Background
Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman was born in 1641 to Avadai Raghunatha Tondaiman, a Kallar chieftain and army general in service of Sriranga III, a claimant to the Vijayanagar throne.
Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman was born in 1641 to Avadai Raghunatha Tondaiman, a Kallar chieftain and army general in service of Sriranga III, a claimant to the Vijayanagar throne.
Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman was educated in private and succeeded to the chieftainship on the death of his father in 1661.
Starting his career as a feudatory chieftain of the Sethupathi of Ramnad, in 1686, Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman was recognised as the independent ruler of Pudukkottai by the Sethupathi for the services he had rendered him. Foreign his braveness and military services, Avadai Raghunatha Tondaiman was given the title Raya Rahutta Raya Vajridu Raya Mannida Raya by Sriranga Raya in 1639 along with a grant of land. In 1675, his possessions were confirmed by the Raja of Ramnad, Raghunatha Kilavan, who was his brother-in-law.
Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman fought for the Raja of Ramnad who, in gratitude for his service, enlarged his dominions by granting him Thirumayam Fort and other estates in 1686 and allowed him to use the title "Raja of Pudukkottai".
Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman reigned from 1686 to 1730 and strengthened the kingdom. Following the Raja"s death in 1720, Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman supported Tanda Deva against Bhavani Shankar, the candidate of Serfoji I of Thanjavur.
Though, Bhavani Shankar took the throne after defeating Tanda Deva with Serfoji I"s support, Serfoji I later switched sides and invaded the kingdom in 1723. Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman also supported the cause of Tanda Deva who was eventually successful.
In 1730, Serfoji I promised the fortress of Kilanilai for his services but failed to keep his promise.
Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman had six wives. Periya Raya Tondaiman
Chinna Raya Tondaiman
Thirumalai Raya Tondaiman
Muthu Vijaya Tondaiman
Vijaya Tondaiman
Rajkumari Periyanayaki Ammal Ayi Sahib.