Razia Sultana was the first and only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. She ruled from 1236 CE to 1240 CE as the Sultan of the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty. She is remembered for her administrative skills, military leadership, and attempts to break gender barriers in medieval India.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Razia Sultana |
| Dynasty | Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 1236 CE – 1240 CE |
| Predecessor | Ruknuddin Firuz |
| Father | Iltutmish |
| Successor | Bahram Shah |
| Capital | Delhi |
| Death | 1240 CE (killed in Kaithal, Haryana) |
Early Life & Ascension to the Throne
- Razia was the daughter of Iltutmish, the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
- Iltutmish nominated Razia as his successor, considering her more capable than his sons.
- However, after Iltutmish’s death in 1236 CE, nobles (Amirs) placed Ruknuddin Firuz (her brother) on the throne.
- Ruknuddin was an incompetent ruler, and after his mother’s excessive interference in administration, he was overthrown and executed.
- Razia was declared the Sultan of Delhi in 1236 CE, becoming the first female ruler of Delhi.
Challenges Faced as a Woman Ruler
- Opposition from Turkish Nobles (Amirs)
- The nobles were against a woman ruler and did not accept her authority.
- Disapproval of Her Policies
- She dressed like a man, attended court without the veil (purdah), and led armies, which was not accepted by the conservative nobles.
- Rise of Rebellions
- Many governors (Iqtadars) revolted, leading to constant battles.
- Malik Altunia (Governor of Bhatinda) rebelled against her.
Major Achievements
1. Strong Administration
- Razia was a skilled administrator and led the Sultanate effectively.
- She removed corrupt officials and appointed capable administrators.
2. Promotion of Non-Turkish Nobles
- Razia appointed Abyssinian (Ethiopian) slave Yakut (Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut) as her chief officer.
- This angered the Turkish nobles, who wanted power for themselves.
3. Military Campaigns
- Suppressed rebellions in Bengal and Lahore.
- Successfully defended Delhi against enemies.
Downfall & Death
- Malik Altunia (Governor of Bhatinda) rebelled against Razia.
- The Turkish nobles spread rumors about Razia’s relationship with Yakut, creating opposition against her.
- In 1240 CE, Razia was captured and imprisoned by Altunia.
- Later, Razia married Altunia and tried to regain the throne, but she was defeated by Bahram Shah (her half-brother).
- Killed by local Jats in Kaithal (Haryana) in 1240 CE while escaping.
Significance of Razia Sultana
- First and only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
- Challenged gender norms by ruling independently.
- Showed strong leadership and administrative skills.
- Her short reign proved the strength of women in leadership despite opposition.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 1236 CE – 1240 CE |
| Predecessor | Ruknuddin Firuz |
| Father | Iltutmish |
| Major Enemy | Turkish Nobles, Malik Altunia |
| Death | 1240 CE (Kaithal, Haryana) |
| Significance | First Woman Ruler of Delhi |
MCQs on Razia Sultana
1. Who was the first and only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?
A) Razia Sultana
B) Chand Bibi
C) Nur Jahan
D) Rani Durgavati
Answer: A) Razia Sultana
2. Who was Razia Sultana’s father?
A) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
B) Balban
C) Iltutmish
D) Bahram Shah
Answer: C) Iltutmish
3. Who led the rebellion against Razia Sultana in Bhatinda?
A) Bahram Shah
B) Malik Altunia
C) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
D) Ghiyasuddin Balban
Answer: B) Malik Altunia
4. In which year did Razia Sultana become the ruler of Delhi?
A) 1206 CE
B) 1211 CE
C) 1236 CE
D) 1250 CE
Answer: C) 1236 CE
5. Where was Razia Sultana killed?
A) Delhi
B) Lahore
C) Kaithal, Haryana
D) Bhatinda
Answer: C) Kaithal, Haryana
Subjective Questions on Razia Sultana
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Razia Sultana, and how did she become the ruler?
- Why did Razia Sultana face opposition from the Turkish nobles?
- What were the major achievements of Razia Sultana?
- How did Razia Sultana die?
- What was the significance of Razia Sultana’s reign in Indian history?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the rise and challenges faced by Razia Sultana as the first female ruler of Delhi.
- Explain the role of Turkish nobles in Razia Sultana’s downfall.
- What were the administrative and military contributions of Razia Sultana?
- Compare Razia Sultana’s rule with other rulers of the Delhi Sultanate.
- How did gender politics influence Razia Sultana’s reign and downfall?
These notes are essential for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History.