Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar

Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar was the second king of the Sivagangai Estate, also known as the “Lesser Maravar Kingdom”. He ruled from 1750 to 1772. Born in Sivagangai, he was the son of Vijaya Raghunatha Sasivarna Periya Oodaiya Thevar and Akilandeshwari Nachiyar from the Ramnad Estate. His reign marked a significant period in the history of the region.

How did Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar impact his kingdom?

Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar, the second king of the Sivagangai Estate, left a lasting impact during his reign from 1750 to 1772. Let’s delve into some key aspects of his rule:

Defensive Measures:

• In anticipation of an invasion, Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar took proactive steps to protect his kingdom. He erected barriers on roads, dug trenches, and established posts in the woods of Kalayarkoil.
• His strategic foresight aimed to safeguard Sivagangai from external threats.
• These defensive measures showcased his commitment to safeguarding his realm.

British Conquest:

• Unfortunately, despite his efforts, the British forces conquered Sivagangai in 1773.
• Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar lost his life during this conquest, marking the end of his reign.
• His widow, Queen Velu Nachiyar, fled to Dindigul and sought refuge under the protection of Hyder Ali.

Legacy and Resilience:

• Queen Velu Nachiyar, undeterred by her husband’s demise, planned her revenge over the next eight years.
• Assisted by the Marudhu brothers and Thandavarayan Pillai, she launched an attack on the British East India Company (EIC) in Madurai on Vijayadashami day.
• Her determination and resilience exemplified the spirit of resistance against colonial forces.

More about the Deccan during his reign

The Deccan, a vast and historically rich region in southern India, played a pivotal role during the reign of Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar (1750–1772). Let’s explore its significance:

Geographical Context:

• The Deccan encompasses the entire southern peninsula of India, extending south of the Narmada River.
• Centrally, it features a high triangular tableland, marked by an average elevation of about 2,000 feet (600 meters).
• The Western Ghats bound the Deccan on the east and west, meeting at its southern tip, while the Satpura Range defines its northern extremity.
• Key rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri (Cauvery) flow eastward from the Western Ghats to the Bay of Bengal.

Early History and Challenges:

• The Deccan’s early history remains somewhat obscure, with evidence of prehistoric human habitation.
• Low rainfall posed challenges for agriculture until irrigation techniques were introduced.
• The region’s mineral wealth attracted rulers from lowland areas, leading to conflicts over control.

Medieval Dynasties and Conflicts:

• From the 6th to the 13th century, several dynasties—such as the Chalukya, Rastrakuta, Later Chalukya, Hoysala, and Yadava—established regional kingdoms in the Deccan.
• These dynasties often clashed with neighboring states and rebellious feudatories.
• The Muslim Delhi Sultanate conducted looting raids, eventually gaining control over parts of the Deccan.
• In 1347, the Bahmanī dynasty established an independent kingdom in the region.

Consolidation and Shifting Alliances:

• Five successor Muslim states emerged after the Bahmanī dynasty’s decline.
• These states—Golconda, Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Bidar, and Berar—formed shifting alliances to prevent any single state from dominating the area.
• From 1656, they also defended against Mughal Empire incursions from the north.

Marathas, Nizam, and British Influence:

• During the 18th century, the Marathas, Nizam of Hyderabad, and Arcot nawab vied for Deccan control.
• Their rivalries and succession conflicts gradually led to the British absorption of the Deccan.
• In 1947, when India gained independence, the princely state of Hyderabad initially resisted but eventually joined the Indian union.

The Deccan’s historical tapestry during Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar’s reign reflects a complex interplay of dynasties, alliances, and external influences, shaping the region’s destiny.

Conclusion: During his reign, Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar faced challenges, including conflicts with the Dutch. Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar played a significant role in defending his kingdom and resisting foreign invasion. His legacy lives on through the courage of Queen Velu Nachiyar and the memory of their struggle for sovereignty.