PREDECESSORS AND SHORT HISTORY: The Princely State of Pudukkottai was founded as a kingdom in present day Tamil Nadu by a Pallava Prince Raghunath Raya Tondaiman, following a generation of territorial expansion by his predecessors. He had served as a distinguished military commander and Governor of Thirumayam under his brother-in-law, Regunatha Kilavan Setupati of Ramnad. He received Thirumayam fort and the surrounding lands for his many services in 1686, when he built himself a new seat at Pudukkottai (meaning new fort) from which the state takes its name. He and his successors established their independence by making alternative alliances with the rulers of Ramnad, Madura or Tanjore. Whichever happened to need their assistance most and would either accept their independence or offer territorial expansion and wealth in return.

Raja Vijaya Raghunath Raya allied himself to the Nawab of the Carnatic and the British in 1752 and provided both military and material aid to the latter in the many wars and campaigns against Chanda Sahib and the French, Tanjore, Madura, and the Maravans. The Raja voluntarily accepted British protection in 1763, though without any formal written agreement, merely the good word of two staunch allies who had been faithful to each other through many vicissitudes of fortune. Services of his grandson during the wars against Tipu Sultan and the French during the latter part of the century secured this status and also brought additions of territory. Although this was to be severely tested several times during the following century, when the administration of the state was placed under the supervision of British officers either for misrule, for falling into debt or the absenteeism of ruler, the independence of the state continued to be upheld throughout British rule. Pudukkottai remained the only princely to maintain its independence in the whole of Tamil Nadu. The state eventually acceded to the independent Dominion of India in August 1947 and merged with Madras state in the following year..... ^(#1)

1. Raya Rahutta Raya Vajridu Raya Mannida Raya Avadai Raghunatha Tondaiman, Rai of Karambakkudi (1640-1661), near Pudukkottai, eighteenth in descent from Tirumalai Tondaiman, the founder of the family who emigrated from Tirupati or Tirumalai in Tondaimanland (North Arcot district) and settled at Ambukkovil (22 miles north-east of Pudukkottai). A chieftain of the Kallars, he acquired lands through military prowess and service under Venkata Raya III ans Sri Ranga Raya of Vijayanagar. He conquered the lands of the Parava Raya family in 1639, the previous rulers of the area, and laying the foundations of the Pudukkottai state in 1640. Granted the title of Raya Rahutta Raya Vajridu Raya Mannida Raya by Sri Ranga Raya, King of Vijayanagara. He died at Pilaviduti, 1661, having had issue, four sons and one daughter.

   • Raja Sri Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman, Raja of Pudukkottai (qv)

   • Raja Sri Krishna Muttu Virappa Namana Tondaiman I, Raja of Kolattur. Ranga Krishna Muthuvirappa Nayak granted him the Kolattur Palayam territory and invested him as Raja of Kolattur, 1686. He had issue.

     • Raja Sri Vijaya Ranga Cokkanatha Ramaswami Tondaiman, Raja of Kolattur. Succeeded on the death of his father. m. Srimathi Rani Muttalakammal Ayi Sahib Avargal, a foster daughter of Rani Mangammal, Regent of Trichnopoly. He d. 1736, having had issue.

       1. Raja Sri Ramaswami Namana Tondaiman II, Raja of Kolattur. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1736. Deposed and exiled to Thirumayam Fort. He d.s.p.l. 1750 (when his territories were annexed to Pudukottai).

   • M.R.Ry. Raya Paccai Tondaiman Sahib Avargal. Proclaimed himself ruler on the death of his brother in 1730 but soon captured and imprisoned at Thirumayam Fort.

   • M.R.Ry. Raya Perama Tondiman Sahib Avargal.

   • Srimathi Kattali Ammal Ayi Sahib Avargal [Srimathi Rani Kattali Nachiar Avargal, of Ramnad]. m. as his second wife, Srimant Hiranyagarbhayji Ravikula Raja Muttu Vijaya Raghunatha Raja Raghunatha Deva Kilavan Setupati Avargal, Raja of Ramnad (d. 1710). She committed sati on the death of her husband, 1710.

