The correct option is (a) 1 only
Explanation
Minhaj-us-Siraj was a 13th-century chronicler and the author of
Tabaqat-i-Nasiri. His writings provide a contemporary account of the early Delhi Sultanate, including the reign of Raziyya Sultan (1236–1240 CE). His views reflect the prevailing social and gender norms of the medieval period regarding female rulership.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Minhaj-us-Siraj explicitly stated that in the "register of God’s creation," women were intended to be subordinate to men. He expressed discomfort with a woman ruling over men, arguing that it went against the ideal social order ordained by God. He questioned how a woman could be an effective ruler when the divine order placed men in charge.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: While Minhaj acknowledged Raziyya’s many virtues-describing her as wise, just, benevolent, and a dispenser of justice-he did not conclude that these qualities were sufficient to overcome her gender. Instead, he ended his account with a rhetorical question: "Of what avail were these excellent qualities, inasmuch as she was not born of the right sex?" This implies that, in his view, her gender remained an insurmountable disqualification despite her capabilities.
Key Takeaway
Minhaj-us-Siraj recognized Raziyya’s administrative and personal capabilities but maintained that her rule was fundamentally flawed because it contradicted the traditional gender hierarchy where women were subordinate to men.