Thirumalai Nayaka & His Feats Faded from Memory
The Forgotten Architectural & Cultural Achievements of the Madurai Nayaka Ruler
If you were to pick the most impressive ruler out of the Madurai Nayakas, it would be Thirumalai Nayaka, hands down. That is not only because he was a valiant king, but also because of the tremendous amount of work he did for his people.
I bet you knew about his grand Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal palace in Madurai. But there are so many others that we have forgotten today — Did you know about his Vasantha Mandapam? His Raya Gopuram project?
Did you know who the founder of the famous Chithirai Thiruvizha of Madurai was? If you said “no” — there is some exciting stuff for you below. Read on!
The Beginnings
Madurai Nayaka Kingdom was founded by Viswanatha Nayaka, but after the decline of the Vijayanagara empire in the 16th century, it was Thirumalai Nayaka who severed ties with them and made himself an independent King.
He was born to Muthu Krishnappa Nayaka in 1584 AD. His original name was Thirumalai Savuri Nayunu Ayyalugaru. When he ascended the throne, Tiruchirappalli was his kingdom’s capital which he later shifted to Madurai. Thirumalai Nayaka was a patron of art and architecture — In addition to…
