Sultan Razia (Raziyyat-Ud-Dunya Wa Ud-Din, reigned 1236 to 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. Nominated by her father, Sultan Shams ud-Din Iltutmish (reigned 1210 to 1236), due to her exceptional intelligence, administrative ability, and bravery, she rose to prominence amidst strong opposition from the male-dominated nobility.

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, in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India, to Sultan Iltutmish and his wife Turkan Khatun, who was the daughter of Qutb ud-Din Aibak (reigned 1206 to 1210). Razia was an expert horse rider who was skilled in hunting. She was also trained in the art of administration and possessed a phenomenal intellect. As Iltutmish found his surviving sons incompetent, he turned all his affection and attention toward Razia. She was superior to any of her brothers in terms of leadership, bravery, and intellectual calibre. Recognising her capabilities, Iltutmish designated her as his heir apparent, acknowledging that she alone possessed the necessary qualities to govern the kingdom. However, her ascent to the throne was far from smooth. Her journey to sovereignty was fraught with obstacles, as deep-seated bias against a woman's rule and the rivalries of powerful nobles made her accession a fierce contest. It ultimately resulted in a reign distinguished as one of the most extraordinary of medieval India.

The powerful Turkish nobles of the kingdom, known as the Turkan-i-Chehalgani or "Group of Forty," did not welcome the prospect of a female ruler. The elite cadre of administrative and military officers, of Turkic descent, had accumulated considerable power. Following the death of Iltutmish, they struggled to assert control over the independent-minded Razia. Shocked by the ascension of a woman to the throne and threatened by the diminishing of their influence, these nobles turned vehemently against her. They preferred her elder half-brother, Rukn-ud-Din Firuz Shah, a debauched and incompetent individual. A pliable figure, Firuz Shah also did not possess any administrative capability. His mother, Shah Turkan, wielded real power. She soon became unpopular because of her high ambitions and palace conspiracies. Razia seized the opportunity and acted decisively, deposing Firuz Shah. She then became the Sultan of India in 1236 CE, the first Muslim queen.

Razia was not a sultana, as this title referred to the wife of a sultan. She refused to be a mere figurehead. Donning male attire, Razia immersed herself in the day-to-day administration of the kingdom. She focused on merit rather than a person's upbringing when appointing officials. Consequently, a large chunk of nobility went against her. The nobles were particularly incensed by the sudden rise of Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut (also known as Yakut), an Abyssinian (Ethiopian) slave. As superintendent of the royal stables, he held a position of considerable significance.

Razia's relationship with Yakut has been a subject of considerable debate among scholars. Some believe their association was founded on mutual loyalty, care, and a shared vision. Others, however, interpret it as a transgression of societal norms. Her closeness with Yakut was deemed improper, sparking scandalous rumors that further fueled opposition against her. Additionally, the speedy rise of a non-Turkic slave within the royal court was an affront to many. It symbolized the looming threat of power shifting into the hands of individuals the established elite considered unworthy, curtailing the power and prestige of the entrenched nobility.

Razia Sultan's reign was characterized both by her challenge to prevailing patriarchal conventions and by the frequent uprisings that threatened the stability of her empire. She exhibited notable administrative judgment and military competence, responding promptly to revolts instigated by provincial governors and influential nobles. She personally led campaigns to reassert control. The conciliatory measures were coupled with decisive military action to restore order. This ability proved her effectiveness as a sovereign and demonstrated her position as wielding authority in a milieu where power was monopolized by males.

The rumors surrounding her relationship with Yakut sought to tarnish her reputation, portraying her as lacking moral integrity and unworthy of leadership. In a society steeped in patriarchy and rigid hierarchies, such narratives were deliberately employed to undermine her authority and incite rebellion. Consequently, the hostility of the nobles culminated in outright rebellion, with some harbouring their grievances. The Turkish and Afghan aristocrats resented her authority for challenging their dominance.

