The Sethupathis, Thondaimans and Nawabs - Social Life of People | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


80 81
Sethupathis of Ramand and Sivaganga: The rulers of Ramnad and
Sivaganga region of early 17
th
 Century were called Sethupathis.  The
Nayak ruler  Muthukrishnappa Nayak appointed Sadaikkathever in
1605 as protector and guardian of the pilgrims to Sethusamudram and
Rameswaram. The protector of Sethusamudram was called as
Sethupathis and extended protection to the pilgrims who visited
Rameswaram. Apart from giving protection these two Sethupathis did
religious services to the Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram.
Sadaikka Thevar II:  1636AD. – 1645AD.: Kuttan Sethupathi made
his adopted son Sadaikkathevar II as the next ruler. This was opposed
by Kuttan Sethupathi’ s natural son Thambi. Thirumalai Nayak supported
the claim of Thambi.  The ruler Sadaikka thevar was dethroned and
jailed. Thambi was made as Sethupathi. Thambi was not competent.
Sadaikka thevar’s nephews Raghunathathevar and Narayanathevar
rebelled against Thambi’s rule. Accepting the popular representation,
Thirumalai Nayak released  Sadaikkathevar from Jail and made him
Sethupathi after dismissing Thambi from the throne. Sadiakkathevar
constructed a new Chokkanatha temple at Rameswaram.  He did lot
of Charitable and public works.
Raghunatha Sethupathi – 1645AD. – 1670AD.: He was loyal to
the Nayak ruler .  He helped the Nayaks by defeating the Muslims under
Kutbkhan and the poliga of Ettayapuram.  In appreciation to this help
the Nayak ruler gave the privilege of celebrating Navarathri festival at
the capital city . The Nayak ruler also donated places like Thirubhuvanam,
Mannar Koil Thiruchuli to Sethupathi.  He successfully annexed
Devakottai and Aranthangi.  He helped Thirumalai Nayak in his war
against Mysore army .  Thirumalai Nayak recognised the valuable military
services of Raghunatha Sethupathi and conferred the title ‘Thirumalai
Sethupathi’ on him. Sethupathis loyalty towards the Nayaks was over
with Thirumalai Nayak.
Sethupathy.  Sadaikkathevar was a loyal subordinate of the Nayaks.
He emerged as the chief of the poligas. Sethupathis were maravas of
Ramnad, Madurai and Tirunelveli.  They had Ramnad as their official
head quarters.  Sadaikkathevar and his son KuttanSethupathi acted as
Ramanatha Swamy T emple at Rameswaram
Page 2


80 81
Sethupathis of Ramand and Sivaganga: The rulers of Ramnad and
Sivaganga region of early 17
th
 Century were called Sethupathis.  The
Nayak ruler  Muthukrishnappa Nayak appointed Sadaikkathever in
1605 as protector and guardian of the pilgrims to Sethusamudram and
Rameswaram. The protector of Sethusamudram was called as
Sethupathis and extended protection to the pilgrims who visited
Rameswaram. Apart from giving protection these two Sethupathis did
religious services to the Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram.
Sadaikka Thevar II:  1636AD. – 1645AD.: Kuttan Sethupathi made
his adopted son Sadaikkathevar II as the next ruler. This was opposed
by Kuttan Sethupathi’ s natural son Thambi. Thirumalai Nayak supported
the claim of Thambi.  The ruler Sadaikka thevar was dethroned and
jailed. Thambi was made as Sethupathi. Thambi was not competent.
Sadaikka thevar’s nephews Raghunathathevar and Narayanathevar
rebelled against Thambi’s rule. Accepting the popular representation,
Thirumalai Nayak released  Sadaikkathevar from Jail and made him
Sethupathi after dismissing Thambi from the throne. Sadiakkathevar
constructed a new Chokkanatha temple at Rameswaram.  He did lot
of Charitable and public works.
Raghunatha Sethupathi – 1645AD. – 1670AD.: He was loyal to
the Nayak ruler .  He helped the Nayaks by defeating the Muslims under
Kutbkhan and the poliga of Ettayapuram.  In appreciation to this help
the Nayak ruler gave the privilege of celebrating Navarathri festival at
the capital city . The Nayak ruler also donated places like Thirubhuvanam,
Mannar Koil Thiruchuli to Sethupathi.  He successfully annexed
Devakottai and Aranthangi.  He helped Thirumalai Nayak in his war
against Mysore army .  Thirumalai Nayak recognised the valuable military
services of Raghunatha Sethupathi and conferred the title ‘Thirumalai
Sethupathi’ on him. Sethupathis loyalty towards the Nayaks was over
with Thirumalai Nayak.
Sethupathy.  Sadaikkathevar was a loyal subordinate of the Nayaks.
He emerged as the chief of the poligas. Sethupathis were maravas of
Ramnad, Madurai and Tirunelveli.  They had Ramnad as their official
head quarters.  Sadaikkathevar and his son KuttanSethupathi acted as
Ramanatha Swamy T emple at Rameswaram
80 81
Sethupathis of Ramand and Sivaganga: The rulers of Ramnad and
Sivaganga region of early 17
th
 Century were called Sethupathis.  The
Nayak ruler  Muthukrishnappa Nayak appointed Sadaikkathever in
1605 as protector and guardian of the pilgrims to Sethusamudram and
Rameswaram. The protector of Sethusamudram was called as
Sethupathis and extended protection to the pilgrims who visited
Rameswaram. Apart from giving protection these two Sethupathis did
religious services to the Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram.
