Dhruva Dharavarsha vs Shajar al-Durr

Dhruva Dharavarsha led a successful military campaign against the Pratihara king Vatsaraja in the Ganges-Yamuna doab. This victory established Rashtrakuta dominance over northern India and weakened the Pratihara Empire.

Dhruva Dharavarsha defeated the Pala king Dharmapala in battle, further extending Rashtrakuta influence into eastern India. This victory made the Rashtrakutas the dominant power in the Indian subcontinent during his reign.

After the death of her husband As-Salih Ayyub, Shajar al-Durr became the de facto ruler of Egypt. She was proclaimed Sultana with the support of the Mamluk commanders. Her reign marked the first and only time a woman ruled Egypt in the medieval Islamic period.

To legitimize her rule and appease the Ayyubid caliph, Shajar al-Durr married the Mamluk commander Aybak. She abdicated the throne in his favor but retained significant influence. This marriage established the Mamluk Sultanate under Aybak's nominal rule.

Shajar al-Durr ordered the assassination of her husband Sultan Aybak in his bathhouse after he planned to marry another woman. She feared losing her power and influence. This act led to a power struggle among the Mamluks and her own downfall.

After Aybak's murder, Shajar al-Durr was arrested by the Mamluks loyal to Aybak. She was beaten to death by Aybak's concubines or slaves, and her body was thrown into a ditch. Her death ended the brief period of female rule in the Mamluk Sultanate.