Razia Sultan belonged to the Slave dynasty of the Delhi sultanate and ruled over Delhi from 1236 to 1240. Brave and bold, she was a woman who believed in her own abilities and refused to be called 'Sultana' which meant 'wife or mistress of a sultan'. One might wonder how she got so much confidence and the answer might be found lurking in her solid and secure upbringing. Iltumish, her father doted on her since birth and had always considered her much superior to his sons. He felt if anyone is fit to rule over the kingdom, it is she and not her brothers. She was trained in horse riding and archery since childhood, both of which she gained proficiency in.
( picture courtesy : delhi.gov.in)
In many ways, I believe she had all the qualities of an empowered woman of today- fearless, strong and independent, she did not care for the societal mores. One could gauge her power by remembering that she was the first female ruler in Muslim or Turkish history. She was not the kind who thought herself to be a special woman but she believed she was capable and must be given her due.
Unfortunately for her, her 'don't-give-a-damn-to-what-the-people-say' attitude finally brought her fall too. She would not wear the veil in public as well as openly showed affection for an Abyssinian slave- both of which angered other courtiers against her. This led to a conspiracy against her leading to her eventual murder.
Thus came the end of the reign of this wonderfully strong and fearless woman. She might have had a short stint as a ruler but for her powerful personality, she is makes quite a subject in the Indian history. She very well deserves it too.
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A question?
Why is it called the slave dynasty?
Answer : Because it was founded by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, who was the slave of Mahmud Ghori and took over the reign due to the latter's untimely demise.
( picture courtesy : delhi.gov.in)
In many ways, I believe she had all the qualities of an empowered woman of today- fearless, strong and independent, she did not care for the societal mores. One could gauge her power by remembering that she was the first female ruler in Muslim or Turkish history. She was not the kind who thought herself to be a special woman but she believed she was capable and must be given her due.
Unfortunately for her, her 'don't-give-a-damn-to-what-the-people-say' attitude finally brought her fall too. She would not wear the veil in public as well as openly showed affection for an Abyssinian slave- both of which angered other courtiers against her. This led to a conspiracy against her leading to her eventual murder.
Thus came the end of the reign of this wonderfully strong and fearless woman. She might have had a short stint as a ruler but for her powerful personality, she is makes quite a subject in the Indian history. She very well deserves it too.
********************************************************************************************************
A question?
Why is it called the slave dynasty?
Answer : Because it was founded by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, who was the slave of Mahmud Ghori and took over the reign due to the latter's untimely demise.
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