Sadaikka Thevar II:  1636AD. – 1645AD.: Kuttan Sethupathi made
his adopted son Sadaikkathevar II as the next ruler. This was opposed
by Kuttan Sethupathi’ s natural son Thambi. Thirumalai Nayak supported
the claim of Thambi.  The ruler Sadaikka thevar was dethroned and
jailed. Thambi was made as Sethupathi. Thambi was not competent.
Sadaikka thevar’s nephews Raghunathathevar and Narayanathevar
rebelled against Thambi’s rule. Accepting the popular representation,
Thirumalai Nayak released  Sadaikkathevar from Jail and made him
Sethupathi after dismissing Thambi from the throne. Sadiakkathevar
constructed a new Chokkanatha temple at Rameswaram.  He did lot
of Charitable and public works.
Raghunatha Sethupathi – 1645AD. – 1670AD.: He was loyal to
the Nayak ruler .  He helped the Nayaks by defeating the Muslims under
Kutbkhan and the poliga of Ettayapuram.  In appreciation to this help
the Nayak ruler gave the privilege of celebrating Navarathri festival at
the capital city . The Nayak ruler also donated places like Thirubhuvanam,
Mannar Koil Thiruchuli to Sethupathi.  He successfully annexed
Devakottai and Aranthangi.  He helped Thirumalai Nayak in his war
against Mysore army .  Thirumalai Nayak recognised the valuable military
services of Raghunatha Sethupathi and conferred the title ‘Thirumalai
Sethupathi’ on him. Sethupathis loyalty towards the Nayaks was over
with Thirumalai Nayak.
Sethupathy.  Sadaikkathevar was a loyal subordinate of the Nayaks.
He emerged as the chief of the poligas. Sethupathis were maravas of
Ramnad, Madurai and Tirunelveli.  They had Ramnad as their official
head quarters.  Sadaikkathevar and his son KuttanSethupathi acted as
Ramanatha Swamy T emple at Rameswaram
Page 3


80 81
Sethupathis of Ramand and Sivaganga: The rulers of Ramnad and
Sivaganga region of early 17
th
 Century were called Sethupathis.  The
Nayak ruler  Muthukrishnappa Nayak appointed Sadaikkathever in
1605 as protector and guardian of the pilgrims to Sethusamudram and
Rameswaram. The protector of Sethusamudram was called as
Sethupathis and extended protection to the pilgrims who visited
Rameswaram. Apart from giving protection these two Sethupathis did
religious services to the Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram.
Sadaikka Thevar II:  1636AD. – 1645AD.: Kuttan Sethupathi made
his adopted son Sadaikkathevar II as the next ruler. This was opposed
by Kuttan Sethupathi’ s natural son Thambi. Thirumalai Nayak supported
the claim of Thambi.  The ruler Sadaikka thevar was dethroned and
jailed. Thambi was made as Sethupathi. Thambi was not competent.
Sadaikka thevar’s nephews Raghunathathevar and Narayanathevar
rebelled against Thambi’s rule. Accepting the popular representation,
Thirumalai Nayak released  Sadaikkathevar from Jail and made him
Sethupathi after dismissing Thambi from the throne. Sadiakkathevar
constructed a new Chokkanatha temple at Rameswaram.  He did lot
of Charitable and public works.
Raghunatha Sethupathi – 1645AD. – 1670AD.: He was loyal to
the Nayak ruler .  He helped the Nayaks by defeating the Muslims under
Kutbkhan and the poliga of Ettayapuram.  In appreciation to this help
the Nayak ruler gave the privilege of celebrating Navarathri festival at
the capital city . The Nayak ruler also donated places like Thirubhuvanam,
Mannar Koil Thiruchuli to Sethupathi.  He successfully annexed
Devakottai and Aranthangi.  He helped Thirumalai Nayak in his war
against Mysore army .  Thirumalai Nayak recognised the valuable military
services of Raghunatha Sethupathi and conferred the title ‘Thirumalai
Sethupathi’ on him. Sethupathis loyalty towards the Nayaks was over
with Thirumalai Nayak.
Sethupathy.  Sadaikkathevar was a loyal subordinate of the Nayaks.
He emerged as the chief of the poligas. Sethupathis were maravas of
Ramnad, Madurai and Tirunelveli.  They had Ramnad as their official
head quarters.  Sadaikkathevar and his son KuttanSethupathi acted as
Ramanatha Swamy T emple at Rameswaram
80 81
Sethupathis of Ramand and Sivaganga: The rulers of Ramnad and
Sivaganga region of early 17
th
 Century were called Sethupathis.  The
Nayak ruler  Muthukrishnappa Nayak appointed Sadaikkathever in
1605 as protector and guardian of the pilgrims to Sethusamudram and
Rameswaram. The protector of Sethusamudram was called as
Sethupathis and extended protection to the pilgrims who visited
Rameswaram. Apart from giving protection these two Sethupathis did
religious services to the Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram.
