Razia Sultan – An Introduction

When I read the original novel Sultan Razia, I realised intensely that the Marathi speaking audience is quite unaware of the history of Delhi and its surrounding areas. Furthermore, this novel is based on the character of the first lady Turk ruler, Razia. It occurred to me that if a Marathi version is made available, Marathi readers would indeed get to know about very competent rulers, Iltutmish and his daughter Razia.

Given that the available material and information regarding Sultan Razia is very scarce, I thought that this translation may be educative and enlightening to Marathi readers and the younger generation.

The novel, which is very informative because of Mr. Mewaram’s profound knowledge of the subject, is extremely readable owing to its linguistic style, dialogues and the theme.

The first chapter of the novel starts in an innovative way, with a narrator introducing the characters -Sultan Iltutmish, his queens, princes and princesses - as well as the places where the story unfolds, through a dialogue with a guide. The story flows seamlessly through the subsequent chapters, revolving around these characters and their interactions with each other, giving an insight into the geographic and historic perspective of the era.

Lucidity and fluency of language, accurate references and precise portrayal of the characters and their achievements maintain the sprightliness of novel till the end. An in-depth study, of not only the dynastic history but also the economic, social, religious, political, literary history, is in ample evidence throughout this novel. Commentary by Mr Mewaram on many concepts from poetry, Sheroshayari, Sanskrit verses, Sandnyas, Puranas and Upnishadas, and philosophical citations in Aayats and Hadees from the Holy Quran, makes it worth reading.

In this novel, one reads about various officers in the court of Sultan Iltutmish, their ranks and designations, the Sultan’s way of functioning, the Bell of Justice, his procedures of dispensing justice and his strict adherence to principles of justice, wherein even his own kin were not spared. While reading vivid accounts of the grand welcome accorded to the victorious Sultan at Rai Pithora fort, the music and dance concerts, the drinking celebrations, over-indulgence by the slaves, the life and discipline in the palace etc., readers go back in time and live the experience. These narratives are entirely enchanting. More....