"Sultan Razia (Raziyyat-Ud-Dunya Wa Ud-Din, r. 1236-1240) was one of the few women rulers in the Indian subcontinent and the first and only female Sultan of Delhi. Despite facing Herculean challenges in a patriarchal society, Razia distinguished herself as an able and courageous leader. She held a formidable position of authority in one of the most politically significant Islamic kingdoms of medieval northern India."
"Her life saga is one of remarkable courage as well as sagacity, intellectual acumen, and unwavering determination in the face of daunting opposition. Razia was a symbol of resilience and leadership in an era dominated by men, where women rarely held positions of power. Razia defied the purdah system, appearing unveiled in public and dressing as a ruler rather than being confined to a domestic or symbolic role. Here was a queen who challenged the gender norms of the era."
Razia was born in 1205 in Badaun to Sultan Iltutmish and Turkan Khatun and emerged as her father’s chosen heir due to superior intellect and capability. She excelled in horsemanship, hunting, and administrative training. Iltutmish found his surviving sons incompetent and entrusted Razia with authority. She assumed power in the Delhi Sultanate in 1236 and faced fierce resistance from a male-dominated nobility. Razia openly defied purdah, appeared unveiled, and adopted regal dress and conduct. Her reign exemplified resilience, courage, and a challenge to contemporary gender norms in medieval northern India.
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