Kingdom of Ramnad | |
|---|---|
| 1601–1949 | |
| Status | Kingdom, later Zamindari estate |
| Common languages | Tamil, English, Urdu, Persian |
| Religion | Hindu, Jain |
| History | |
• Established | 1601 |
• Disestablished | 1949 |
| Part of a series on |
| History of Tamil Nadu |
|---|
 |
| History of South Asia |
|---|
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The Kingdom of Ramnad or Ramnad estate was a permanently settled kingdom and later zamindari estate that existed in the Ramnad subdivision of the Madurai district and later Ramnad district of the erstwhile Madras Presidency in British India from 1601. It was ruled by the rajas also had the title of Sethupathi. Madurai Nayaks ruled the Ramnad area with the appointed chieftains between 14th to 16th century CE, and in 17th century CE the appointed governors expanded their power to establish "Ramnad Kingdom" which was also called as "Maravar Kingdom" by the British. In 1795 CE, after an heir dispute, they were reduced to the status of zamidari by the East India Company. After the independence of India in 1947 the estates were merged in the Union of India and in 1949 all rulers lost the ruling rights, privy purse was also finally abolished in 1971.
The seat of administration was the town of Ramanathapuram. The Zamindari had its origins in the administrative area of Ramnad established by Muthu Krishnappa Nayak in the 1605 AD. After the fall of Madurai Nayaks, the governors established Kingdom of Ramnad. In 1803, the kingdom was converted to a zamindari by the British. The male rulers of Ramnathapuram also bore the title of Sethupathi or "protector of the bridge", the bridge here referring to the legendary Rama's Bridge[1][2][3] while female rulers bore the title "Nachiyar".
- ^ "Sethupathi Tondaimans". The History of Tamil Nadu. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
- ^ "Holder of History:The Ramnad Sethupathis". Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
- ^ "Sethupathi Dynasty of Ramnad - Guardians of Rama Sethu". Bridge of Ram. Archived from the original on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 10 January 2021.