîn Raziyâ, and immediately

dropped her veil, replacing it with men’s attire. She always had such kind of
an attitude of a Queen. She authoritatively issued coins in her name,
proclaiming herself to be the ‘pillar of women’ and ‘Queen of the times.’
SUPPORTERS OF RAZIYA SULTANA
Also, Raziya discarded the female apparel, by dressing herself in royal
prince attire and held the court courageously and led the army. She was
proud of her kingdom, and worked on conquering new territories and
strengthening it. She also made breakthroughs in its administration, and
established schools, academies, and public libraries. She gained many
supporters and admirers through her reign.

Raziya Sultana's reign was characterized by several notable achievements.

She was a capable and just ruler, known for her administrative reforms and
commitment to justice. She appointed capable administrators regardless of
their religion or ethnicity, emphasizing meritocracy over nepotism. Her
policies aimed to promote social harmony and economic prosperity, earning
her the respect and admiration of her subjects.

One of Raziya Sultana's most significant accomplishments was her focus on

military prowess and defence. Despite facing internal dissent and external
threats from rival kingdoms, she successfully defended the Delhi Sultanate
from invading forces, showcasing her strategic acumen and leadership on
the battlefield.

Her determination to protect her kingdom earned her the title of

"Jalālat ud-Dīn Raziyā," meaning "Majesty of the Faith, Raziya."

Moreover, Raziya Sultana's reign witnessed advancements in culture,

literature, and architecture. She was a patron of art and scholarship, fostering
an environment where poets, scholars, and intellectuals flourished. Her
court was renowned for its intellectual vibrancy, attracting thinkers and
artists from across the Islamic world. Under her patronage, Delhi became a
center of learning and culture, leaving a lasting legacy that endured beyond
her reign.

Razia Sultana Taking Charge of Administration

However, Raziya Sultana faced numerous challenges during her rule,
primarily due to entrenched patriarchal attitudes and resistance from the
nobility. Many nobles viewed her reign as illegitimate due to her gender,
leading to internal rebellions and conspiracies aimed at undermining her
authority. Despite her efforts to govern justly and effectively, she
encountered opposition at every turn, highlighting the formidable obstacles
she faced as a female ruler in a male-dominated society.

There was a resentment among the Turkish nobles. In 1240, Altunia, the
governor of Bhatinda revolted against her. She went in person to suppress
the revolt but Altunia killed Yakuth and took Raziya prisoner. In the
meantime, the Turkish nobles put Bahram, another son of Iltutmish on the
throne. However, Raziya won over her captor, Altunia, and after marrying
him proceeded to Delhi. But she was defeated and killed. The fall of Raziya
paved the way for the ascendancy of the Forty. In the next six years, Bahram
Shah and Masud ruled Delhi. There ensued a struggle for supremacy
between the Sultans and younger son of Iltutmish, as Sultan.
Ultimately, Raziya Sultan's reign came to a tragic end. In 1240 CE, she was
overthrown and imprisoned by a coalition of nobles led by Malik Altunia, a
former supporter turned rival. Despite attempts to regain her throne, she was
killed in a subsequent battle, marking the end of her brief but impactful
reign.

Billon Jital coin Raziya Sultana

Raziya Sultan's legacy endures as a symbol of courage, resilience, and

progressive leadership. Her remarkable journey from princess to sultan
shattered gender barriers and challenged conventional notions of power and
authority. Despite facing formidable obstacles, she ruled with wisdom,
compassion, and determination, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of
Indian history. Raziya Sultan's story continues to inspire generations,
serving as a testament to the enduring power of female leadership and the
pursuit of justice and equality.

THANK YOU.