Razia Sultan (While The Author Has Taken Liberties With The Truth, Nonetheless It is Based on Actual History)

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Razia Sultan was a woman ahead of her times. She ruled as Sultan for three and a half years. She quickly realised that in order to survive, she needed the support of the populace, the nobility and the Muslim ulema or the clergy. She was popular with the masses at Delhi because of her even administration, speedy and fair justice. Towards the Turkish nobility, she had a cautious approach of give and take, but sought to undermine their influence by appointing her own supporters to key posts under the iqta system. She ran afoul of the orthodox Muslim clergy, who could not stomach a woman as a ruler. They began a campaign of character assassination against her. Razia was particularly fond of an Abyssinian slave called Jamaluddin Yakut. He was accused of undue familiarity with Razia because he lifted her on to her horse by holding her from under her armpits. This vile character assassination was to be a source of her downfall.

The Turkish nobles who collaborated with the clergy understood that her power base was Delhi. For their evil designs to bear fruit, they had to get her out of Delhi, Kabir Khan, the governor of Lahore and Multan rose against her. Razia marched against Kabir Khan and defeated him. The governor of Bathinda, Malik Altunia revolted and Razia marched against him. She was defeated and imprisoned. The nobles in Delhi seized power and declared Behram Shah the ruler. The claim of Altunia was ignored. Seeing an opportunity in his dissatisfaction, Razia married Altunia, and together the two marched on Delhi. In the ensuing battle against Bahram Shah, their forces were defeated. Forced to flee, and seeking sanctuary, they camped at Kaithal; they were attacked by bandits and killed.

In this tragic manner the career of Sultan Razia came to an end.

Dr. H N Bajaj is a man with varied interests. He is a medical professional, a spine surgeon, a novelist, and a keen gardener, with extensive knowledge of cacti, bonsai, and assorted plants. He enjoys reading and writing about religious iconography and has published books on Hindu mythology, two medical textbooks, and papers in peer-reviewed journals.

He is fond of dogs, and as far as he can remember he has always shared his life with them. He is passionate about travel, good food, and leading a healthy lifestyle.