India's First Female Sultan: Razia

Painting of Razia Sultana (alt. known as 'Sultan Razia' or 'Sultana Razia Begum') of the Delhi Sultanate, from the lacquer binding cover of a manuscript of Tulsi Das' Ramcharitmanas, ca.1830–36.

Razia Sultana or Raziyyat-Ud-Dunya Wa Ud-Din

Born: c.1205

Died: 15 October 1240

Country: India

Culture: Delhi Sultanate

Razia was the first female Sultan of India. Her father Itltutmish had come to the capital city of Delhi as a slave of the sultan. Through hard work and sacrifice, he had demonstrated a knack for statesmanship and worked his way to the top, becoming sultan. Iltutmish wanted to instill these same values in his children, and made sure they were all educated in everything—archery, martial arts, warfare, diplomacy, administration, you name it. Razia was his only daughter but was educated the same as her brothers.

Iltutmish was also a master diplomat, even making a deal with the dreaded Emperor Genghis Khan to keep Delhi safe from the Mongol invasion. Razia learned much from her father’s example, and by the time she was a teenager she was sharp, witty, and had a knack for strategy. Her father trusted her deeply. 

When the sultan had to leave the capital, he left Razia in charge of the affairs of the Delhi court. Razia proved herself an immensely skilled ruler, deftly managing officials, hosting important meetings, welcoming envoys from foreign lands, and responding to the needs of the people. Eventually he was so impressed at Razia’s leadership that he named her heir over her brothers. He said, "My daughter is better than many sons and is equal to twenty in terms of ability."

But while her father was confident in his choice, the royal officials were not. It was unheard of for a woman to be a sultan. When Iltutmish died, the court flat-out refused to make Razia as Sultan just because she was a girl. They said she “possessed all the attributes of a king, yet she was not of the appropriate sex.” Instead they rallied together and put her brother on the throne.  

Razia could not stand the injustice, and turned to her greatest ally: her people. The Delhi people had experienced firsthand how Razia’s good leadership had improved their lives, and wanted her to rule. They rose up in support of her, rallying against the court officials until they finally caved. Razia ascended to the throne, becoming the first female Sultan of India. 

As sultan, Razia broke even more traditions. She stopped wearing her veil, as no other sultan had worn one, and began wearing men’s clothing at court. She rode into battle on horseback at the head of her armies while dressed in soldier's armor. She minted new coins with her name and image, the first female sultan to do so. She set her sights on conquering new territories to expand her power. 

And through it all, she never forgot the people who had supported her. She established schools, universities, research centers, and public libraries throughout her kingdom. She built roads, dug wells, and encouraged trade with foreign lands. She promoted education and literacy, installed women as leaders, and was beloved by her people. To this day she is remembered as a just, compassionate, and noble ruler.