They made a plan to revolt against her and hatched a conspiracy. The condition of the Delhi Sultanate was critical. She had all the support of the common people. As ruler, Iltutmish created history by becoming the first sultan to appoint a woman as his successor when he named his daughter Razia as his heir apparent. She was also a good administrator.She was also a religiously tolerant sultan who established schools, academies, and public libraries that included the works of ancient philosophers along with the Qur'an. She attempted to do away with the tax imposed on non-Muslims, but was opposed by the nobility. But in Bathinda Razia was captured and imprisoned by Altunia.
After just six months, on 9 November 1236, both Ruknuddin and his mother Shah Turkaan were assassinated.Razia came to power on 10 November 1236 and ascended the throne with the name of Jalâlat ud-Dîn Raziyâ. She used to dress as a man when appearing in public, be it in court or on the battlefield. She gave up purdah as also the women attire for Muslims and wore attire that was similar to the ones worn by rulers before her.
Iltutmish considered other son Ruknuddin of low calibre as he over indulge in sensual pleasure.
His services were acknowledged by Razia who inducted him as governor of Bathinda. She is also credited to have been a just and generous ruler who genuinely cared about her subjects. After a one-year siege Iltutmish captured Gwalior and returned to Delhi in 1231 and was impressed to see his daughter’s performance. This fuelled rumors that she was in love with him—it has been debated for centuries whether the two were lovers or not. However they were defeated at the ensuing battle and fled Delhi. Some historians even suggest that it was the constant support of Altunia that led Razia to rule the Sultanate successfully. Upon becoming the sultan, she adopted men’s attire and gave up the veil in a move which shocked the conservative Muslim society.She quickly began establishing her authority and ordered for coins to be minted in her name as “Pillar of women, Queen of the times, Sultana Razia, daughter of Shamsuddin Altumish”.She proved to be a good ruler, a just and benevolent sultan who genuinely cared about her subjects. Slave Dynasty, Razia Sultan, Balban, Lady administrator, Theory of Kingship, Sajda and Paibos, Balban v/s Mongols, Ghiyasuddin Balban Because he had assassinated Caliph of Baghdad. This biography of Razia Sultana provides detailed information about her childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline. Such rumours made Altunia jealous who then led a rebellion against Razia, however only to get her back. A historical drama television series on her life titled ‘Razia Sultan’ with actress Pankhuri Awasthy playing the main role started broadcasting in ‘& TV’ from March 6, 2015.
She set up schools, centers for research and academies apart from public libraries that had the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet as well as works of ancient philosophers. Her greatest achievement was the conquest of These acts of Razia irritated Chalisa and they started the conspiracy against Razia. Iltutmish's widow Shah Turkaan ran the government for all practical purposes while the so-called ruler immersed himself in pursuit of pleasures. In the previous post, we have read about the establishment ofIltutmish wanted her daughter to be the next Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. Since her childhood she had the privilege to behold the power of the harem which was dominated by her mother as also that of the court where she had access as a favourite of both her father Iltutmish and maternal grandfather Aibak. Schools and colleges also imparted lessons from Hindu works in literature, astronomy, philosophy and science. She received training in administration and became heir apparent of Iltutmish after her full-brother Nasiruddin Mahmud died. Upon her father’s death on April 30, 1236, her half-brother Rukn ud din Firuz was made the fourth sultan of the Mamluk Sultanate.The newly crowned Rukn ud din Firuz was a self-endowed person and indulged himself in personal pleasures including resolving in music, and debauchery which caused much indignation among the people of the kingdom.
Her father Iltutmish had come to Delhi as a slave serving under Qutb-ud-din and had risen to the post of a provincial governor. He never interfered in the areas of Punjab, which was under the control of Mongols.According to Balban, Sultan was God’s shadow on earth and recipient of divine grace. The brave decisions and administration skills made her a good ruler of Delhi Sultanate. A shrewd politician, Razia managed to keep the nobles in check, while enlisting the support of the army and the populace. Her coronation ceremony was held on November 10, 1236 and she started reigning with the Regnal name of Jalâlat-ud-Dîn Raziyâ.Image Credit : https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/razia-sultana-6757.phpRazia proved her efficiency as a ruler. She ordered coins that would be minted with her name engraved.Malik Ikhtiar-ud-din Altunia was a childhood friend of Razia. Razia Sultana was the fifth Mamluk Sultan and the only female ever to rule as the Sultan of Delhi. Razia was born in the year 1905 in a place called Budaun, India. Despite all adversities Altunia struck by her through thick and thin during her reign which also included aiding her in the downfall of Rukn ud din Firuz’s rule. Iltutmish would allow his favourite child Razia to be around him while he handled affairs of the state.
Hindu works in the sciences and literature were also reportedly studied in the institutions.However, her accession to the throne did not go well with the Turkish nobles who were jealous that a woman could become the sultan.
Iltutmish was invited by a group of 40 Turkic nobles called the “Chihalgani” to take the throne of Delhi Sultanate as they were against Shah.
What followed was a battle between Razia and Altunia that resulted in death of Yaqut and capture of Razia by Altunia. The conservative Muslims were however shocked and did not like her move of breaking the custom by giving up the veil and displaying her face in public. Aibak died in 1210 AD when Razia was five years old. However, her ascent to the throne did not come easily. See the events in life of Razia Sultana in Chronological Order