In 1236 CE, which daughter of Sultan Iltutmish ascended the throne of Delhi and became Sultan?

Introduction / Context:
During the Delhi Sultanate, the succession to the throne was often contested, and it was rare for women to rule as sovereigns. One notable exception is the daughter of Sultan Iltutmish, who briefly occupied the throne of Delhi in the thirteenth century. She is remembered in Indian history as a capable and courageous ruler who faced strong opposition from nobles because of her gender.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question specifies the year 1236 CE, which is the year after Iltutmish's death.
• It asks which daughter of Sultan Iltutmish became Sultan of Delhi.
• The options include several female names, but only one matches the historically known ruler.
• We must recall the well known name associated with the first and only woman to sit on the throne of the Delhi Sultanate.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is to identify Raziya Sultan, also written as Razia or Raziya Sultana, as Iltutmish's daughter who became ruler. Iltutmish is said to have considered her more capable than his sons, and she did ascend the throne after his death. Her reign was short because many Turkish nobles opposed the idea of being ruled by a woman, but her name remains prominent in historical narratives. None of the other names listed in the options refer to a reigning Delhi Sultan from Iltutmish's family.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
In almost all school and competitive exam textbooks, the example of Raziya Sultan is highlighted when discussing women rulers in medieval India. She is explicitly described as the daughter of Iltutmish who became Sultan in 1236 CE. This widely accepted information leaves little room for doubt and confirms that Raziya is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Rehana: There is no historical record of a ruler by this name among Iltutmish's children or the Delhi Sultans.
• Rukhsana: Again, not a recorded daughter of Iltutmish who became Sultan.
• Rashida: Historically, this name is not associated with ruling Delhi as a Sultan in 1236 CE.
• Gulbadan: Gulbadan Begum was a Mughal princess and historian from a much later period, unrelated to Iltutmish or the early Delhi Sultanate.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse the names of royal women from different dynasties and periods, such as mixing Mughal and Delhi Sultanate figures. Another mistake is to assume that because women rarely ruled, the name might refer to a lesser known figure. In fact, Raziya Sultan is one of the best documented and most discussed women rulers in medieval Indian history, making her name essential to remember.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Raziya Sultan (Razia Sultana).