Sadaikka Thevar II:  1636AD. – 1645AD.: Kuttan Sethupathi made
his adopted son Sadaikkathevar II as the next ruler. This was opposed
by Kuttan Sethupathi’ s natural son Thambi. Thirumalai Nayak supported
the claim of Thambi.  The ruler Sadaikka thevar was dethroned and
jailed. Thambi was made as Sethupathi. Thambi was not competent.
Sadaikka thevar’s nephews Raghunathathevar and Narayanathevar
rebelled against Thambi’s rule. Accepting the popular representation,
Thirumalai Nayak released  Sadaikkathevar from Jail and made him
Sethupathi after dismissing Thambi from the throne. Sadiakkathevar
constructed a new Chokkanatha temple at Rameswaram.  He did lot
of Charitable and public works.
Raghunatha Sethupathi – 1645AD. – 1670AD.: He was loyal to
the Nayak ruler .  He helped the Nayaks by defeating the Muslims under
Kutbkhan and the poliga of Ettayapuram.  In appreciation to this help
the Nayak ruler gave the privilege of celebrating Navarathri festival at
the capital city . The Nayak ruler also donated places like Thirubhuvanam,
Mannar Koil Thiruchuli to Sethupathi.  He successfully annexed
Devakottai and Aranthangi.  He helped Thirumalai Nayak in his war
against Mysore army .  Thirumalai Nayak recognised the valuable military
services of Raghunatha Sethupathi and conferred the title ‘Thirumalai
Sethupathi’ on him. Sethupathis loyalty towards the Nayaks was over
with Thirumalai Nayak.
Sethupathy.  Sadaikkathevar was a loyal subordinate of the Nayaks.
He emerged as the chief of the poligas. Sethupathis were maravas of
Ramnad, Madurai and Tirunelveli.  They had Ramnad as their official
head quarters.  Sadaikkathevar and his son KuttanSethupathi acted as
Ramanatha Swamy T emple at Rameswaram
82 83
Raghunatha Sethupathi recaptured all the forts and places from
the Nayaks and became an independent ruler.Raghunatha Sethupathi
patronised art and literature.  He made T amil and T elugu as an official
languages of his court.  He encouraged Tamil poets namely Alagiya
Chitramabala Kavirayar and Amirtha Kavirayar.  He constructed the
Second Prakaram of the Ramanathswami temple in Rameswaram.  The
famous poet Thayumanavar spent his last days under the Patronage of
Raghunatha Sethupathi. After Raghunatha Sethupathi both Surya thevar
and Athana thevar were in power for a very short duration in 1670.
Raghunatha Sethupathi II alias Kilavan Sethupathi : 1671AD. –
1710AD.: Kilavan Sethupathi was the greatest ruler among the Marava
kings. He was helpful to Chokkanatha Nayak.  The Nayak king
conferred him a title Para Rajakesari (Lion to alien kings).  He annexed
some territories of Madurai Kingdom, Aranthangi, Thirumayam,
Piranmalai. He opposed the spread of Christian missionary activities.
Kilavan Sethupathi liberated the Marava country from the control of
Madurai Nayak.  After defeating Rani Mangammal’ s army , he declared
independent Marava country in 1707.  He shifted his head quarters
from Pughalur to Ramnad.
Kilavan Sethupathi established the Nalcottal palayam (later
Sivaganga) and appointed Udaya Thevar as Governor. He served well
for the development of Hinduism. He endowed villages to a temple at
Thiruvadanai and Kalaiyar Koil.  He constructed a fort around the
Ramanathapuram, the capital city.  He constructed a dam across the
V aigai.  His rule was marked as the golden age of the Maravas. Kilavan
Sethupathi was succeeded by Bhavani Shankarathevar and
Thandathevar.
After Kilavan Sethupathi the kingdom was divided into two. A
new Sivaganga Kingdom emerged. During the later period of
Sethupathi’s rule,  the Ramnad was reduced to a zamin level.  Then it
was brought under the control of the Britishers.  Finally it became a
part of the Indian Union. Among the later Sethupathis, Baskara
Sethupathi was an exceptionally enlightened zamindar.  He was an
English educated ruler . He honoured Swami V ivekananda who attended
the parliament of Religion at Chicago. The social life under Sethupathi’ s
rule was good.
THE THONDAIMANS OF PUDUKOTTAI
Kilavan Sethupathi established a new Pudukottai Kingdom and
made his son Raghunatha Raja Thondaman as its first ruler.
Pudukkottai was the first kingdom to join Indian union as
soon as the unity call was given by the then Home Minister
Sardar V allababai Patel in 1948
Raghunatha Thondaiman: After becoming the ruler of Pudukottai,
Raghunatha Thondaiman fought against the Nayaks of T anjore in support
of the Nayaks of Madurai and conquered Thirukkattupalli a very
important place. Then there was a direct clash between Thondaimans
of Pudukottai and the Nayaks rulers of T anjore. Thondaiman conquered
the west of Thirukkattupalli. The Pudukottai Thondaiman’s army
defeated a combined army of the Maravas of Ramnad and Marathas
of Tanjore. With this victorious experience the Pudukkotai Raja
supported poligas. Pudukottai was made as the capital of the
Thondaiman’ s Kingdom.
The Nizam of Hydrabad recognised the independent rule of
Pudukottai Thondaiman. Pudukottai Thondaiman maintained friendly
relation with the British and the Nawab of Arcot. Raghunatha
Thondaiman was the real founder and consolidator of the independent
Pudukottai kingdom.
