Rani Mangammal’s patronage of society and religion in the Nayak Era
Author(s): M Kavitha
Abstract: The Madurai Nayak dynasty ruled from about 1529 to 1736 A.D., with Madurai as their capital, and was founded by Viswanatha Nayaka in 1559 A.D. Their era was renowned for advancements in art, culture, and administration, the restoration of temples previously plundered by the Delhi Sultans, and the introduction of a distinctive architectural style. The dynasty had thirteen rulers, including nine queens and two joint-kings. Among the most notable were King Thirumalai Nayak and Queen Rani Mangammal. Rani Mangammal, a renowned queen of Madurai in the 17th century, was the daughter of Lingama Nayak, the prime general of Madurai. She married Chokkanatha Nayak upon reaching the age of marriage and became the queen. Following the death of Chokkanatha Nayak in 1682, Mangammal assumed power and ruled the Madurai kingdom from 1689 to 1704, emerging as one of the most powerful rulers of the Nayak period. Rani Mangammal was a religiously tolerant ruler who showed equal respect to followers of all faiths. Although she was a devout Hindu, she treated devotees of other religions with fairness and goodwill. She encouraged the construction of mosques and churches and maintained cordial relations with different religious communities. She even granted villages to a dargah in Tiruchirappalli, reflecting her spirit of inclusiveness. At the same time, Rani Mangammal was a devoted follower of Meenakshi Amman Temple and made generous donations of precious gems, jewels, and palanquins to the temple. She also contributed significantly to the construction and renovation of several temples across her kingdom.
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How to cite this article:
M Kavitha. Rani Mangammal’s patronage of society and religion in the Nayak Era. Int J Hist 2025;7(12):101-104.
