Razia Sultan

Razia Sultan was the first Muslim woman to hold the position of Delhi sultanate. She was among the most powerful sultans in the Delhi Sultanate. She was born in Badaun in 1205 and passed away in Kaithal, Delhi Sultanate, on October 15, 1240.

"Sultan Raziyat-Ud-Dunya Wa Ud-Din" was her full name. Despite the fact that her native name was "Jalâlat-ud-Dîn Razia." She was Delhi's fifth sultan. She was Ikhtiyaruddin Altuna's wife. She was a courageous woman in Indian history.

Personal Information

• Date of Birth: c. 1205
• Reign: November 10, 1236 to October 14, 1240
• Place of Birth: Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Spouse: Malik Altunia (m. 1240-1240)
• Dynasty: Mamluk
• Death: October 14, 1240
• Place of Death: Kaithal, Delhi Sultanate
• Father: Iltutmish
• Mother: Turkan Khatun
• Religion: Sunni Islam
• Predecessor: Ruknuddin Firuz
• Successor: Muizuddin Bahram

About Razia Sultan

Razia Sultan was born in 1205. Sultan reigned over Delhi from 1236 to 1240. Delhi's first Muslim woman to be involved in the throne was Razia Sultan. She became the Sultanate of Delhi in 1236 after her father, Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, passed away.

In addition to being brave and a warrior like her father, Razia Sultan was also incredibly clever and a skilled administrator. Her actions have been preserved in the pages of history. One location that brings back memories of this brave woman is Razia Sultan's Tomb in Delhi. She sat in an open durbar and dressed like a male. She ruled with effectiveness and exuded royal qualities.

Early Life

Razia was born into the family of Delhi Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish, who was Qutb ud-Din Aibak's Turkic slave (mamluk). Turkan Khatun, Razia's mother, was the chief wife of Iltutmish and the daughter of Qutb ud-Din Aibak. Razia was Iltutmish's eldest daughter and most likely his firstborn child.

She got military training and professional combat skills with her siblings. She possessed an in-depth knowledge of state governance, much like most of the other nobles' children.

Razia Sultan: Names and Titles

One of the best female leaders of the Delhi sultanate was Razia Sultan. The people knew her of the Delhi sultanate as a Raziyya and Raḍiyya. She introduced her coin, Sultan Jalalat al-Duniya wal-Din, during her reign as the Sultanate of Delhi.

Coins

Razia coins can be found in billon and silver; one gold coin with a Bengali design is also known. Razia initially released coins in Delhi in her father Iltumish's name, with the title Nasrat.

Reign

Razia showed her efficiency as a ruler. She gave up Purdah, the Muslim custom of women, and wore clothes more akin to that of the emperors who came before her. However, the traditionalist Muslims were taken aback by her decision to defy tradition and show her face in public by taking off the veil.

As the head of her army, she led her warriors from the front in combat and managed her government with expertise and assurance. She also showed off her warrior prowess by mounting an elephant. She expanded her kingdom by capturing more lands. Razia demonstrated her abilities as a capable administrator during her rule by implementing significant political changes.

She tried to improve the nation's infrastructure by digging wells, constructing roads, and promoting trade, in addition to establishing sufficient laws in her kingdom. As a secular monarch, Razia worked to preserve the innate culture of her Hindu subjects. The nobility rejected her attempts to remove the tax imposed on non-Muslims.

In addition to public libraries and the traditions of the prophet, she established schools, research centers, and academies. Along with the Quran, Hindu literature, astronomy, philosophy, science, and other subjects were also taught in schools and universities.

Work of Razia Sultan

• Razia Sultan established lawful and absolute peace in her domain, where all individuals adhered to the rules and regulations she established due to her success as a ruler.
• She also established institutes, open libraries, study spaces, and schools to support scholars studying the Quran and Muhammad's customs.
• She supported artists and craftspeople while making contributions to culture and craft.
• She dug wells, built streets, improved exchange, and made other efforts to improve the base of the country.

Some Facts About Razia Sultan

• After her brother Rukn-ud-din ruled the empire for seven years, Razia Sultan assumed the throne on November 10. Her official name was Raziya Jalal-ud-din.
• She gave up wearing the Purdah, which is a traditional outfit for Muslim women, and adopted gender-neutral clothing. She enraged the traditionalist Muslims with this decision.
• Razia refused to be named "Sultana," even though in Muslim culture, she should be called Razia Sultana. Sultana is the term used in Muslim culture to describe the mistress or wife of a sultan or ruler. She declared herself as Sultan, the ruler.
• Razia is one of the few female rulers who took the throne from the front. She was the fifth Mamluk Dynasty monarch and a significant figure in Islamic civilization worldwide.
• During her reign, she got coins struck bearing the inscription, "Pillar of Women, Queen of the Times, Sultan Razia, daughter of Shamsuddin Iltutmish."
• Razia didn't come from a Nobel-class background. Razia's ancestors were Turkish Seljuk slaves.
• Razia Sultan led the charge in combat, winning wars and capturing numerous lands. She was an expert administrator who socialized with the greatest Sultans Delhi had ever known.