Page 4


80 81
Sethupathis of Ramand and Sivaganga: The rulers of Ramnad and
Sivaganga region of early 17
th
 Century were called Sethupathis.  The
Nayak ruler  Muthukrishnappa Nayak appointed Sadaikkathever in
1605 as protector and guardian of the pilgrims to Sethusamudram and
Rameswaram. The protector of Sethusamudram was called as
Sethupathis and extended protection to the pilgrims who visited
Rameswaram. Apart from giving protection these two Sethupathis did
religious services to the Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram.
Sadaikka Thevar II:  1636AD. – 1645AD.: Kuttan Sethupathi made
his adopted son Sadaikkathevar II as the next ruler. This was opposed
by Kuttan Sethupathi’ s natural son Thambi. Thirumalai Nayak supported
the claim of Thambi.  The ruler Sadaikka thevar was dethroned and
jailed. Thambi was made as Sethupathi. Thambi was not competent.
Sadaikka thevar’s nephews Raghunathathevar and Narayanathevar
rebelled against Thambi’s rule. Accepting the popular representation,
Thirumalai Nayak released  Sadaikkathevar from Jail and made him
Sethupathi after dismissing Thambi from the throne. Sadiakkathevar
constructed a new Chokkanatha temple at Rameswaram.  He did lot
of Charitable and public works.
Raghunatha Sethupathi – 1645AD. – 1670AD.: He was loyal to
the Nayak ruler .  He helped the Nayaks by defeating the Muslims under
Kutbkhan and the poliga of Ettayapuram.  In appreciation to this help
the Nayak ruler gave the privilege of celebrating Navarathri festival at
the capital city . The Nayak ruler also donated places like Thirubhuvanam,
Mannar Koil Thiruchuli to Sethupathi.  He successfully annexed
Devakottai and Aranthangi.  He helped Thirumalai Nayak in his war
against Mysore army .  Thirumalai Nayak recognised the valuable military
services of Raghunatha Sethupathi and conferred the title ‘Thirumalai
Sethupathi’ on him. Sethupathis loyalty towards the Nayaks was over
with Thirumalai Nayak.
Sethupathy.  Sadaikkathevar was a loyal subordinate of the Nayaks.
He emerged as the chief of the poligas. Sethupathis were maravas of
Ramnad, Madurai and Tirunelveli.  They had Ramnad as their official
head quarters.  Sadaikkathevar and his son KuttanSethupathi acted as
Ramanatha Swamy T emple at Rameswaram
80 81
Sethupathis of Ramand and Sivaganga: The rulers of Ramnad and
Sivaganga region of early 17
th
 Century were called Sethupathis.  The
Nayak ruler  Muthukrishnappa Nayak appointed Sadaikkathever in
1605 as protector and guardian of the pilgrims to Sethusamudram and
Rameswaram. The protector of Sethusamudram was called as
Sethupathis and extended protection to the pilgrims who visited
Rameswaram. Apart from giving protection these two Sethupathis did
religious services to the Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram.
Sadaikka Thevar II:  1636AD. – 1645AD.: Kuttan Sethupathi made
his adopted son Sadaikkathevar II as the next ruler. This was opposed
by Kuttan Sethupathi’ s natural son Thambi. Thirumalai Nayak supported
the claim of Thambi.  The ruler Sadaikka thevar was dethroned and
jailed. Thambi was made as Sethupathi. Thambi was not competent.
Sadaikka thevar’s nephews Raghunathathevar and Narayanathevar
rebelled against Thambi’s rule. Accepting the popular representation,
Thirumalai Nayak released  Sadaikkathevar from Jail and made him
Sethupathi after dismissing Thambi from the throne. Sadiakkathevar
constructed a new Chokkanatha temple at Rameswaram.  He did lot
of Charitable and public works.
Raghunatha Sethupathi – 1645AD. – 1670AD.: He was loyal to
the Nayak ruler .  He helped the Nayaks by defeating the Muslims under
Kutbkhan and the poliga of Ettayapuram.  In appreciation to this help
the Nayak ruler gave the privilege of celebrating Navarathri festival at
the capital city . The Nayak ruler also donated places like Thirubhuvanam,
Mannar Koil Thiruchuli to Sethupathi.  He successfully annexed
Devakottai and Aranthangi.  He helped Thirumalai Nayak in his war
against Mysore army .  Thirumalai Nayak recognised the valuable military
services of Raghunatha Sethupathi and conferred the title ‘Thirumalai
Sethupathi’ on him. Sethupathis loyalty towards the Nayaks was over
with Thirumalai Nayak.
Sethupathy.  Sadaikkathevar was a loyal subordinate of the Nayaks.
He emerged as the chief of the poligas. Sethupathis were maravas of
Ramnad, Madurai and Tirunelveli.  They had Ramnad as their official
head quarters.  Sadaikkathevar and his son KuttanSethupathi acted as
Ramanatha Swamy T emple at Rameswaram
82 83
Raghunatha Sethupathi recaptured all the forts and places from
the Nayaks and became an independent ruler.Raghunatha Sethupathi
patronised art and literature.  He made T amil and T elugu as an official
languages of his court.  He encouraged Tamil poets namely Alagiya
Chitramabala Kavirayar and Amirtha Kavirayar.  He constructed the
Second Prakaram of the Ramanathswami temple in Rameswaram.  The
famous poet Thayumanavar spent his last days under the Patronage of
Raghunatha Sethupathi. After Raghunatha Sethupathi both Surya thevar
and Athana thevar were in power for a very short duration in 1670.
