The correct option is (b).
Explanation
During the Delhi Sultanate, the social and political order was heavily influenced by the concept of "birthright" and "gender distinctions." Historians and chroniclers of the time, such as Minhaj-us-Siraj, evaluated rulers based on these established norms, which often conflicted with the practical abilities of female rulers like Raziyya Sultan.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. While the chronicler Minhaj-us-Siraj admitted that Raziyya was more able and qualified than all her brothers, he did not support her rule. He believed that a queen’s rule went against the ideal social order created by God, in which women were supposed to be subordinate to men. He famously questioned how she could gain from her excellent qualities if she was not born a man.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The prevailing ideology of the time held that the "ideal social order" was a divine creation. In this order, gender distinctions were rigid, and women were considered subordinate to men. This belief system was used to justify the exclusion of women from political succession and leadership roles.
- Statement 3 is Correct. Queen Rudramadevi (1262–1289) of the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal adopted a different approach to gender norms compared to Raziyya. In her inscriptions, she changed her name to a male name (Rudradeva) and pretended to be a man to legitimize her rule.
- Statement 4 is Incorrect. Queen Didda, who ruled in Kashmir (980–1003), did not derive her title from the word for "warrior." Her title came from the word "didi" or "elder sister," suggesting an affectionate term used by her subjects or courtiers, rather than a martial title.
Key Takeaway
Minhaj-us-Siraj acknowledged Raziyya's merit but opposed her rule based on gender distinctions. Unlike Raziyya, Rudramadevi adopted a male persona in inscriptions, while Didda's title was derived from an affectionate term for "elder sister."