By Guest
October 03, 2025
Before the Mughals, Delhi was ruled by a Muslim woman ruler. She is considered the first woman ruler of India.
The name of this Muslim queen was Razia Sultan. Razia Sultan ruled from 1236 to 40. She was the first and only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in the Indian subcontinent.
She ascended the throne after the death of her father Iltutmish and ruled for four years. Until he was assassinated in 1240.
She was a strong and capable ruler and is remembered for her bravery, intelligence and support for education and the arts.
Razia was born in 1205 to the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, Shams-ud-din Iltutmish and his wife Turkutunissa, who belonged to the Turkic dynasty.
When Razia ascended the throne, the Delhi Sultanate was divided into two camps. A camp that supported Razia's claim to the throne. Whereas the other camp used to support his half-brother.
Razia won the support of many sardars by giving a stake in the state administration and demonstrating her governance abilities.
She led his army in several successful campaigns against the Mongols. He established many universities, libraries and madrasas.