Raghunatha Sethupathi II alias Kilavan Sethupathi : 1671AD. –
1710AD.: Kilavan Sethupathi was the greatest ruler among the Marava
kings. He was helpful to Chokkanatha Nayak.  The Nayak king
conferred him a title Para Rajakesari (Lion to alien kings).  He annexed
some territories of Madurai Kingdom, Aranthangi, Thirumayam,
Piranmalai. He opposed the spread of Christian missionary activities.
Kilavan Sethupathi liberated the Marava country from the control of
Madurai Nayak.  After defeating Rani Mangammal’ s army , he declared
independent Marava country in 1707.  He shifted his head quarters
from Pughalur to Ramnad.
Kilavan Sethupathi established the Nalcottal palayam (later
Sivaganga) and appointed Udaya Thevar as Governor. He served well
for the development of Hinduism. He endowed villages to a temple at
Thiruvadanai and Kalaiyar Koil.  He constructed a fort around the
Ramanathapuram, the capital city.  He constructed a dam across the
V aigai.  His rule was marked as the golden age of the Maravas. Kilavan
Sethupathi was succeeded by Bhavani Shankarathevar and
Thandathevar.
After Kilavan Sethupathi the kingdom was divided into two. A
new Sivaganga Kingdom emerged. During the later period of
Sethupathi’s rule,  the Ramnad was reduced to a zamin level.  Then it
was brought under the control of the Britishers.  Finally it became a
part of the Indian Union. Among the later Sethupathis, Baskara
Sethupathi was an exceptionally enlightened zamindar.  He was an
English educated ruler . He honoured Swami V ivekananda who attended
the parliament of Religion at Chicago. The social life under Sethupathi’ s
rule was good.
THE THONDAIMANS OF PUDUKOTTAI
Kilavan Sethupathi established a new Pudukottai Kingdom and
made his son Raghunatha Raja Thondaman as its first ruler.
Pudukkottai was the first kingdom to join Indian union as
soon as the unity call was given by the then Home Minister
Sardar V allababai Patel in 1948
Raghunatha Thondaiman: After becoming the ruler of Pudukottai,
Raghunatha Thondaiman fought against the Nayaks of T anjore in support
of the Nayaks of Madurai and conquered Thirukkattupalli a very
important place. Then there was a direct clash between Thondaimans
of Pudukottai and the Nayaks rulers of T anjore. Thondaiman conquered
the west of Thirukkattupalli. The Pudukottai Thondaiman’s army
defeated a combined army of the Maravas of Ramnad and Marathas
of Tanjore. With this victorious experience the Pudukkotai Raja
supported poligas. Pudukottai was made as the capital of the
Thondaiman’ s Kingdom.
The Nizam of Hydrabad recognised the independent rule of
Pudukottai Thondaiman. Pudukottai Thondaiman maintained friendly
relation with the British and the Nawab of Arcot. Raghunatha
Thondaiman was the real founder and consolidator of the independent
Pudukottai kingdom.
82 83
Raghunatha Sethupathi recaptured all the forts and places from
the Nayaks and became an independent ruler.Raghunatha Sethupathi
patronised art and literature.  He made T amil and T elugu as an official
languages of his court.  He encouraged Tamil poets namely Alagiya
Chitramabala Kavirayar and Amirtha Kavirayar.  He constructed the
Second Prakaram of the Ramanathswami temple in Rameswaram.  The
famous poet Thayumanavar spent his last days under the Patronage of
Raghunatha Sethupathi. After Raghunatha Sethupathi both Surya thevar
and Athana thevar were in power for a very short duration in 1670.
Raghunatha Sethupathi II alias Kilavan Sethupathi : 1671AD. –
1710AD.: Kilavan Sethupathi was the greatest ruler among the Marava
kings. He was helpful to Chokkanatha Nayak.  The Nayak king
conferred him a title Para Rajakesari (Lion to alien kings).  He annexed
some territories of Madurai Kingdom, Aranthangi, Thirumayam,
Piranmalai. He opposed the spread of Christian missionary activities.
Kilavan Sethupathi liberated the Marava country from the control of
Madurai Nayak.  After defeating Rani Mangammal’ s army , he declared
independent Marava country in 1707.  He shifted his head quarters
from Pughalur to Ramnad.
Kilavan Sethupathi established the Nalcottal palayam (later
Sivaganga) and appointed Udaya Thevar as Governor. He served well
for the development of Hinduism. He endowed villages to a temple at
Thiruvadanai and Kalaiyar Koil.  He constructed a fort around the
Ramanathapuram, the capital city.  He constructed a dam across the
V aigai.  His rule was marked as the golden age of the Maravas. Kilavan
Sethupathi was succeeded by Bhavani Shankarathevar and
Thandathevar.
After Kilavan Sethupathi the kingdom was divided into two. A
new Sivaganga Kingdom emerged. During the later period of
Sethupathi’s rule,  the Ramnad was reduced to a zamin level.  Then it
was brought under the control of the Britishers.  Finally it became a
part of the Indian Union. Among the later Sethupathis, Baskara
Sethupathi was an exceptionally enlightened zamindar.  He was an
English educated ruler . He honoured Swami V ivekananda who attended
the parliament of Religion at Chicago. The social life under Sethupathi’ s
rule was good.
