Razia Sultan
Razia was born to the slave dynasty, also known as the Mamluk Dynasty, which ruled over Delhi during the 13th century century. Her father Iltutmish knew that all his sons were useless and ensured that his daughter was trained in arms and administration. He put her in charge of the kingdom whenever he was away on military campaigns. She fulfilled this duty to everyone's satisfaction and was designated as his successor.
After his death, however, his nobles disregarded his wish and made Razia's half-brother Raknuddin Firuz, the king. As expected by Iltutmish, he proved to be a bad ruler. His mother Shah Turkan was very ambitious and started killing or punishing nobles to control them. She even tried to get Razia killed.
Once when Raknuddin was away on a campaign, Razia instigated the public assembled for prayers against Shah Turkan, who had got one of Razia's brothers blinded and executed. She reminded them of her father's good reign and will and promised relief from the oppressive ruler. She also offered to give up the throne if she did not meet their expectations. A mob soon attacked the palace and Shah Turkan was detained. The nobles installed Razia on the throne. She thus becamethe first female Muslim ruler in South Asia.
Razia gave up her traditional female attire and adopted a more gender neutral attire. She also dropped her veil and displayed her face in public. She rode an elephant through the streets of Delhi. She refused to be addressed as 'Sultana' because that meant 'wife of a Sultan' and insisted on being called 'Sultan'. She also issued coins in her name.
She streamlined the administration of her state and established schools, academics and public libraries. She encouraged the study of literature, philosophy, the sciences and astronomy. She constructed roads to connect villages with cities. She was also the first ruler to abolish the hated Jaziya tax, which was imposed on Hindus.
Razia had ascended the throne with the support of the general public, rather than that of the powerful Turkic nobles who dominated Delhi's court. Many of the nobles could not accept a female ruling over them. Razia tried to reduce the power of the Turkic nobles by promoting non-Turkics. This further angered them and they rose up against her in rebellion. Four powerful Turkic nobles marched on Delhi from different directions. Razia led her army out to the Yamuna bank to face the rebels. After some indecisive fighting, two of the rebels switched to Razia's side and the others were defeated.
Razia made several changes to the administration and made new appointments. The nobles who had supported her rise had expected her to be a ruler in name while they held the real power, but Razia grew increasingly assertive. She also promoted Malik Yaqut, an Abyssinian slave, as a counter to Turkic nobles. Her close relationship with Yaqut ultimately became the cause of her downfall.
While she was away to quell a rebellion in Lahore, a conspiracy was hatched to dethrone her. On her return from Lahore, Razia learnt that Altunia of Bathinda, her childhood friend, had rebelled. She led her army to Bathinda 10 days later, but rebels killed Yaqut and imprisoned Razia. Razia had ruled from the throne of Delhi for three years and six months.
The nobles installed Razia's half brother Bahram on the throne. They distributed the important titles among themselves, ignoring Altunia, who was holding Razia prisoner. A few months later, Razia married the now disgruntled Altunia and they together decided to attempt to win back the throne. After assembling an army, they fought against Bahram but were defeated. They were forced to retreat to Kaithal, where they were deserted by their soldiers and were robbed and killed by Jat zamindars. Curiously, there is controversy about Razia's real grave and there are three probable ones --- in Kaithal, Delhi and Tonk.
Razia ruled and fought in a man's world. The Turkic nobles wanted to keep the ruler of Delhi under their thumb and Razia's gender gave them a convenient excuse to oppose her. Nevertheless, in her brief reign, Razia made a mark thanks to her tolerance and efforts to improve the lives of her subjects. She was truly a 'People's Queen'.
Things we learn from Razia Sultan:
* Women are equally capable as men.
* Public welfare is the supreme duty of a ruler.
* Learning and pursuit of knowledge are very important for everyone.
