Madurai Nayak dynasty

Common card · No. 230173

The Madurai Nayaks were a Telugu-speaking dynasty of Balija origin (warrior clans of present-day Andhra Pradesh) that ruled large parts of modern-day Tamil Nadu, India, between the 16th and 18th centuries, with Madurai as their capital. It was founded by Nagama Nayak's son Viswanatha Nayak around 1529 as a viceroyalty under the Vijayanagara Empire. Their tenure that lasted till 1736, was characterised by administrative reorganisation through the palaiyakkarar system, temple reconstruction (previously ransacked by the Delhi Sultans), and the development of distinct architectural forms such as large pillared madapas and palace complexes. The dynasty comprised thirteen rulers, including nine kings, two queens regnant, and two joint rulers. Prominent among them were Tirumala Nayaka (r. 1623–1659) and the regent Rani Mangammal (r. 1689–1704). External maritime trade along the Coromandel and Fishery coasts was conducted primarily with the Portuguese and the Dutch East India Company. Trade focussed...

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