THE THONDAIMANS OF PUDUKOTTAI
Kilavan Sethupathi established a new Pudukottai Kingdom and
made his son Raghunatha Raja Thondaman as its first ruler.
Pudukkottai was the first kingdom to join Indian union as
soon as the unity call was given by the then Home Minister
Sardar V allababai Patel in 1948
Raghunatha Thondaiman: After becoming the ruler of Pudukottai,
Raghunatha Thondaiman fought against the Nayaks of T anjore in support
of the Nayaks of Madurai and conquered Thirukkattupalli a very
important place. Then there was a direct clash between Thondaimans
of Pudukottai and the Nayaks rulers of T anjore. Thondaiman conquered
the west of Thirukkattupalli. The Pudukottai Thondaiman’s army
defeated a combined army of the Maravas of Ramnad and Marathas
of Tanjore. With this victorious experience the Pudukkotai Raja
supported poligas. Pudukottai was made as the capital of the
Thondaiman’ s Kingdom.
The Nizam of Hydrabad recognised the independent rule of
Pudukottai Thondaiman. Pudukottai Thondaiman maintained friendly
relation with the British and the Nawab of Arcot. Raghunatha
Thondaiman was the real founder and consolidator of the independent
Pudukottai kingdom.
Page 5


80 81
Sethupathis of Ramand and Sivaganga: The rulers of Ramnad and
Sivaganga region of early 17
th
 Century were called Sethupathis.  The
Nayak ruler  Muthukrishnappa Nayak appointed Sadaikkathever in
1605 as protector and guardian of the pilgrims to Sethusamudram and
Rameswaram. The protector of Sethusamudram was called as
Sethupathis and extended protection to the pilgrims who visited
Rameswaram. Apart from giving protection these two Sethupathis did
religious services to the Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram.
Sadaikka Thevar II:  1636AD. – 1645AD.: Kuttan Sethupathi made
his adopted son Sadaikkathevar II as the next ruler. This was opposed
by Kuttan Sethupathi’ s natural son Thambi. Thirumalai Nayak supported
the claim of Thambi.  The ruler Sadaikka thevar was dethroned and
jailed. Thambi was made as Sethupathi. Thambi was not competent.
Sadaikka thevar’s nephews Raghunathathevar and Narayanathevar
rebelled against Thambi’s rule. Accepting the popular representation,
Thirumalai Nayak released  Sadaikkathevar from Jail and made him
Sethupathi after dismissing Thambi from the throne. Sadiakkathevar
constructed a new Chokkanatha temple at Rameswaram.  He did lot
of Charitable and public works.
Raghunatha Sethupathi – 1645AD. – 1670AD.: He was loyal to
the Nayak ruler .  He helped the Nayaks by defeating the Muslims under
Kutbkhan and the poliga of Ettayapuram.  In appreciation to this help
the Nayak ruler gave the privilege of celebrating Navarathri festival at
the capital city . The Nayak ruler also donated places like Thirubhuvanam,
Mannar Koil Thiruchuli to Sethupathi.  He successfully annexed
Devakottai and Aranthangi.  He helped Thirumalai Nayak in his war
against Mysore army .  Thirumalai Nayak recognised the valuable military
services of Raghunatha Sethupathi and conferred the title ‘Thirumalai
Sethupathi’ on him. Sethupathis loyalty towards the Nayaks was over
with Thirumalai Nayak.
Sethupathy.  Sadaikkathevar was a loyal subordinate of the Nayaks.
He emerged as the chief of the poligas. Sethupathis were maravas of
Ramnad, Madurai and Tirunelveli.  They had Ramnad as their official
head quarters.  Sadaikkathevar and his son KuttanSethupathi acted as
Ramanatha Swamy T emple at Rameswaram
80 81
Sethupathis of Ramand and Sivaganga: The rulers of Ramnad and
Sivaganga region of early 17
th
 Century were called Sethupathis.  The
Nayak ruler  Muthukrishnappa Nayak appointed Sadaikkathever in
1605 as protector and guardian of the pilgrims to Sethusamudram and
Rameswaram. The protector of Sethusamudram was called as
Sethupathis and extended protection to the pilgrims who visited
Rameswaram. Apart from giving protection these two Sethupathis did
religious services to the Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram.
Sadaikka Thevar II:  1636AD. – 1645AD.: Kuttan Sethupathi made
his adopted son Sadaikkathevar II as the next ruler. This was opposed
by Kuttan Sethupathi’ s natural son Thambi. Thirumalai Nayak supported
the claim of Thambi.  The ruler Sadaikka thevar was dethroned and
jailed. Thambi was made as Sethupathi. Thambi was not competent.
Sadaikka thevar’s nephews Raghunathathevar and Narayanathevar
rebelled against Thambi’s rule. Accepting the popular representation,
Thirumalai Nayak released  Sadaikkathevar from Jail and made him
Sethupathi after dismissing Thambi from the throne. Sadiakkathevar
constructed a new Chokkanatha temple at Rameswaram.  He did lot
of Charitable and public works.
