Explanation: Raziyya, also known as Raziyya the Great, was the only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, reigning from 1236 to 1240 CE. She was the daughter of Sultan Iltutmish, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1211 to 1236 CE. Iltutmish was a powerful ruler who expanded the Delhi Sultanate and laid the foundation for its future growth. He was known for his administrative reforms and his efforts to stabilize the Sultanate.
Upon Iltutmish's death, his eldest son, Ruknuddin Firuz, was initially chosen as the successor. However, he was a weak ruler and was soon deposed. Raziyya, who was Iltutmish's favorite child and had been groomed for leadership, was then chosen as the Sultan. This was a significant departure from the norm, as women were not typically seen as rulers in the Delhi Sultanate or in most of medieval India.
Minhaj-i-Siraj, a prominent historian of the time, wrote extensively about the Delhi Sultanate in his work, the "Tabaqat-i-Nasiri." Minhaj-i-Siraj was uncomfortable with the idea of a woman ruling, which was a reflection of the prevailing societal norms and gender roles of the period. He believed that a woman could not effectively lead a kingdom and that her rule would be a deviation from the traditional norms of governance.
Raziyya's reign was marked by her efforts to modernize the administration and her attempts to improve the economic conditions of the Sultanate. She was known for her intelligence, administrative skills, and her efforts to promote trade and commerce. However, her rule was also met with significant opposition from the nobility and the military, who were uncomfortable with a woman in power. This opposition eventually led to her downfall.
The discomfort expressed by Minhaj-i-Siraj towards Raziyya's rule highlights the challenges faced by women in leadership roles during the medieval period. It also underscores the importance of understanding the historical context and the societal norms that shaped the lives and roles of individuals in that era.
In conclusion, Minhaj-i-Siraj's discomfort with Raziyya as a queen reflects the societal attitudes and gender roles of the time, making him the correct answer to the question. Understanding these historical perspectives is crucial for comprehending the complexities of medieval Indian history and the challenges faced by women in leadership roles.