Jealousy and Conspiracy

The rising power of Razia aroused jealousy among several Turkish nobles, who believed that a female Sultan was an insult to male warriors and nobles. Malik Ikhtiar-ud-din Altunia, the governor of Bhatinda at the time, was one of the nobles who plotted against Razia.

Many historians were surprised to learn that Altunia was also among Razia's closest childhood buddies. He planned a strategy to support Razia's brother, Muizuddin Bahram Shah, in ascending to the throne.

She faced up against him using his army and all of his might, but she fell badly. Razia was imprisoned in Qila Mubarak in Bathinda by Altunia. Muizuddin Bahram Shah declared himself the Sultan of Delhi in the meantime.

Many nobility attempted to destroy her reputation by stating she had a romantic involvement with Jamaluddin Yaqut, one of her Abyssinian slaves who was killed in the conflict that happened between Razia and Altunia.

According to some historians, she received royal treatment while imprisoned because Altunia had always been in love with Razia. Altunia routinely visited her while she was imprisoned. On Fridays, she was permitted to go in a special palki to the Hajirattan Mosque to perform prayers. His tremendous care for her and changing demeanor subsided Razia Sultan's rage, and she won him back by removing all misunderstandings with her love. She was freed as a result, and the lovers got married.

Achievements of Razia Sultan

1. First Female Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate

In a society where men predominate, Razia Sultan created history by becoming the first female Sultan of Delhi. Following the death of her father, Sultan Iltutmish, in 1236, she rose to the throne and overcame many obstacles to become the Sultanate's ruler. She was able to solidify her position and maintain effective authority for a number of years in spite of resistance from strong nobility and military leaders.

Despite facing particular difficulties as the first female Sultan, Razia showed that she had a solid understanding of state issues and great leadership qualities. Her administration was characterized by stability and prosperity, and she was well-known for her intelligence and fairness. She broke the standard of what was expected from women in her era and established herself as a capable and visionary leader.

2. Successful Administration and Governance

Razia's rule was distinguished by effective leadership and management. She exhibited a strong leadership style and a solid understanding of state issues despite being a female monarch in a society where males ruled. Her administration was characterized by stability and prosperity, and she was well-known for her intelligence and impartiality.

She worked to strengthen the Sultanate's government by uniting the army and appointing obedient officials. This supported the empire's efforts to preserve order and strengthen its central government. Razia also gained the people's love and allegiance because of her reputation for fair and good policies.

Her excellent management and leadership demonstrated both her capacity as a leader and her dedication to improving the well-being of her subjects. She set a high bar for upcoming Sultanate leaders and others, and her reign is renowned for its stability, wealth, and fairness.

3. Expansion of the Sultanate Through Military Conquests

Razia Sultan was renowned for her military conquests during her rule, which helped to expand the Sultanate. Her multiple triumphant battles against adjacent regions expanded the Sultanate's area of influence and strength. She earned the respect of both her opponents and other soldiers for her strategic skills and military capability.

The Sultanate attained unprecedented levels of military and territory growth under her direction. Her military successes increased her reputation as a strong and capable leader and made the Sultanate an important player in the medieval era.

Razia's military conquests to extend the Sultanate were important achievements and evidence of her strong leadership abilities. She is a significant person in Sultanate history as well as other histories, and her reputation as a military strategist and leader inspires future generations.

4. Patronage of the Arts and Literature

During her time as the Sultan of Delhi, Razia Sultan was a patron of literature and the arts. She passionately supported the literature and arts communities, understanding the value of cultural advancement.

She promoted the production of works that honored the Sultanate's cultural legacy and gave writers, poets, and painters financial support.

One of Razia's main achievements and a key part of her legacy as the ruler was her support of literature and the arts. Her support for the creative community contributed to the enhancement of the people's lives and established the Sultanate as a hub of artistic and cultural excellence. Her support of literature and the arts has left a legacy that inspires and influences upcoming generations.

5. Contributions to Public Works and Infrastructure

Razia Sultana made major contributions to the Sultanate of Delhi's infrastructure and public works projects during her reign. She understood that in order to improve her subjects' quality of life and foster economic growth, the empire needed to improve its infrastructure.

She started several public works initiatives, such as building public buildings, bridges, and roadways. Her actions made it easier for people and products to travel throughout the empire by enhancing communication and transportation. She was also in favor of the growth of trade and agriculture, both of which contributed to greater economic success.

