Home > Indian History > History of India > Achyutappa Nayaka of Tanjavur
Achyutappa Nayaka of Tanjavur
Achyutappa Nayaka of Tanjavur was one of the most well known rulers in South India.

Share this Article:

A jewel stone in the crown of the Tanjavur Nayaka lineage was Achyutappa Nayaka of the 16th century A.D. He was one of the most well known rulers in South India. He ruled along with his father Sevappa Nayaka, for a period of about twenty years from 1560 A.D., and after his death ascended the throne at Tanjavur in 1580 A.D. Achyutappa Nayaka was an devout person, a Vaishnava by faith, and devoted to Lord Ranganatha (Vishnu) of the temple at Srirangam (Tiruchirapalli district), Tamil Nadu.

Literary works, the Nayaka age such as the Sanjjita Sudha and the Kaghunatha-bhyudayam divulge that, Achyutappa was also a patron of music and dance. Achyutappa Nayaka was fond of the Kuchipudi style of dance of the Andhra region and invited many Telugu exponents of this style of dance and also the Bhagavata Mela style from their native villages in Andhra to live in Melattur in Tanjavur district. They were provided with houses and land and this area came to be called Achyutapuram or Achyutarayapuram after the name of this patron.

Achyutappa Nayaka`s other contributions to the cultural scene included building and renovating many temples and honouring poets and scholars by giving them gifts of land and money, which added to the enriching glory of the Tanjavur area. This liberal king extended his patronage to Saivas, Vaishnavas and Madhvas as seen from the inscriptions and the literary sources of that time. He abdicated the throne in 1680 and made his son Raghunatha the ruler of Tanjavur. Achyutappa was supported by his very loyal and brilliant minister Govinda Dikshita, a great scholar, who also went on to be the minister of Achyutappa`s son Raghunatha, one of the most famous kings of the Nayakas who ruled with Achyutappa as heir apparent (yuva-raja) for some time before ascending the throne in Tanjavur.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.