Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman
Encyclopedia
Raja Sri Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman (1641-1730) was the ruler of the Pudukkottai kingdom from 1686 to 1730. Starting his career as a feudatory chieftain of the Sethupathi of Ramnad
, in 1686, Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman was recognised as the independent ruler of Pudukkottai by the Sethupathi for the services he had rendered him.
, a claimant to the Vijayanagar throne. Avadai Ragunatha Tondaiman introduced Vijayanagar rule to the Pudukkottai region after defeating the local chieftains in the region. For his services, Avadai Raghunatha Tondaiman was given the title Raya Rahutta Raya Vajridu Raya Mannida Raya by Sriranga Raya in 1639 along with a grant of land.
Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman was educated in private and succeeded to the chieftainship on the death of his father in 1661. In 1675, his possessions were confirmed by the Raja of Ramnad, Raghunatha Kilavan
, who was his brother-in-law
. Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman fought for the Raja of Ramnad who, in gratitude for his service, enlarged his dominions by granting him Thirumayam Fort
and other estates in 1686 and allowed him to use the title "Raja of Pudukkottai".
, the Raja of Ramnad. Following the Raja's death in 1720, Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman supported Tanda Deva against Bhavani Shankar, the candidate of Serfoji I
of Thanjavur. Though, Bhavani Shankar took the throne after defeating Tanda Deva with Serfoji I's support, Serfoji I later switched sides and invaded the kingdom in 1723. Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman also supported the cause of Tanda Deva who was eventually successful. In 1730, Serfoji I promised the fortress of Kilanilai for his services but failed to keep his promise. Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman died in April 1730 and was succeeded by his grandson Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman I
.
Ramnad estate
The Ramnad Estate is a permanently settled Zamindari estate in the Ramnad subdivision of the Madura district of the erstwhile Madras Presidency in British India. It comprises the southern and eastern parts of Madura district.The estate was ruled by a Zamindar who bore the title "Raja"...
, in 1686, Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman was recognised as the independent ruler of Pudukkottai by the Sethupathi for the services he had rendered him.
Early life
Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman was born in 1641 to Avadai Raghunatha Tondaiman, a Kallar chieftain and army general in service of Sriranga IIISriranga III
Sriranga III was the last ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, who came to power in 1642 following the death of his uncle Venkata III. He was also a great grandson of Aliya Rama Raya.-Early rebellions:...
, a claimant to the Vijayanagar throne. Avadai Ragunatha Tondaiman introduced Vijayanagar rule to the Pudukkottai region after defeating the local chieftains in the region. For his services, Avadai Raghunatha Tondaiman was given the title Raya Rahutta Raya Vajridu Raya Mannida Raya by Sriranga Raya in 1639 along with a grant of land.
Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman was educated in private and succeeded to the chieftainship on the death of his father in 1661. In 1675, his possessions were confirmed by the Raja of Ramnad, Raghunatha Kilavan
Raghunatha Kilavan
Srimant Hiranyagarbhaji Ravikula Raja Muthu Vijaya Raghunatha Raja Raghunatha Deva Kilavan Setupati was the first Raja of Ramnad.. He ruled from 1673 to 1708 and oversaw the growth of the feudal chieftainship of Ramnad into a powerful kingdom...
, who was his brother-in-law
Brother-in-law
A brother-in-law is the brother of one's spouse, the husband of one's sibling, or the husband of one's spouse's sibling.-See also:*Affinity *Sister-in-law*Brothers in Law , a 1955 British comedy novel...
. Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman fought for the Raja of Ramnad who, in gratitude for his service, enlarged his dominions by granting him Thirumayam Fort
Thirumayam Fort
The Thirumayam Fort is a 40-acre wide fortress in the town of Thirumayam in Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu, India. It was constructed by Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi, the Raja of Ramnad in 1687. There are two Siva temples and a Vishnu temple nearby...
and other estates in 1686 and allowed him to use the title "Raja of Pudukkottai".
Reign
Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman reigned from 1686 to 1730 and strengthened the kingdom. He was an ally of Raghunatha KilavanRaghunatha Kilavan
Srimant Hiranyagarbhaji Ravikula Raja Muthu Vijaya Raghunatha Raja Raghunatha Deva Kilavan Setupati was the first Raja of Ramnad.. He ruled from 1673 to 1708 and oversaw the growth of the feudal chieftainship of Ramnad into a powerful kingdom...
, the Raja of Ramnad. Following the Raja's death in 1720, Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman supported Tanda Deva against Bhavani Shankar, the candidate of Serfoji I
Serfoji I
Serfoji I , also called Sarabhoji I, was the son of the Maratha ruler of Thanjavur Ekoji I and the Raja of Thanjavur from 1712 to 1728. He was the third Raja of the Bhonsle dynasty. He consolidated the hold of Marathas over Thanjavur and patronised arts and literature.- The Marava War of...
of Thanjavur. Though, Bhavani Shankar took the throne after defeating Tanda Deva with Serfoji I's support, Serfoji I later switched sides and invaded the kingdom in 1723. Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman also supported the cause of Tanda Deva who was eventually successful. In 1730, Serfoji I promised the fortress of Kilanilai for his services but failed to keep his promise. Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman died in April 1730 and was succeeded by his grandson Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman I
Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman I
Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman I was the second independent ruler of the Pudukkottai kingdom. He reigned from April 1730 to 28 December 1769...
.
Family
Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman had six wives. Some of his children are:- Periya Raya Tondaiman
- Chinna Raya Tondaiman
- Thirumalai Raya Tondaiman
- Muthu Vijaya Tondaiman
- Vijaya Tondaiman
- Rajkumari Periyanayaki Ammal Ayi Sahib