Razia Sultan: First & Last Muslim Woman Ruler of Delhi

Razia Sultan – The First and Last Muslim Woman Ruler of Delh

In the history of India, many kings and political came and went. But only one woman in india histroy ever became the Sultan of Delhi  Razia Sultan. she was a very bravery women. Her life was not only about ruling, but also about bravery, love, faith, and sadness.

She was the first and last Muslim woman to rule Delhi, and no other woman could get that place in history. Even today, people want to know about her. They ask: who was Razia Sultan, how did Razia Sultan die, and where is the tomb of Razia Sultan.

In this article, we will share Razia Sultan history in very easy steps  how she became Sultan, the problems she faced, the Islamic values she followed, and the legacy she left behind.

Many people first ask, who was Razia Sultan? She was born around 1205 CE in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh.

The father of Razia Sultan was Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, the strongest ruler of the Slave Dynasty, and her mother was Turkan Khatun.

Razia Sultan was different from other children. Her father trusted her intelligence and strength more than his sons. From a young age, she did not just stay in the palace. She learned about running a kingdom, politics, and even war.

She also very trained in horse riding, sword fighting, and archery.

Razia Sultan was the daughter of Iltutmish who believed in her intelligence and strength more than in his sons.

A Childhood Story

Once, as a child, Razia went with her father during a military inspection. While her brothers were nervous, she confidently answered her father’s questions about the soldiers. This showed that she had the qualities of a true ruler.

Razia Sultan’s life shows that women can be strong and brave while taking care of family and responsibilities, which is also the focus of Feminism, Family, and Responsibilities.

In history, she is called by many names :  Razia Begum, Raziya Sultan, or Rajiya Begam. No matter how it is written, it all means the same person  the brave , love adn faith woman and who became Sultan of Delhi and ruled in a man’s world.

To understand Razia Sultan history

• Father’s Choice: Razia’s father, Iltutmish, knew she was smart and strong. He chose her to be his heir, even though he had sons.

• Death of Iltutmish (1236): When Iltutmish passed away, her brother Ruknuddin Firoz became Sultan first. But he was cruel and did not care about the people.

• People’s Choice: The nobles and people were unhappy with Ruknuddin. They wanted a ruler who was fair and capable, so they supported Razia.

• Becoming Sultan (1236): Razia became the ruler. She was the first woman to sit on the throne of Delhi  something no one had done before.

• Her Rule (1236–1240): For four years, she worked hard to be a just and fair Sultan. She wanted to show that women could rule just as well as men.

Being the first woman ruler of Delhi was very hard. Back then, people did not like women in power. But Razia sultan was brave:

She did not wish to be referred to as “Sultana” (the wife of a Sultan). 

She used the title Sultan to demonstrate that she was equal to a man who holds the rank.

She wore garments reminiscent of the clothing worn by male rulers and went to court without a veil.

She appointed intelligent and competent individuals to significant positions, such as Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut, who was of Abyssinian origin and an enslaved person.

Some of the lords became angry, but Razia appreciated talent over breeding.

Her story also shows how society worked at that time, similar to the themes we discuss in Society & Structure During the Victorian Era

Razia Sultan was proud of her Muslim identity and followed Islamic principles in her rule:

She also tried to follow the Islamic principle of justice (Adl) and made sure everyone in her kingdom was treated fairly.

She made certain that the Friday khutbah (sermons) in the mosques were proclaimed in her name, situated her authority as a ruler.

Razia Sultan had minted coins bearing the Islamic declaration of faith (Shahada), establishing her authority. She also attempted to uphold the Islamic principle of justice (Adl) by guaranteeing everyone in her kingdom was treated fairly.

Razia Sultan’s leadership also shows how Islam values justice and fairness for everyone, including women, which we talk about in Women’s Rights in Religions, Especially in Islam

She very supported good scholars and religious leaders who guided people towards Islamic teachings and their rule.

Despite opposition from many conservative nobles, Razia demonstrated that Islam values justice and fairness above gender.

Ikhtiyaruddin Altunia was the husband of Razia Sultan.Their story can be described as being both political and romantic. Initially, Altunia did not support Razia's reign as the Sultan of Delhi, and he even rebelled against her.

After some time, when Razia lost her throne , they became married. When together, they attempted to regain the throne but were unsuccessful against Razia's brother Bahram Shah. The marriage's purpose was beyond romance as it was about survival during challenging times.

The tragic question how did Razia Sultan die and who killed Razia Sultan has various accounts.

• In 1240, after the defeat of Bahram Shah, Razia and Altunia were captured near Kaithal.
• Some believe she was murdered by local villagers.
• Others believe she was killed by enemies.
• She died on October 13 or 14, 1240, at the young age of about 35.

After her death, the dream that a woman would ever rule Delhi would end.

Two location are related to the tomb of Razia Sultan:

1. Kaithal, 
2. Haryana

A plain brick structure, supposedly her actual tomb. Old Delhi (Turkman Gate): Another location where it is claimed she was buried. These two tombs have not been constructed as architecturally impressive monuments like those of other rulers. These two tombs remain as quiet and faded as her brief, but brilliant, reign.

The life of Razia Sultan has influenced several books, TV shows, and films. People remain amazed by her life, her bravery, and the fact that she was the first woman ruler of Delhi.

Film Adaptation

TV Series

Television play featuring an impressive cast of actors, some of the best and brightest from Bollywood and Indian theatre

These gifted actors have embodied the tale of Razia Sultana, conveying her actual reign and, in particular, her relationship with Altunia. The images of Razia Sultana in these adaptations provide a visual journey into the life of an extraordinary woman.

Numerous individuals search online for a Razia Sultan real photo. Nevertheless, there was no photography in the 1200s, and what we see today are merely artistic paintings, serials or movies, and posters, but not an actual photo. However, those formats allow us to consider how we think she is and how she look.

She established that leadership is not about gender but rather ability. 

She is recognized as first and last Muslim woman ruler of Delhi in the Muslim community. 

She resisted the powerful nobles, supported her decisions, and violated class and gender conventions. She has been a historical icon of women's power. 

From an Islamic perspective, she modeled how a ruler should uphold justice, fairness, and public welfare, which are the foundational qualities of governance in Islam. 

Today she has been portrayed in numerous plays, novels, and films of her life.

Razia Sultan's tale is more than a page of history  it is about defying the stereotype, fighting against the system, staying true to principles of Islam, and defeating one's own personal odds and leaving behind a legacy. From being the only daughter of Iltutmish to being named thefirst woman ruler of Delhi, to her inglorious death' her story inspires us today.

When we visit the tomb of Razia Sultan, we remember that history remembers the brave not the weak. She may have ruled for only four years but her bravery and principles of Islam have lived for a thousand years

Q1. Who was Razia Sultan?
Razia Sultan was the first and last Muslim woman ruler of Delhi, daughter of Iltutmish of the Slave Dynasty.

Q2. When did Razia Sultan rule Delhi?
She ruled from 1236 to 1240.

Q3. Who was the father of Razia Sultan?
Her father was Shams-ud-din Iltutmish.

Q4. Who was the husband of Razia Sultan?
Her husband was Ikhtiyaruddin Altunia.

Q5. How did Razia Sultan die?
She died in 1240 near Kaithal. Some say she was killed by villagers, while others believe by enemies.

Q6. Where is the tomb of Razia Sultan?
There are two main sites: Kaithal (Haryana) and Old Delhi (Turkman Gate).

Q7. Is there a real photo of Razia Sultan?
No, there is no Razia Sultan real photo. Only paintings and creative images exist.