Razia was born around 1205 CE to Sultan Iltutmish and Queen Turkan Raziya. From a young age, Razia behaved differently from typical princesses: She f

Razia Sultan

---

Introduction: Why Razia Sultan Is One of the Most Extraordinary Figures in Indian History

Among all the rulers of medieval India, one name stands out not just because of power or conquests, but because of sheer rarity — Razia Sultan, the first and only female Sultan of Delhi. In a world dominated by men, where royal courts, military camps, politics, and administration were exclusively male spaces, Razia broke every rule, challenged every stereotype, and claimed her rightful position not as a princess, not as a symbolic figurehead, but as a full-fledged Sultan.

Her story is dramatic — a brilliant daughter of Iltutmish, a favorite of the king, chosen over her brothers, a ruler who dressed like a man to command troops, a reformer who dared to appoint non-Turkish nobles, a visionary who dreamed of a stronger and fairer Sultanate, and a tragic heroine whose rule was cut short by powerful nobles who could not accept authority in a woman’s hands.

Razia’s life feels almost cinematic — ambition, intelligence, courage, rebellion, betrayal, love, and tragedy — all woven into one short yet impactful reign (1236–1240 CE).

This detailed 4000+ words article covers everything — her childhood, rise to power, challenges, reforms, military actions, relationship with Yakut, downfall, death, and long-lasting legacy — written in a simple, clean, human-like flow.

Let’s go back to the Delhi Sultanate of the 13th century.

---

The Background: India Under the Slave Dynasty Before Razia

To understand Razia’s story, we need to understand the environment she was born into. Delhi Sultanate was founded in 1206 CE by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, continued by Aram Shah, and then shaped into a powerful empire by Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, Razia’s father.

This was the Slave Dynasty, where rulers and top nobles were often former Turkish slaves (Mamluks). They believed:

• Only men could rule

• Only Turkish nobles were fit for high offices

• Women had no role in administration or leadership

It was into this intensely patriarchal and conservative world that Razia was born.

---

Early Life of Razia Sultan – A Princess Who Behaved Nothing Like a Princess

Razia was born around 1205 CE to Sultan Iltutmish and Queen Turkan Raziya. From a young age, Razia behaved differently from typical princesses:

• She followed her father into court

• She observed administrative meetings

• She learned military strategy

• She trained in horse riding and archery

• She studied Persian, Arabic, history, and law

• She interacted with scholars and Sufis

• She displayed curiosity about governance and justice

Iltutmish noticed her intelligence and leadership qualities early on. Unlike his other children who preferred comfort and luxury, Razia took interest in politics, army discipline, and state affairs.

Iltutmish often took her along during public inspections, which helped her understand:

• the people’s problems

• administration of markets

• functioning of revenue systems

• conditions of soldiers

• responsibilities of a ruler

Razia, in simple terms, grew up not like a princess but like a future Sultan.

---

Why Iltutmish Chose Razia Over His Sons

By the time Razia was a teenager, her father had already realized:

“My sons are foolish and incapable. Razia, though a woman, is better than twenty of my sons.”

This single statement reveals Razia’s brilliance.

Her brothers were interested in luxury, pleasure, and palace politics, not governance. Razia, on the other hand:

• sat in court with maturity

• advised intelligently

• connected with common people

• understood administration

• had leadership abilities

Around 1231 CE, when Iltutmish left for a campaign in Gwalior, he appointed Razia as Naib-e-Malik (acting sovereign).
In his absence, Razia ruled the empire efficiently:

• handled petitions

• solved disputes

• kept nobles in check

• maintained law and order

She impressed everyone — except the conservative Turkish nobles.

Seeing her capability, Iltutmish formally declared:
“Razia shall succeed me.”

This was unprecedented.
A woman, a princess, a future Sultan — Delhi had never seen anything like this.

---

The Death of Iltutmish and the Rise of Chaos

Iltutmish died in 1236 CE, but instead of placing Razia on the throne, the nobles, especially the powerful group Chihalgani (the Forty), refused to accept a woman ruler.

