Razia Sultan, a brave sultan belonged to slave dynasty was the first mulim women to rule India and only women to occupy the throne of Delhi. She was talented, wise, brave, excellent administrator, and a great warrior. Once Razia’s father, Iltutmish was busy with the siege of the Gwalior fort, he had entrusted the government in Delhi to Razia, and on his return was so impressed with her performance that he decided to appoint her as his successor. One of Iltutmish sons, Rukn-ud-din Firuz occupied the throne after father’s death. He ruled Delhi for about seven months. In 1236, Razia Sultana defeated her brother.
Being an efficient ruler Razia Sultana set up proper and complete law and order in her in his empire. During three years of her ruling, she tried to improve the infrastructure of the country by encouraging trade, building roads, digging wells. And also she established schools, academies, centers for research, and public libraries that included the works of ancient philosophers along with the Quran and the traditions of Muhammad. Hindu works in the sciences, philosophy, astronomy, and literature were reportedly studied in schools.
The reason behind end of her was her unacceptable love. Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut, an African Siddi slave turned nobleman who was a close confidante to her and was speculated to be her lover. Though it happened behind many veils and doors, their relationship was no secret in the Delhi court. Malik Ikhtiar-ud-din Altunia, the governor of Bhatinda, was against such relationship of Razia. The story goes that Altunia and Raziya were childhood friends. As they grew up together, he fell in love with Raziya and the rebellion was simply a way of getting back Raziya. When she was trying to curb a rebellion, the Turkish nobles who were against such female throne, took advantage of her absence at Delhi and dethroned her. Her brother Bahram was crowned.
Yaqut was murdered and Altunia imprisoned Raziya. To save her own head, Raziya sensibly decided to marry Altunia, the governor of Batinda and marched towards Delhi with her husband. On October 13, 1240, she was defeated by Bahram and the unfortunate couple was put to death the very next day.