Explanations:The Delhi Sultanate was a powerful Islamic empire that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the early 13th century to the early 16th century. It was established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a former slave of Muhammad Ghori, and was the first Muslim kingdom to rule over a significant portion of India. The Delhi Sultanate was divided into several dynasties, including the Mamluk, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties.
One of the most notable figures in the history of the Delhi Sultanate is Razia Sultan, who ruled from 1236 to 1240. Razia was the daughter of Iltutmish, the fifth ruler of the Mamluk dynasty. Iltutmish was a powerful ruler who had expanded the territory of the Delhi Sultanate and established a strong administrative system. He was also known for his religious tolerance and his efforts to promote education and culture.
When Iltutmish died in 1236, he left behind a complex succession issue. He had several sons and daughters, and his will named Razia as his successor. This was a significant decision, as it was unprecedented for a woman to rule the Delhi Sultanate. Razia's ascension to the throne was met with resistance from some of her brothers and other nobles who were not willing to accept a female ruler. However, Razia managed to overcome these challenges and became the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
Razia's reign was marked by her efforts to reform the administration and her attempts to break away from the traditional norms of the time. She was known for her intelligence, her administrative skills, and her efforts to promote education and culture. However, her reign was short-lived, and she was eventually overthrown by a group of nobles who were opposed to her rule. Despite her short reign, Razia Sultan remains an important figure in the history of the Delhi Sultanate and a symbol of female empowerment in medieval India.
It is important to note that while Razia Sultan was the only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, there were other notable female figures in the history of the region. For example, Noorjahan, who was a significant figure in the Mughal Empire, was known for her political influence and her role in the administration of the empire. However, Noorjahan was not a ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, and her reign came much later, in the early 17th century.
In conclusion, the correct answer to the question is Razia Sultan, who became the Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate in 1236. This event is significant in the history of the Delhi Sultanate and the broader history of medieval India, as it represents a unique moment when a woman ascended to the throne and attempted to rule in her own right.