They placed Ruknuddin Firoz, Iltutmish’s son, on the throne.

Why did they reject Razia?

Because:

• She was a woman

• They feared losing political power

• She had an independent mind

• She did not rely on nobles

• They wanted a puppet ruler

Ruknuddin’s rule lasted only six months.
He was incompetent, extravagant, careless, and cruel. His mother, Shah Turkan, controlled administration, but she misused her power terribly.

She:

• tortured Iltutmish’s other sons

• looted treasury funds

• insulted nobles

• angered the public

Revolts broke out everywhere.

---

Razia Becomes Sultan (1236 CE) – A Moment That Changed Indian History

As Delhi drowned in chaos, people began openly demanding Razia.
The nobles had no choice.

Razia was crowned Sultan in November 1236 CE.

This moment was revolutionary:

• A woman became Sultan in a male-dominated empire

• She refused the title “Sultana,” calling it a queen’s title

• She insisted on being called “Sultan Razia”

• She wore a male attire during court and army inspections

• She built a royal image of authority, not feminine weakness

Her coronation marks one of the biggest political shifts in medieval India.

---

Razia’s First Challenge – Establishing Authority in a Hostile Court

The nobles accepted her only because the public insisted.
But they didn’t respect her.

Razia understood this immediately.

She took bold steps:

• Appeared in public court unveiled (breaking social norms)

• Gave direct audience to petitioners

• Increased army salaries

• Reduced unnecessary taxes

• Appointed capable people instead of flattering nobles

Her goal was simple:
Strengthen the Sultanate, weaken the rebellious nobles.

This brought her into direct conflict with Chihalgani.

---

Razia as a Ruler – Reforms, Administration & Policies

Despite the resistance she faced, Razia proved to be an excellent Sultan.

1. People-Friendly Governance

She was kind, just, and approachable:

• listened to ordinary people

• removed corrupt officials

• visited markets and villages

• worked to build trust

2. Promoting Merit Over Birth

This was her most revolutionary policy.

She appointed:

• Indians

• non-Turks

• non-Aristocrats

on posts of power, if they were capable.

This angered Turkish nobles who believed only they deserved high offices.

3. Patron of Education and Art

Razia established:

• schools

• libraries

• centers of learning

• support for scholars and poets

She herself was educated and wanted education for all.

4. Military Leadership

She led armies personally — dressed in armor, mounted on horseback.

This broke all gender norms of the time.

5. Religious Policies

Razia was tolerant:

• respected Sufi saints

• interacted with scholars

• did not force conversions

• protected Hindu temples and communities

She was far more liberal than many later rulers.

6. Revenue and Administration

She strengthened:

• revenue collection

• accountability

• law enforcement

Her four-year reign brought stability that her immediate rivals could never achieve.

---

The Yakut Controversy – Truth, Myth & Politics

One of the most debated parts of Razia’s life is her relationship with Jamal-ud-din Yakut, an Abyssinian (Habshi) slave and superintendent of stables.

The Political Reality

Razia appointed Yakut to a high position because:

• Turkish nobles were disloyal

• They hated her authority

• She needed someone fiercely loyal

• Yakut was capable and trustworthy

But the Turkish nobles could not tolerate:

• a woman Sultan

• appointing a non-Turkish slave

• giving him important military responsibilities

They began spreading rumors that Razia and Yakut were romantically involved.

There is no real historical evidence to support this rumor.
It was likely propaganda created by Turkish nobles to destroy Razia.

But the rumor achieved its purpose — it damaged Razia’s reputation and fueled rebellion.

---

The Rebellion of Altunia – The Beginning of Razia’s Downfall

The governor of Bhatinda, Malik Altunia, once loyal to Razia, was manipulated by Turkish nobles.

They convinced him that:

• Razia loved Yakut

• Yakut was becoming too powerful

• Razia was ignoring Turkish officers

• The Sultanate was slipping away from noble control

Altunia rebelled.

Razia marched to crush the rebellion with Yakut, but during an ambush:

• Yakut was killed

• Razia was captured

This was the turning point.

