Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman II

Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman II was the ruler or Raja of the princely state of Pudukkottai, which is currently located in the present district of Pudukkottai in Tamil Nadu. He ruled over the territory from 1st February 1807 to 4th June 1825. He was born in the year 1797 and was the eldest son of Raja Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman of Pudukkottai, and his second wife, Rani Ayi Ammani Ayi Sahib Avargal in Pudukkottai state. During his initial years, Vijaya Raghunatha was educated in private. He was the elder of two sons of Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman who survived him.

Rule of Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman II
After the death of Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman, his father, Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman II succeeded him and ascended the throne on 1st February 1807. As he was still a minor at the time of his succession, the administration of the princely state was managed by a Council of Superintendence which was led by William Blackburn, the Resident of Tanjore. After Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman II attained the age of majority in the year 1817, he was invested with full ruling powers.

Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman II, along with the resident of British India, Blackburn, took several efforts for the development of the princely state and betterment of his subjects. Under the administration of William Blackburn, the city was reconstructed and was improved with wider roadways, public buildings and tiled houses. In 1825, a new palace was built for the Raja of the princely state of Pudukkottai. William Blackburn, the Resident of British India, initiated Marathi as the language of administration, which became the official language of the state of Pudukkottai for 75 years.

Personal Life of Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman II
Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman II, the Raja of Pudukkottai, was married to the daughter of M.R. Ry. Sri Singappuli Aiyar. Later he was married to Thirumalai Panrikondran, who became his second wife. The royal couple had one daughter and one son, namely Rajkumari Rajammani Bayi Sahib and Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman.

Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman II died on 4th June 1825 due to severe illness. He was succeeded by his brother Raghunatha Tondaiman II, formally known as His Excellency Raja Sri Raghunatha Tondaiman Bahadur. He ruled over the princely state of Pudukkottai from 4th June 1825 to 13th July 1839.