Sultana Rajiya | Brief Biography

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Sultana Rajiya | Brief Biography

Sultana Rajiya  Brief Biography

Sultana Rajiya

Sultana Rajiya | Brief Biography

Sultana Rajiya (also known as Razia Sultana) was the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, ruling from 1236 to 1240. She was born in 1205 as the daughter of Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish and his wife, Turkan Khatun. As a child, Rajiya was trained in various arts and martial skills alongside her brothers and was particularly skilled in archery and horse riding.

When her father died in 1236, Rajiya’s half-brother Ruknuddin Firuz, who was not well-liked by the people, succeeded him as Sultan. However, Ruknuddin was weak and incompetent, and his rule was marked by corruption and mismanagement. In just six months, he was overthrown and killed by his own troops, who then proclaimed Rajiya as the new Sultan of Delhi.

As a female ruler in a patriarchal society, Rajiya faced numerous challenges during her reign. She faced opposition from many of her male relatives, who were unhappy with a woman ruling over them. She also had to contend with rebellions and uprisings by powerful nobles and governors, who were unhappy with her policies.

Despite these challenges, Rajiya was a capable and effective ruler, and she implemented several reforms that were aimed at improving the lives of her subjects. She reduced taxes and abolished unpopular policies that had been put in place by her predecessors. She also appointed competent and honest officials to key positions in the government and worked to curb corruption and nepotism.

Sultana Rajiya was a devout Muslim, and she made several contributions to the development of Islamic culture and scholarship during her reign. She patronized scholars and poets and commissioned the construction of several mosques and madrasas. She also undertook a pilgrimage to Mecca, becoming the first Sultan of Delhi to do so.

Despite her many accomplishments, Rajiya’s reign was cut short by a rebellion in 1240, led by her own cousin, Altunia. Altunia was a powerful noble who had been in love with Rajiya, but had been rejected by her. He led a revolt against her, and despite putting up a valiant fight, Rajiya was eventually defeated and killed. 0 0 0.

Sources:

Satish Chandra, Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals (Har-Anand Publications, 2009).
Kishori Saran Lal, History of the Khaljis (1290-1320) (Allahabad: The Indian Press, 1950).
Minhaj al-Siraj, Tabaqat-i Nasiri (trans. H.G. Raverty) (Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications, 2000). ***

Sultana Rajiya

N.B. This article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Brief Biographies of Eminent Generals and Conquerors’ by Menonim Menonimus.

Books of Biography by M. Menonimus:

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  3. Introduction to World Personalities
  4. Love of Reputed Persons
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  6. Brief Biographies of Eminent Monarchs
  7. Brief Biographies of Ancient Thinkers and Writers
  8. Brief Biographies of Eminent Generals and Conquerors ..

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  12. Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: ‘Yawmiyyat Naib Fil Arayaf’-An Analytical Study
  13. Analytical Studies of Some Arabic Short Stories
  14. A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Pre-Islamic Period (500 AD-622 AD)
  15. A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Early Islamic Period (622 AD-661 AD)
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  18. Reviews of John Milton’s Literary Works
  19. Reviews of Some Iconic Travelogues

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