Explanation: Razia Sultan, also known as Razia al-Din, was the first and last female Muslim ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. She ruled from 1236 to 1240 CE and was the daughter of Iltutmish, the fifth sultan of the Mamluk dynasty. Razia Sultan's reign was marked by significant administrative reforms and military campaigns, which endeared her to the people of Delhi. She was known for her intelligence, administrative skills, and her ability to lead military campaigns, which were rare for a woman in that era.
Razia Sultan's ascension to the throne was not without controversy. After the death of her father, Iltutmish, there was a struggle for power between her and her brother, Ruknuddin Firuz. Razia Sultan eventually succeeded in gaining the throne, but her rule was short-lived due to political intrigues and opposition from the nobility. Despite her brief reign, Razia Sultan's legacy as the first and last female Muslim ruler of Delhi remains significant in the history of the Delhi Sultanate.
It is important to note that Didda, mentioned in option A, was a Kashmiri queen who ruled the Kingdom of Kashmir from 958 to 1003 CE. She was not a Muslim ruler and did not rule over Delhi. Therefore, Didda cannot be considered as a Muslim ruler of Delhi.
Option C suggests that either Didda or Razia Sultan could be the correct answer, which is incorrect. Didda was not a Muslim ruler of Delhi, and Razia Sultan is the only female Muslim ruler of Delhi. This option might seem plausible to students who are not aware of the specific historical context of each ruler.
Option D suggests that neither Didda nor Razia Sultan ruled over Delhi, which is incorrect. Razia Sultan did rule over Delhi and is the only female Muslim ruler to have done so. This option might seem plausible to students who are not familiar with the historical rulers of Delhi.
In conclusion, Razia Sultan is the correct answer as she is the first and last Muslim lady to rule over Delhi. Her reign, though brief, marked a significant period in the history of the Delhi Sultanate and her legacy continues to be remembered and studied in the context of Delhi's rich historical past.