2. Raja Sri Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman, Raja of Pudukkottai (1661-1730), born 1641, eldest son of Raya Rahutta Raya Vajridu, Mannida Raya Avadai Raghunatha Tondaiman, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father to his jagirs and estates, 1661. Confirmed in his possessions by the Setupati of Ramnad, ca 1675. He entered the service of the Nayaks and was appointed as Arasu Kavalar of Trichinopoly. Kilavan Setupati of Ramnad granted him the Thirumayam Fort and surrounding lands in reward for his assistance in defeating his enemies, capturing and training valuable elephants 1686. He constructed Pudukkottai (meaning new fort) as his seat, where he constructed a sumptuous palace surrounded by a small town. Setupati Thanda Deva confirmed him in his possessions in return for his help against Bhavani Sanakara in 1723, and also granted him the fort and district of Kizhanilai. He subsequently established his independence, allying himself alternatively with Tanjore, Madura or Ramnad in order to secure his position. m. six wives of the first rank and seven lesser wives. He died at Pudukkottai, April 1730, having had issue, thirty two sons.

   • M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Periya Raya Tondiman Sahib Avargal (s/o the first wife).

   • M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Chinna Raya Tondiman Sahib Avargal (s/o the second wife).

   • M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Tirumalai Raya Tondaiman Sahib Avargal (s/o the third wife). m. (first) Srimathi Rani Nallayi Ayi Sahib Avargal, daughter of Panni Kondar. m. (a) by sword marriage, Srimathi Muttuvirayi Ayi Sahib Avargal, of the Malavaraya family. He d.v.p. 1729, having had issue, two sons.

     • Raja Sri Vijaya Raghunath Raya Tondaiman, Raja of Pudukkottai (s/o Nallayi Ayi) (qv)

     • M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Tirumalai Raya Tondaiman Sahib Avargal. b. at Pudukkottai, after 1725 (s/o Nallayi Ayi), educ. privately. Renounced his rights of succession to his elder son, 1789. m. (a) Srimathi Perumdevi Ayi Sahib Avargal. m. (b) Srimathi Kallakurichi Ayi Sahib Avargal. He d. at Pudukkottai, May 1795, having had issue, two sons.

       1. Raja Sri Vijaya Raghunath Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (qv)

       2. M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Tirumalai Tondaiman Sahib Avargal. b. at Pudukkottai, May 1770, educ. privately. Passed over as Heir Apparent in 1825 on account of imbecility. He d.s.p. unm at Pudukkottai,. at Pudukkottai, 1835.

     • M.R.Ry. Sri Rajagopala Tondaiman Sahib Avargal. b. at Pudukkottai, 1724 (s/o Rajkumar Tirumalai Raya Tondaiman, through his "sword wife" Muttuvirayi Ayi), educ. privately. m. Srimathi Kamalambal Ayi Sahib Avargal. He d. 1773, having had issue, an only son.

       1. M.R.Ry. Sri Vijaya Raghunath Tondaiman Sahib Avargal. b. at Pudukkottai, 1754, educ. privately. Guardian to Raja Sri Vijaya Raghunath Raya Tondaiman and Manager the state February to May 1807. m. (first) Srimathi Ammani Ammal Ayi Sahib Avargal. m. (second) Srimathi Minakshi Ammal Ayi Sahib Avargal. He d. at Pudukkottai, 21st May 1807, having had issue, two sons.

          1. M.R.Ry. Sri Rajagopala Tondaiman Sahib Avargal. b. at Pudukkottai, 25th September 1777 (s/o Ammani Ammal), educ. privately. He d.s.p. at Pudukkottai, 29th September 1811.

          2. M.R.Ry. Sri Rajagopala Raya Tondaiman Sahib Avargal. b. at Pudukkottai, 9th August 1806 (s/o Minakshi Ammal), educ. privately. m. Srimathi Akhilamma Ayi Sahib Avargal. He d. 1856, having had issue, one son and one daughter.

             1. M.R.Ry. Sri Radakrishna Tondaiman Sahib Avargal. b. 1837. m. (first) Srimathi Subbammal Ayi Sahib Avargal (d.s.p. 1864). m. (second) 1865, after the death of his first wife, Srimathi Kamalambal Ayi Sahib Avargal (b. ca. 1841). He d. 1907, having had issue, two sons and one daughter.

                1. M.R.Ry. Sri Rajagopala Tondaiman Sahib Avargal. b. 1866 (s/o Kamalambal Ayi). m. Srimathi Rajkumari Minambal Rajayi Sahib Avargal (b. 1873; d. 11th October 1933), younger daughter of M.R.Ry. Sri Kolandaswami Pallavarayar Avargal, by his wife, Srimathi Rajkumari Brahadamba Rajammani Sahib Avargal, youngest daughter of H.H. Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Ramachandra Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai. He d. 4th April 1917, having had issue, one son and one daughter.

