Sevappa Nayaka of Tanjavur

The Vijayanagara Empire which covered most of South India has witnessed the most prosperous times in the 16th century. Following the death of their greatest emperor Krishnadeva Raya, Achyuta Raya succeeded the throne. He appointed a number of viceroys to govern various parts of his far-flung empire and one of these was Sevappa Nayaka who was given the Tanjavur area in the Tamil region to rule over. Sevappa was related to Achyuta Raya (his wife was the sister of Achyuta Raya`s queen) and so the emperor was fond of him for his loyalty and dedication.

Sevappa a peacemaker and gem of a person did not indulge in war activites.His reign in the Tanjavur kingdom was known to be one of comparative peace and prosperity. He helped the Vijayanagar emperor with his army and financial resources whenever needed during wars with the Bahmani kingdom.Sevappa`s contributions to the cultural and religious spheres is remembered even today. He brought about a cultural efflorescence of Tanjavur in the subsequent ages. Numerous temples were constructed and many gifts of gold, jewels and land were donated to the deities on various occasions. Many tanks such as the Sivaganga tank in Tanjavur were repaired and renovated by him, which were of great help to the agriculturists of the area. One of the gopuras (temple towers) of the Arunachaleshwara (Siva) temple at Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, was constructed during his reign.

Sevappa`s spirit of religious tolerance is well known. Although a Vaishnava by faith, he donated liberally to Saiva shrines and his gift to a Madhva teacher as well as to other religious faiths such as Buddhism and Islam are also recorded. Sevappa was succeeded by his son Achyuttapa Nayaka after his death in 1680 A.D.