Razia Sultan, also known as Razia al-Din, holds a unique place in Indian history as the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. Ascending the throne in 1236 CE, Razia broke centuries of gender barriers in a patriarchal society and ruled with remarkable skill, courage, and administrative acumen.
However, her reign lasted only four years, ending in murder and political betrayal. Her tragic end raises critical questions: Why was Razia Sultan killed? Was it because of political ambition, gender bias, or both?
In this article, we will delve into Razia Sultan’s life, rise to power, challenges, achievements, and the real reasons behind her untimely death.
Early Life of Razia Sultan
Razia was born around 1205 CE to Sultan Iltutmish, the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and a former slave who rose to power through sheer merit. Razia was trained in statecraft, military strategy, and administration—rare for a woman at the time.
Unlike his other sons, Iltutmish saw exceptional promise in Razia and considered her worthy of the throne. In fact, he publicly declared her his successor, bypassing her brothers.
“My sons are devoted to pleasures and not qualified to be kings… Razia, though a woman, has all the qualities of a ruler.”
Razia’s Ascension to the Throne
When Iltutmish died in 1236, the nobles of the court (Chalisa or Forty) were unwilling to accept a woman as their ruler. They placed Ruknuddin Firoz, one of Iltutmish’s incompetent sons, on the throne.
However, Ruknuddin’s misrule and the excesses of his mother Shah Turkan angered the people and the nobility. Within six months, both were overthrown and Razia was installed as Sultan of Delhi.
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Challenges Faced by Razia Sultan
1. Gender Prejudice
As the first female monarch in a Muslim dynasty, Razia constantly faced opposition. The orthodox nobles and ulemas (Islamic clergy) found it unacceptable for a woman to rule, appear unveiled in court, or lead armies.
Razia dressed like a man, rode horses, and conducted state affairs from the court—unprecedented for a woman in the 13th century.
2. Rebellions by Nobles
The Turkish nobles, known as the Chalisa, opposed her authority and launched repeated rebellions. Razia had to fight off insurgents while also managing the empire’s day-to-day affairs.
3. Political Isolation
Razia lacked a strong support base within the ruling elite. Many of her appointees, including non-Turks and Africans, were seen as threats by the established nobility.
Achievements of Razia Sultan
Despite the short span of her rule, Razia proved to be an able and just ruler.
1. Administrative Reforms
- Promoted merit over birth in appointments.
- Appointed non-Turkish officials like Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut, an Abyssinian (Habshi), to high positions.
- Improved justice delivery and revenue systems.
2. Military Leadership
- Personally led military campaigns against rebels in Punjab and other regions.
- Displayed courage and strategic thinking, often donning armor and weapons like male rulers.
3. Promotion of Arts and Education
- Patronized scholars, poets, and artists.
- Encouraged educational institutions, furthering her father’s vision of an enlightened empire.
The Controversy of Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut
One of the biggest controversies of Razia’s reign was her close relationship with Yaqut, a former slave elevated to the rank of Amir of the Stables.
The Turkish nobles resented this elevation of a non-Turkish African and spread rumors of an illicit affair between Razia and Yaqut—a story exploited to turn public sentiment against her.
Though there is no historical evidence of a romantic relationship, these allegations weakened her political standing.
The Rebellion of Malik Altunia
One of Razia’s governors, Malik Ikhtiyar-ud-din Altunia, who ruled Bathinda, rebelled against her in 1240 CE. He was once her childhood friend and possibly harbored feelings for her.
Using the rumors about Razia and Yaqut, Altunia accused the Sultan of disgracing the empire and marched towards Delhi.
The Turning Point:
- Yaqut was killed during the confrontation.
- Razia was captured and imprisoned by Altunia.
Surprisingly, instead of killing her, Altunia married Razia and together they tried to reclaim the throne from Razia’s brother, Bahram Shah, who had been installed by the nobles.
Why Was Razia Sultan Killed?
Razia and Altunia marched toward Delhi with limited resources but were defeated by Bahram Shah’s forces. Betrayed by their own troops and left without support, Razia and Altunia were captured and executed in 1240 CE, near Kaithal in Haryana.
Main Reasons Behind Her Death:
1. Gender Discrimination
- Many nobles couldn’t accept a female sultan, regardless of her merit.
- Her very existence as a ruler threatened male-dominated power structures.
2. Political Betrayal
- The Turkish nobility felt marginalized by Razia’s preference for non-Turks.
- Repeated rebellions and power struggles eventually led to her isolation and downfall.
3. Court Intrigue and Rumors
- Allegations about her relationship with Yaqut were used to defame her character.
- These rumors were weaponized by rivals like Altunia and Bahram Shah.
The Legacy of Razia Sultan
Razia Sultan’s reign may have lasted only four years, but her courage, intelligence, and leadership left an indelible mark on Indian history.
Remembered For:
- Being the first Muslim woman monarch in India.
- Standing up against patriarchal norms.
- Promoting justice, equality, and efficient governance.
Her tomb lies in Old Delhi, near the Bulbuli Khana area, but sadly, it remains neglected and poorly maintained—a silent reminder of how history often overlooks powerful women.
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Conclusion: A Woman Ahead of Her Time
Razia Sultan was much more than a historical footnote—she was a visionary leader, a brave warrior, and a woman who dared to rule in a man’s world. Her story is not just about ambition and betrayal, but also about resilience and reform in a deeply conservative era.
Her downfall was not due to incompetence, but the unwillingness of her contemporaries to accept a woman in power. Razia Sultan’s life is a poignant reminder that leadership knows no gender—but society often does.
“She was better than a hundred sons,” said Iltutmish. History, centuries later, still agrees.