Razia Sultana: The Forgotten Empress Who Dared to Rule

Introduction: The Throne Meant for Men

In the 13th century, when royal courts were dominated by turbans and swords, and the word “Sultan” was synonymous with masculinity and military might, one woman dared to wear the crown — not as a consort or regent, but as a ruler in her own right.

Her name was Razia al-Din, better known as Razia Sultana, the first and only female monarch of the Delhi Sultanate. At a time when women were expected to stay behind veils, Razia rode into battle, held court, and ruled with dignity, intelligence, and bravery.

Her reign lasted just four years (1236–1240), but in that brief period, she shattered centuries of gender norms and left behind a legacy that still inspires discussions on female leadership in Islamic history.

The Rise of a Princess: Educated, Bold, and Brilliant

Razia was the daughter of Sultan Iltutmish, a former slave who rose to become a powerful ruler and the first sovereign of the Mamluk (Slave) dynasty in Delhi.

Unlike other royal daughters of her time, Razia was raised like a prince. Her father saw something special in her — sharp intellect, courage, and leadership potential. She was trained in:

Statecraft and administration

Military strategy

Arabic and Persian literature

The Qur’an and Islamic jurisprudence

Iltutmish often trusted Razia to manage court affairs in his absence. She impressed nobles, advisors, and foreign dignitaries alike with her composure and command of politics.

The Sultan's Will: Choosing a Daughter Over Sons

In a dramatic break from tradition, Sultan Iltutmish named Razia as his heir — bypassing his sons, whom he deemed incompetent.

This decision shocked the court. While many admired Razia’s abilities, the idea of a woman ruling a Muslim empire stirred fury among conservative nobles.

Upon Iltutmish’s death in 1236, the nobles rejected Razia’s succession and instead placed her half-brother, Rukn-ud-din Firuz, on the throne. But Rukn-ud-din turned out to be a disastrous ruler — more interested in pleasure than governance.

Within six months, a rebellion led to his execution, and the people — especially in Delhi — called for Razia to take the throne.

Becoming Sultana: The Crown Against All Odds

Razia Sultana ascended the throne in October 1236, adopting the formal title "Sultan Raziyat al-Din" — refusing to use the feminine “Sultana,” which she saw as a symbol of dependence.

To solidify her authority, she took bold steps:

She abandoned the veil and appeared in public court dressed as a man, in royal robes and turban.

She rode horseback, led military parades, and commanded armies.

She appointed capable individuals to key posts regardless of race or background — including many non-Turkish officers, which angered Turkish nobles.

But this display of independent rule by a woman became her greatest challenge. The nobility saw her empowerment as a threat to patriarchal control.

The Politics of Love and Loyalty: Malik Jamaluddin Yaqut

One of Razia’s most controversial decisions was her close association with Malik Jamaluddin Yaqut, an Abyssinian (Habshi) slave who rose to become Amir-i-Akhur (Superintendent of the Royal Stables), and later Chief of Nobles.

Their relationship became the talk of the court. Some historians claim it was political, while others hint at personal affection. Whether love or loyalty, Yaqut’s rise enraged the Turkish nobility, who despised the idea of a non-Turk, black slave becoming a powerful courtier.

This tension created a storm that Razia would struggle to survive.

The Rebellion of Altunia: Betrayal and Capture

In 1240, Razia’s most powerful Turkish opponent, Malik Altunia, the governor of Bhatinda — and her childhood friend — launched a rebellion.

He accused Razia of impropriety with Yaqut. In the battle that followed, Yaqut was killed, and Razia was taken prisoner by Altunia.

But what happened next is one of the most fascinating twists in medieval history: while in captivity, Razia convinced Altunia of her innocence, and the two got married.

Now allied by love and ambition, Razia and Altunia marched toward Delhi to reclaim her throne.

The Final Battle: A Fall Too Early

While Razia was away, her younger brother Bahram Shah was crowned Sultan by the nobles. The court saw his rule as more palatable than Razia’s independence.

In October 1240, Razia and Altunia faced Bahram’s forces near Delhi. They were defeated, betrayed by some of their own allies.

Razia fled but was captured and killed near Kaithal (in present-day Haryana). Some accounts say she was executed; others say she was killed while fleeing disguised as a man.

She was just 35 years old.

Burial and Silence

Razia is believed to be buried in Old Delhi, in a modest tomb near Turkman Gate. No grand mausoleum, no royal court mourned her — her memory was nearly erased by the same nobles who once praised her intelligence.

Yet, her story survived in chronicles, folk tales, and poetry, whispered through the ages as a symbol of female power, betrayal, and forgotten glory.

Legacy: A Woman Before Her Time

Razia Sultana ruled for just four years — but she left behind a legacy that few rulers could match:

She challenged deep-rooted gender norms in Islamic and Indian traditions.

She proved that competence, not gender, defines leadership.

She inspired countless women in South Asia, from Rani Durgavati to Begum Hazrat Mahal, who would later fight their own battles.

In today’s era, when debates about female leadership in Islam continue, Razia’s life stands as both a mirror and a light.

📚 Notable Quotes by Historians:

“She was endowed with all the qualities befitting a king... but she was not born of the right sex.” — Minhaj-i-Siraj, chronicler of the time

“Her rise was a miracle; her fall, a tragedy; her memory, a legend.” — Modern historian's reflection on Razia