Overview of "Razia Sultana" (1961)
Released in 1961, Razia Sultana is a Bollywood historical epic that portrays the life and reign of Razia Sultan, one of the most fascinating figures in Indian history. As the first woman to ascend the throne of Delhi, Razia faces immense opposition from the nobility and power-hungry rivals who refuse to accept a female ruler.
The film also delves into her love story with Jamal-ud-Din Yakut, an Abyssinian slave-turned-general, which becomes a subject of great controversy and fuels the rebellion against her rule. Through grand sets, elaborate costumes, and powerful performances, Razia Sultana captures the essence of her courage, leadership, and tragic fate.
Though later adaptations, including Kamal Amrohi's 1983 film Razia Sultan, became more widely recognized, this 1961 version remains a pioneering cinematic effort to depict the extraordinary story of India's first female monarch.