The correct option is (a).
Explanation
This question addresses the historical representation of female sovereignty in medieval India, specifically comparing the legitimization strategies used by Raziyya Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate and Queen Rudramadevi of the Kakatiya Dynasty.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Raziyya Sultan, who ruled from 1236 to 1240 CE, explicitly mentioned on her inscriptions and coins that she was the daughter of Sultan Iltutmish. She did not hide her gender but relied on her lineage and competence to assert her authority, despite the opposition from nobles who were uncomfortable with a female ruler.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Queen Rudramadevi (1262–1289 CE) of the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal adopted a different approach. In her inscriptions, she often changed her name to a male form (Rudradeva) and pretended to be a man to gain political acceptance. This stands in direct contrast to Raziyya, who retained her female identity in her official records.
Key Takeaway:
While Raziyya Sultan acknowledged her gender and ruled as the daughter of Iltutmish, Queen Rudramadevi adopted a male persona in her inscriptions to navigate the patriarchal norms of her time.