Razia is the first and last woman ruler of Delhi Sultanate.

(According to one source, Iltumish's eldest son had initially been groomed as his successor, but had died prematurely.)

As a child and adolescent, Razia had had little contact with the women of the harem, so she had not learned the customary behavior of women in the Muslim society that she was born into.

Even before she became Sultan, she was reportedly preoccupied with the affairs of state during her father's reign.

Almost immediately after his death, the Sultanate loses parts of Rajasthan.

Raziya attempts to recapture these areas, but her armies, faced with fierce resistance and guerilla warfare, fail in their efforts.

As Sultan, Razia prefers a man's tunic and headdress; contrary to custom, she will later show her face when she rides an elephant into battle at the head of her army.

A shrewd politician, Razia has managed to keep the nobles in check, while enlisting the support of the army and the populace.

Her greatest accomplishment on the political front is to manipulate rebel factions into opposing each other.

At this point, Razia seems destined to become one of the most powerful rulers of the Delhi Sultanate.