Quick Facts
Biography
Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman (c 1797 - 4 June 1825) was the ruler of the princely state of Pudukkottai from 1 February 1807 to 4 June 1825.
Early life
Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman was born in 1797 to Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman, Raja of Pudukkottai, and his second wife, Rani Ayi Ammani Ayi Sahib Avargal in Pudukkottai and was educated by a private tutor. He was the elder of two sons of Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman who survived him.
Reign
Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman ascended the throne on 1 February 1807 on the death of his father, Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman. The administration as in the hands ofa Council of Superintendence headed by the Resident of Tanjore, William Blackburn till 1817, when Vijaya Raghunatha Raya attained majority.
William Blackburn completely rebuilt the city with wider roads, tiled houses and public buildings. A new palace was constructed for the Raja in 1825. Blackburn introduced Marathi as the language of administration and it remained the official language of Pudukkottai state for seventy-five years.
Death
Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman died of a mysterious illness on 4 June 1825. He was succeeded by his brother, Raghunatha Tondaiman II.
Family
In 1812, Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman married a daughter of M.R.Ry. Sri Singappuli Aiyar. He also married a second time, to a daughter of Thirumalai Panrikondran. Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman had one son and one daughter.
- Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman (died 23 December 1823)
- Rajkumari Rajammani Bayi Sahib