Raghunatha Sethupathi – 1645AD. – 1670AD.: He was loyal to
the Nayak ruler .  He helped the Nayaks by defeating the Muslims under
Kutbkhan and the poliga of Ettayapuram.  In appreciation to this help
the Nayak ruler gave the privilege of celebrating Navarathri festival at
the capital city . The Nayak ruler also donated places like Thirubhuvanam,
Mannar Koil Thiruchuli to Sethupathi.  He successfully annexed
Devakottai and Aranthangi.  He helped Thirumalai Nayak in his war
against Mysore army .  Thirumalai Nayak recognised the valuable military
services of Raghunatha Sethupathi and conferred the title ‘Thirumalai
Sethupathi’ on him. Sethupathis loyalty towards the Nayaks was over
with Thirumalai Nayak.
Sethupathy.  Sadaikkathevar was a loyal subordinate of the Nayaks.
He emerged as the chief of the poligas. Sethupathis were maravas of
Ramnad, Madurai and Tirunelveli.  They had Ramnad as their official
head quarters.  Sadaikkathevar and his son KuttanSethupathi acted as
Ramanatha Swamy T emple at Rameswaram
82 83
Raghunatha Sethupathi recaptured all the forts and places from
the Nayaks and became an independent ruler.Raghunatha Sethupathi
patronised art and literature.  He made T amil and T elugu as an official
languages of his court.  He encouraged Tamil poets namely Alagiya
Chitramabala Kavirayar and Amirtha Kavirayar.  He constructed the
Second Prakaram of the Ramanathswami temple in Rameswaram.  The
famous poet Thayumanavar spent his last days under the Patronage of
Raghunatha Sethupathi. After Raghunatha Sethupathi both Surya thevar
and Athana thevar were in power for a very short duration in 1670.
Raghunatha Sethupathi II alias Kilavan Sethupathi : 1671AD. –
1710AD.: Kilavan Sethupathi was the greatest ruler among the Marava
kings. He was helpful to Chokkanatha Nayak.  The Nayak king
conferred him a title Para Rajakesari (Lion to alien kings).  He annexed
some territories of Madurai Kingdom, Aranthangi, Thirumayam,
Piranmalai. He opposed the spread of Christian missionary activities.
Kilavan Sethupathi liberated the Marava country from the control of
Madurai Nayak.  After defeating Rani Mangammal’ s army , he declared
independent Marava country in 1707.  He shifted his head quarters
from Pughalur to Ramnad.
Kilavan Sethupathi established the Nalcottal palayam (later
Sivaganga) and appointed Udaya Thevar as Governor. He served well
for the development of Hinduism. He endowed villages to a temple at
Thiruvadanai and Kalaiyar Koil.  He constructed a fort around the
Ramanathapuram, the capital city.  He constructed a dam across the
V aigai.  His rule was marked as the golden age of the Maravas. Kilavan
Sethupathi was succeeded by Bhavani Shankarathevar and
Thandathevar.
After Kilavan Sethupathi the kingdom was divided into two. A
new Sivaganga Kingdom emerged. During the later period of
Sethupathi’s rule,  the Ramnad was reduced to a zamin level.  Then it
was brought under the control of the Britishers.  Finally it became a
part of the Indian Union. Among the later Sethupathis, Baskara
Sethupathi was an exceptionally enlightened zamindar.  He was an
English educated ruler . He honoured Swami V ivekananda who attended
the parliament of Religion at Chicago. The social life under Sethupathi’ s
rule was good.
THE THONDAIMANS OF PUDUKOTTAI
Kilavan Sethupathi established a new Pudukottai Kingdom and
made his son Raghunatha Raja Thondaman as its first ruler.
Pudukkottai was the first kingdom to join Indian union as
soon as the unity call was given by the then Home Minister
Sardar V allababai Patel in 1948
Raghunatha Thondaiman: After becoming the ruler of Pudukottai,
Raghunatha Thondaiman fought against the Nayaks of T anjore in support
of the Nayaks of Madurai and conquered Thirukkattupalli a very
important place. Then there was a direct clash between Thondaimans
of Pudukottai and the Nayaks rulers of T anjore. Thondaiman conquered
the west of Thirukkattupalli. The Pudukottai Thondaiman’s army
defeated a combined army of the Maravas of Ramnad and Marathas
of Tanjore. With this victorious experience the Pudukkotai Raja
supported poligas. Pudukottai was made as the capital of the
Thondaiman’ s Kingdom.
The Nizam of Hydrabad recognised the independent rule of
Pudukottai Thondaiman. Pudukottai Thondaiman maintained friendly
relation with the British and the Nawab of Arcot. Raghunatha
Thondaiman was the real founder and consolidator of the independent
Pudukottai kingdom.
82 83
Raghunatha Sethupathi recaptured all the forts and places from
the Nayaks and became an independent ruler.Raghunatha Sethupathi
patronised art and literature.  He made T amil and T elugu as an official
languages of his court.  He encouraged Tamil poets namely Alagiya
Chitramabala Kavirayar and Amirtha Kavirayar.  He constructed the
Second Prakaram of the Ramanathswami temple in Rameswaram.  The
famous poet Thayumanavar spent his last days under the Patronage of
Raghunatha Sethupathi. After Raghunatha Sethupathi both Surya thevar
and Athana thevar were in power for a very short duration in 1670.
