Do you know who was the only women ruler of Delhi Sultanate? It’s time to recall your history classes! History reveals that there were many rulers who ruled India but there was the only one-woman ruler in history who ruled in Delhi. Not only today even the earlier history says that the country was male dominating country but Razia Sultana was the only woman who broke the history and became then women ruler off Delhi Sultanate. She broke all the barriers and proved that women are capable of standing on their own feet! Continue reading to know more about Razia Sultana.
Who was the only woman ruler of Delhi Sultanate?
Do you know what was her real name? It was Sultan Raziyyat-Ud-Dunya Wa Ud-Din but she was popularly known as Razia Sultanate. She was the very first ruler of the subcontinent and the only female ruler of Delhi from the Muslim community. She was the eldest daughter of the Illtutmish and Turkan khan. Turkhan khan was the daughter of the Qutb Al-Din Aibak who was also known for the construction of Qutub Minar in Delhi.
Razia Sultana was chosen by his father only, as his rightful heir. However, she had to face many problems as her Muslim nobility refused to accept her as their ruler. But she never gave up and finally, the kingdom was ruled by from 10th November 1236. Can some credits be given to his father for believing that women can stand on her own feet and rule?
Razia Sultana showed her courage and removed her veil, not only this she has chosen to be in men’s attire for being the real and fearless queen of the kingdom. After a while, she gained many supporters and admirers through her capability and quality of strengthening her kingdom. She established schools, public libraries, etc. She also issued a coin named Billon Jital coin as a coin of Razia. Impressive, right?
The period of the ruling of Razia Sultana was not very long as another king ruler, even her own relatives created the bars and hindrances. The Razia’s half-brother Muizuddin Bahram Shah held her captive and usurped the throne.
Malik Ikhtiar-ud-din Altunia who is the governor of the Bhatinda fell for her grace and wisdom and he took her with him as his wife. Malik Altunia along with Razia Sultana planned to seize and get back the lost kingdom but unfortunately, they were defeated by the Muizuddin Bahram Shah.
After being defeated by the Bahram, both of them fled from Delhi and reached Kaithal with their remaining forces, but their forces abandoned them. Soon, they were captured by the Hindu Jats, the Jats who killed them on 14th October 1240. After her death, the grave is located at Mohalla Bulbuli Khana near Turkman Gate in Old Delhi. It is also presumed that a ruined building in the kaithal, is the place where Razia’s original grave is.
Also Read: Who Was The First Slave King Of Delhi Sultanate?
Conclusion
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Razia Sultana was the 5th sultan of Delhi of Mamluk Dynasty. She died at the age of 35. In four years of her kingdom, she strengthened her army and lead to the development of the infrastructure and she also printed the coin of her own name and image. Her father was her biggest inspiration. He gave her the best education as well as training in archery and martial arts. Her own half-brother Muizuddin Bahram Shah seized her kingdom. And the Turkic nobles were given tough competition from the beginning of her reign, but she always ascended her throne with the support of her kingdom’s general public and her fearless power. An inspiration!