Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman

Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman
Raja of Pudukkottai
Reign December 30, 1789 - February 1, 1807
Predecessor Raya Raghunatha Tondaiman
Successor Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman II
House Pudukkottai
Father Thirumalai Raya Tondaiman
Born May 1759
Pudukkottai, Pudukkottai state
Died 1 February 1807 (aged 47)
Pudukkottai

Raja Sri Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman Bahadur (c May 1759 – 1 February 1807) was the ruler of the kingdom of Pudukkottai from 30 December 1789 to 1 February 1807.[1]

Early life

Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman was born in May 1759 to Thirumalai Raya Tondaiman Sahib and was educated privately.[2]

Reign

Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman succeeded to the throne on the death of his first cousin, Raya Raghunatha Tondaiman, the Raja of Pudukkottai without any male heirs.[2]

Vijaya Raghunatha's reign was a period of incessant wars in South India. Vijaya Raghunatha gave wholehearted support to the British in the wars.[2] In return for his services, on 17 October 1796, he was given the title "Raja Bahadur" by Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah, the Nawab of the Carnatic and ally of the British.[2] Vijaya Raghunatha also played a pivotal role in Polygar Wars, capturing and arresting Veerapandiya Kattabomman and his brother Oomadurai, the Polygar generals and handing them over to the British.[2] The Company recognised his services by handing him the territory of Kilanilai in 1803.[2] He was the real traitor because of a Tamil movie every one thinks it was Ettappan.

The Thanjavur Maratha kingdom was annexed by the British East India Company in 1799, followed by the Ramnad and Sivaganga kingdoms which were reduced to the status of zamindari estates. The annexation of the Carnatic kingdom in 1801 made the British East India Company, the paramount power in South India. Pudukkottai was, however, allowed to remain independent in recognition of the services the Tondaiman kings had rendered to the Company.

Family

Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman married Rani Brihannayaki Ayi Sahib and later, Rani Ayi Ammani Ayi Sahib.[2] Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman had five sons of whom two survived him.[2]

Death

Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman died on 1 February 1807 at the age of 47. The junior queen Rani Ayi Ammani Ayi Sahib committed sati.[2]

Notes

  1. ↑ "Indian Princely States K-Z". Ben Cahoon. 2000.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 "Pudukkottai 2". Tondaiman Dynasty. Christopher Buyers.

References