Raghunatha Sethupathi II alias Kilavan Sethupathi : 1671AD. –
1710AD.: Kilavan Sethupathi was the greatest ruler among the Marava
kings. He was helpful to Chokkanatha Nayak.  The Nayak king
conferred him a title Para Rajakesari (Lion to alien kings).  He annexed
some territories of Madurai Kingdom, Aranthangi, Thirumayam,
Piranmalai. He opposed the spread of Christian missionary activities.
Kilavan Sethupathi liberated the Marava country from the control of
Madurai Nayak.  After defeating Rani Mangammal’ s army , he declared
independent Marava country in 1707.  He shifted his head quarters
from Pughalur to Ramnad.
Kilavan Sethupathi established the Nalcottal palayam (later
Sivaganga) and appointed Udaya Thevar as Governor. He served well
for the development of Hinduism. He endowed villages to a temple at
Thiruvadanai and Kalaiyar Koil.  He constructed a fort around the
Ramanathapuram, the capital city.  He constructed a dam across the
V aigai.  His rule was marked as the golden age of the Maravas. Kilavan
Sethupathi was succeeded by Bhavani Shankarathevar and
Thandathevar.
After Kilavan Sethupathi the kingdom was divided into two. A
new Sivaganga Kingdom emerged. During the later period of
Sethupathi’s rule,  the Ramnad was reduced to a zamin level.  Then it
was brought under the control of the Britishers.  Finally it became a
part of the Indian Union. Among the later Sethupathis, Baskara
Sethupathi was an exceptionally enlightened zamindar.  He was an
English educated ruler . He honoured Swami V ivekananda who attended
the parliament of Religion at Chicago. The social life under Sethupathi’ s
rule was good.
THE THONDAIMANS OF PUDUKOTTAI
Kilavan Sethupathi established a new Pudukottai Kingdom and
made his son Raghunatha Raja Thondaman as its first ruler.
Pudukkottai was the first kingdom to join Indian union as
soon as the unity call was given by the then Home Minister
Sardar V allababai Patel in 1948
Raghunatha Thondaiman: After becoming the ruler of Pudukottai,
Raghunatha Thondaiman fought against the Nayaks of T anjore in support
of the Nayaks of Madurai and conquered Thirukkattupalli a very
important place. Then there was a direct clash between Thondaimans
of Pudukottai and the Nayaks rulers of T anjore. Thondaiman conquered
the west of Thirukkattupalli. The Pudukottai Thondaiman’s army
defeated a combined army of the Maravas of Ramnad and Marathas
of Tanjore. With this victorious experience the Pudukkotai Raja
supported poligas. Pudukottai was made as the capital of the
Thondaiman’ s Kingdom.
The Nizam of Hydrabad recognised the independent rule of
Pudukottai Thondaiman. Pudukottai Thondaiman maintained friendly
relation with the British and the Nawab of Arcot. Raghunatha
Thondaiman was the real founder and consolidator of the independent
Pudukottai kingdom.
84 85
Thondaiman.  Thereafter the Thondaimans of Pudukkottai came to be
known as Rajas of Pudukkottai. Pudukkottai Raja supported Arcot
Nawabs in their battle against the poligas and the rulers  of T anjore and
Ramnad. He built many choultries to provide free rest houses. He fed
the poor pilgrims. He consolidated the state of Pudukkottai.
During his period he replaced the old weak administration of
Tondaiman with Thanjavur Maratha’s new administrative system in
Pudukkottai region.  Many Marathi brahmins were employed in state
administration. Due to calamities the old city of Pudukkottai faced
destruction. The present city of Pudukottai was designed and rebuilt
during his period.
After Ragunatha Thondaiman, Ramachandra Thondaiman,
Marthanda Bairava Thondaiman and Raja Rajagopala Thondaiman
ruled Pudukkottai.  During the period of these weak Rajas, the British
influence had increased in Pudukkottai.  Many social, judicial educational
reforms were introduced. A new Anglo vernacular free School was
started. Population census was commenced. Irrigation tanks were built
to over come famine. Finally Pudukkottai became a part of the Indian
Union in 1948.
Social Condition: During the early part of Thondaiman’s rule people
of Pudukkottai region led normal life. Kings concentrated more on
political matters and also on the peoples welfare.  Choultries were built
for pilgrims.  In the later part of their rule due to famine people faced
many types of sufferings. Heavy rain and flood damaged the city of
Pudukkottai and natural diseases were there. Later after sometime city
of Pudukkottai was modernised.  New school was opened. T anks were
built to increase water supply .  V accination was introduced against small
Pox. Many reforms were introduced during the last phase of their reign.
Thondaiman helped Arcot Nawab against Hyder Ali the ruler
of Mysore.  He was also loyal towards the British Government.  After
some time, when Hyder Ali’s army tried to enter intoPudukkottai, the
Thondaiman’ s army successfully defeated them and drove Hyder’ s army
away .  Thondaiman captured Kilanilai and Aranthangi.  He helped the
British Government. against Tipu Sultan.   Raja Raghunatha Thondaiman
died in1789.  As he had no male issue, he was succeeded by his uncle’s
son V ijaya Raghunatha Thondaiman.
V ijaya Raghunatha Thondaiman:  During his rule, charitable services
continued. The Nawab of Arcot conferred a title Raja Bahadur on