Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Who of the following was the first woman ruler of medieval India?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: A
Concept
Raziyya Sultan's reign was a radical departure from the patriarchal norms of the medieval era. She was nominated by her father, Iltutmish, who considered her more capable than his sons.Explanation
Chronicler Minhaj-us-Siraj noted in *Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
that she was 'more able and qualified than all her brothers', though the nobility struggled with being ruled by a woman.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Raziyya ruled from 1236 to 1240. She adopted male attire and personally led armies, challenging gender barriers.
Logic 2: Other options ruled later: Chand Bibi (16th c.), Durgavati (16th c.), and Noorjahan (17th c. as Empress consort).