---

Razia’s Marriage to Altunia – A Political Move, Not a Love Story

While imprisoned, Razia realized she could not reclaim Delhi alone.

Altunia too realized:

• he had been tricked

• Razia was the rightful Sultan

• the Turkish nobles wanted to control the throne

They decided to join forces.

Razia married Altunia — a strategic partnership to regain Delhi.

They gathered an army and marched toward Delhi.

But by then, it was too late.

---

Rise of Bahram Shah – Nobles Install a Puppet Sultan

During Razia’s absence, the Turkish nobles placed Bahram Shah, her stepbrother, on the throne.

Bahram Shah became their puppet.

He:

• gave nobles unlimited control

• allowed them to expand their power

• declared Razia and Altunia rebels

The nobles now prepared to fight Razia.

---

The Final Battle – A Brave Stand Against the Turkish Nobility

Razia and Altunia fought bravely, but the nobles had:

• more troops

• more resources

• more political backing

They defeated Razia.
She was forced to flee with a small group of soldiers.

As she moved toward Kaithal in Haryana, Razia and Altunia were weakened, exhausted, and betrayed by villagers who saw them as rebels.

---

The Death of Razia Sultan – A Tragic End to a Brilliant Life

Razia and Altunia were killed on 14 October 1240 CE, either by local Jats or by soldiers loyal to the nobles.

She was buried in old Delhi, in a simple grave — no palace, no monument, nothing grand — just a quiet resting place for a remarkable queen.

Her reign lasted only four years, but her legacy has lasted for centuries.

---

Why Razia Sultan Failed – A Deep Analysis

Razia did not fail because she was weak.
She failed because the circumstances were stacked against her.

1. Conservative Society

Delhi nobles could not accept a woman ruler.

2. Hostile Turkish Nobility

The Chihalgani hated her reforms.

3. Rumors Against Her Character

False allegations destroyed her political position.

4. Lack of Strong Allies

Most nobles opposed her; few supported her.

5. Sudden Rebellions

Altunia’s rebellion weakened her militarily.

6. Short Reign

Four years was not enough to stabilize an empire.

Given the challenges, her achievements are even more impressive.

---

Razia Sultan’s Legacy – Why She Still Inspires Centuries Later

Razia’s name continues to live because:

1. She Broke Gender Barriers

Became Sultan in the 13th century — unheard of at that time.

2. She Was a Capable Ruler

She governed efficiently, reformed systems, and strengthened the empire.

3. She Stood Against Injustice

She challenged corrupt nobles fearlessly.

4. She Led Armies Herself

A warrior who fought on horseback.

5. She Promoted Meritocracy

Ignored race and birth — valued capability.

6. Her Story Is Cinematic

Ambition, courage, love, betrayal, tragedy — everything.

7. A Pioneer for Women in Leadership

Even centuries later, her story encourages discussions about women in politics.

---

How Historians Remember Razia Sultan

Historians widely agree:

• She was one of the most able rulers of the Slave Dynasty

• Her downfall was political, not personal

• Rumors about Yakut were exaggerated or false

• Her leadership qualities surpassed those of her brothers

Her reign is considered one of the most remarkable episodes of the Delhi Sultanate.

---

Razia Sultan in Popular Culture

Her life has inspired:

• novels

• plays

• poems

• movies

• TV shows (like Razia Sultan)

• classical literature

Her story continues to fascinate because it is rare, bold, and emotionally powerful.

---

Conclusion: The Courageous Sultan Who Could Have Changed Indian History

Razia Sultan was much more than a queen.
She was:

• a visionary

• a warrior

• a reformer

• a symbol of female strength

• a political genius

• a tragic hero

Had she ruled longer, the Delhi Sultanate might have evolved differently — perhaps more liberal, more merit-based, and less dominated by narrow-minded nobles.

But even her short reign proved one thing:

Greatness does not depend on gender. It depends on courage and vision.

Razia had both.

She ruled like a Sultan, fought like a Sultan, commanded like a Sultan — and died like a Sultan.

Her life remains one of the most inspiring stories in Indian history.