Kabir Khan Ayaz, a prominent noble during the Delhi Sultanate, openly protested against the Queen. He was the powerful governor of the Punjab and initially did not support Razia's ascension to the throne. In 1238 to 1239, she marched against Kabir Khan. However, recognizing her leadership qualities and strategic prowess on the battlefield, he ultimately acknowledged her sovereignty. But, he was shifted to the smaller feudatory, Multan. Recalcitrant nobles such as Malik Qutb-ud-Din Hasan Ghori and Malik Saif-ud-Din Kuchi had seen the rule of Razia as a danger to the traditional privileges enjoyed by them, but ultimately, both were compelled to bow to her authority. The queen was then imperiled by the loyalists, who turned against her. Ikhtiyar ud-Din Aitigin was appointed to the office of Amir-i-Hajib (Lord Chamberlain) by Razia, an influential position in the administration, but he soon turned hostile toward Razia and joined the rebel nobles.

The rebels posed a significant challenge to Queen Razia's authority, ultimately contributing to her downfall. It was widely believed that Razia and Altunia, the capable but very ambitious governor of Bhatinda, were childhood sweethearts. However, Altunia grew intensely jealous of Razia's close association with Yakut. Determined to confront Altunia and other rebels, Razia marched against him in April 1240, accompanied by Yakut. Yakut was killed on the battlefield, dealing a devastating blow to Razia, who was now deprived of her most trusted confidant and supporter. She was captured during the battle and imprisoned. The rebellious nobles, led by Ikhtiyar ud-Din Aitigin, placed Razia's stepbrother, Muiz ud-Din Bahram Shah (reigned 1240 to 1242), on the throne of Delhi. Amid palace intrigues, the new sultan orchestrated the elimination of Aitigin in July 1240.

Altunia, the main conspirator against Razia, was shocked by these developments. His bitter disillusionment led to rapprochement with the queen. Both recognized the need for a mutually beneficial alliance. She was released from prison, and the two were betrothed. Their union reflected a strategic reconciliation and a calculated effort to overcome their common enemy. While Razia aimed to reclaim the Delhi throne, Altunia sought to secure his place within the power elite. They now planned to regain the throne of Delhi by waging a battle against the new Sultan, Muiz ud-Din Bahram.

With a formidable army, including the fierce Khokhar tribes of Punjab, as well as Jats and Rajputs, Razia and Altunia advanced toward Delhi in October 1240. They faced Bahram's forces in battle but suffered a crushing defeat. Bahram had strengthened his position by securing the support of Turkish nobles. Defeated, Razia and Altunia became fugitives. Details of their demise remain uncertain. Some accounts suggest they were captured and executed, while others indicate they fell victim to robbers near Kaithal in Haryana and were killed soon after. Later, Razia's body was exhumed from the original site at Kaithal. It found its resting place near the Turkman Gate in Old Delhi. Her unpretentious tomb, however, lies neglected, devoid of architectural design and ornamentation typically associated with royal mausoleums.

After Razia's death, her successors proved ineffectual, and the nobles, known as the "Group of Forty," dominated the power structure of the Delhi Sultanate until the reign of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban (Ghiyath al-Din Balban, reigned 1266 to 1287). Despite her brief reign, Razia left an indelible mark on the history of medieval India. From the very beginning of her rule, she faced formidable challenges, including the dominance of powerful nobles, societal prejudice, entrenched patriarchy, and court intrigues, all of which presented significant barriers to effective governance. Despite these adversities, Razia proved herself to be a just and sagacious ruler. Renowned for her wisdom and fairness, she demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, making her a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of societal and political constraints.

Razia appointed individuals to high office based on merit rather than lineage, emphasizing inclusive leadership. As a dispenser of justice, she did not discriminate among her subjects based on religion. She was also a skilled diplomat who sought to overcome unfavorable circumstances through negotiation. Courageous and unwavering, Razia never hesitated to wage war against adversaries. Minhaj-i-Siraj, a notable historian and author of Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, served as the head of Madrassa-i-Nasiri in Delhi during her time. Razia also contributed to the advancement of education by constructing schools and libraries. The coins minted during her reign referred to her as the "Pillar of Women," "Commander of the Faithful," and "Queen of the Eras."

Her life and legacy have inspired numerous literary works, films, and television series. Notable Indian films about her life include Razia Begum (1924) and Razia Sultana (1961). The biographical film Razia Sultan (1983), directed by Kamal Amrohi, featured Bollywood stars Hema Malini and Dharmendra in leading roles. Additionally, a television soap opera titled Razia Sultan aired in 2015.