Building public works and infrastructure was one of Razia's greatest accomplishments and a key part of her legacy as ruler. Her initiatives helped to raise the standard of living for her subjects, advance economic growth, and establish the groundwork for the Sultanate's future expansion and prosperity. Future generations are still influenced and motivated by her leadership and building legacy.

6. Positive Impact on Indian History

The reign of Razia Sultan had a positive impact on Indian history and was an important turning point in the political and cultural development of the region. As the first female Sultan of Delhi, she defied social norms and established a high bar for other leaders in the future.

She is a significant person in Indian history because of her leadership and legacy as a ruler, which will inspire the next generations. Her accomplishments broke down barriers between genders and opened doors for more women to pursue careers in public service and leadership. Razia Sultana is regarded as a pioneer and a representation of courage, insight, and tenacity today.

Death of Razia Sultan

Razia Sultan, the Iltutmish daughter, ruled over the Slave dynasty. She was the first woman to occupy the Delhi throne. However, the nobility rose against her and placed her brother, Mohin-ud-din Bahram Shah, as the king.

Razia married Bhatinda's governor, Malik Altunia, in the meantime. They both marched towards Delhi in order to seize the throne, and Bahram sent his army to seize them. Razia died on October 14, 1240 AD, during a battle between the soldiers of both sides near Kaithal.

Tomb

Razia's burial lies in Mohalla Bulbuli Khana, next to Turkman Gate in Old Delhi. Ibn Batuta, a traveler from the 14th century, notes that Razia's tomb had turned into a site of pilgrimage. People came there to ask for blessings.

According to legend, Razia's half-brother Bahram and her successor constructed her burial. Beside her tomb is another grave, supposedly belonging to her sister Shazia. Razia was a follower of Shah Turkman Bayabani, a Sufi saint, and her grave is said to be his hospice (khanqah).

The site is currently highly neglected; the Archaeological Survey of India maintains it annually but has not been able to make it any more beautiful because it is only accessible via a small, congested path and is bordered by illegal development. The people who lived nearby built a mosque close to it in the late 20th century. It is said that Razia's original grave was located in a derelict building in Kaithal.

Conclusion

A courageous Muslim woman of her era was Razia Sultan. She demonstrated her superiority as a ruler by using her most effective methods and tactics. She's accomplished a lot in her 35 years of life. In 1240, Razia passed away. She introduced several significant changes to the administration and educational system, but regrettably, she was unable to stand by herself in front of the Muslim nobility. But it's also a terrific thing to become the ruler during those periods when women weren't given the same respect as males.

The innovative reign of Razia Sultana greatly enhanced the Sultanate of Delhi's history. She defied the stereotype of women in her era and established a high bar for future leaders. Her accomplishments in public works and infrastructure construction, military expansion, patronage of literature and the arts, and effective administration and governance have left a lasting impression on the region and its people.

FAQ's on Razia Sultan

Question 1. What made Razia Sultan distinct throughout history?

Answer: In the history of the Delhi Sultanate, Razia Sultan held a special position. Since she was the Delhi Sultanate's first female ruler, she was always seen as one of the great ones. As a result, women participated actively in politics back then.

Question 2. Did Razia love Altunia?

Answer: Razia Sultan's real love was Malik Altunia. She had the same unwavering love for him as he had for her. Though Yaqut played a role in their journey, Razia's first priority was always Malik.

Question 3. What impact did gender differences have on Razia Sultan?

Answer: As a ruler, she rejected the pardah and other conventional Muslim women's clothing to wear gender-neutral clothing, just like the male rulers who came before her. Her decision to remove her veil startled the traditional Muslims.

Question 4. What actions did Razia take to make her position stronger?

Answer: Razia established the policy of appointing non-Turkish nobles to higher positions in an effort to end the Turkish nobility's stranglehold on high offices.

Question 5. Why did nobles oppose Razia?

Answer: The Sultanate was ruled by Razia in 1236, the first and only female ruler. The nobles despised her because they felt oppressed by a woman in power. She didn't adhere to the Purdah system. At that time, Muslim women were required to wear Veils or Purdah.

Question 6. What was the name of Razia Sultan's spouse?

Answer: Malik Altunia

Question 7. Who removed Razia?

Answer: The nobles challenged Razia's power under the leadership of a Turkish governor named Altunia. They plotted against her, rose in rebellion, and took her into imprisonment. Her reign came to an end with this uprising, due to which she was removed from the throne.

Question 8. What quality possesses Razia Sultan?

Answer: She strived to expand and protect her empire because she was proud of it. Along with establishing schools, academies, and public libraries, she made additional administrative improvements.

Question 9. What kind of relationship exists between Razia and Yakut?

Answer: Yaqut has no love feelings for Razia. He was merely a slave, committed to work for her under all circumstances. In fact, he was incredibly devoted to her but more out of duty than love.