Razia Sultan

Razia Sultan (reigned 1236–1240 CE) was the first and only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and belonged to the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty. She was the daughter of Sultan Iltutmish, who nominated her as his successor due to her administrative ability. After Iltutmish’s death, Razia ascended the throne, overcoming opposition from nobles who preferred a male ruler. During her reign, she attempted to centralize authority, reduce the power of the Turkish nobility (Chahalgani), and appointed capable officers based on merit. She adopted the title “Sultan”, not “Sultana,” indicating sovereign authority. Razia also led military campaigns and personally commanded her army. Her close association with Jamal-ud-din Yaqut, an Abyssinian noble, angered powerful Turkish nobles, leading to rebellions. She was eventually dethroned by Malik Altunia, with whom she later allied through marriage to regain the throne. Their final attempt failed, and Razia was killed in 1240 CE. Razia Sultan is remembered as a capable, assertive, and pioneering female ruler in medieval India.