Razia Sultana – Delhi Sultanate – Badaun Mint Billon Jital Extremely Coin

Delhi Sultanate, Jalalat al-din Radiyya / Razia Sultana (AH 634-637, 1236-1240 AD), Composition: Billon, Denomination: Jital, 3.30 gms, 15.03 mm, Badaun Mint, Obv. al-Sultan al-‘Azam Radiyyat al-dunya wa ‘l din, rev. crude horseman to right, G&G # D104, fine+, extremely rare.

Razia Sultana (AH 634–637 / 1236–1240 CE) was one of the most remarkable rulers of the Delhi Sultanate and the only woman to sit on the throne of medieval India. She was the daughter of Sultan Iltutmish, who nominated her as his successor due to her administrative ability and political insight. Ruling in her own name as al-Sultan Radiyyat al-Dunya wa’l-Din, Razia broke social conventions by appearing in public without veiling and directly commanding the army. Her reign faced strong opposition from the Turkish nobility (Chahalgani), who resisted female authority. Continuous rebellions weakened her position, leading to her deposition and death in 1240 CE. Coins such as this Badaun-mint jital are important historical evidence of her sovereign authority and independent rule.