                   1. M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Ramachandra Tondaiman Sahib Avargal. b. 1894, educ. m. (first) Srimathi Rajkumar Rani Mathurambal Ayi Sahib Avargal (d.s.p. 17th February 1920). m. (second) 5th September 1920, Mathusri Raja Srimathi Rani Janaki Ayi Sahib Avargal. He d. at Pudukkottai, 13th January 1927, having had issue, three sons and three daughters.

                      1. H.H. Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Rajagopala Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (s/o Janaki Ayi) (qv)

                      2. M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Radakrishna Tondaiman Sahib Avargal [Nadu Dorai]. b. 3rd June 1925 (s/o Janaki Ayi), educ. Pre-Cadet Sch., Adyar, Madras. m. Mathusri Raja Srimathi Rani Remi Devi Rajammani Bayi Sahib Avargal. He d. 198x, having had issue, a son.

                      3. H.H. Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Rajagopala Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (qv)

                      4. M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman Sahib Avargal [Chimna Dorai]. b. 11th April 1926 (s/o Janaki Ayi), educ. privately. MLA for Pudukkottai in the Tamil Nadu state assembly 1977-1984. Presdt Kodaikanal Boat & Rowing Club 1968-1984. m. Srimathi Rajkumar Rani Meenabal Ammani Rajayi Sahib Avargal. He d. at Madras, 24th July 1984, having had issue, one daughter.

                      5. Srimathi Rajkumari Meena Ammani Rajayi Sahib Avargal. m. at Pudukkottai, 19xx.

                      6. Srimathi Rajkumari Kamalambal Ammani Rajayi Sahib Avargal. b. 5th August 1921 (d/o Janaki Ayi). m. at Pudukkottai, 19xx, and had issue.

                      7. Srimathi Rajkumari Mathurambal Ammani Rajayi Sahib Avargal [Rani Sahiba of Sivaganga]. b. 28th May 1924 (d/o Janaki Ayi). m. at Pudukkottai, 17th December 1945, Raja Srimathu Muthu Vijaya Raghunatha Doraisingam Shanmuga Raja Avergal, Zamindar of Sivaganga (d. 11th March 1963), eldest son of Raja Srimathu Muthu Vijiya Raghunatha Doraisingam Thevar II alias Gowri Vallabha Avergal, Zamindar of Sivaganga.

                      8. Srimathi Rajkumari Brihadambal Ammani Rajayi Sahib Avargal. b. 28th August 1927 (d/o Janaki Ayi).

                   2. Srimathi Rajkumari Brihadambal Ammani Rajayi Sahib Avargal. She d. 16th February 1920.

                2. M.R.Ry. Vijaya Raghunath Tondaiman Sahib Avargal (s/o Kamalambal Ayi). He d.s.p. 1914.

                3. A daughter d. aged eight years 1883.

             2. Srimathi Minakshi Ayi Sahib Avargal. She d.s.p.

   • M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Muttu Vijaya Tondaiman Sahib Avargal (s/o the fourth wife).

   • M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Vijaya Tondaiman Sahib Avargal.

   • Srimathi Rajkumari Periyanayaki Ammal Ayi Sahib Avargal (d/o the fourth wife).

3. Raja Sri Vijaya Raghunath Raya Tondaiman, Raja of Pudukkottai (1730-1769), b. at Pudukkottai, 25th August 1713, eldest son of M.R.Ry. Tirumalai Raya Tondaiman Sahib Avargal, by his first wife, Srimathi Nallayi Ayi Sahib Avargal, educ. privately. Appointed as Heir Apparent by his grandfather, following the death of his son in 1729. Succeeded on his death in April 1730 and formally installed at the Kudumiyamalai Temple. His surviving uncles opposed his succession and attempted to seize control of the state, when his loyal sirdars raised an army in his support and defeated them in battle. Ananda Rao of Tanjore overrun the whole of the Rajas territories in 1733, then besieged him at Thirumayam Fort for almost a year, after destroying the palace and much of the town during the attacks. He then shifted to a new palace which he had recently constructed at Sivagangapuram, to the south-west of the old capital. Kolattur was annexed to his territories in 1750, following the extinction of that branch of the Tondaiman family. He declared in favour of the Nawab of the Carnatic and his British allies as early as 1752 then assisted in the various wars and campaigns against Chanda Sahib and the French, Tanjore, Madura and the Maravans. His greatest services were in supplying Trichnapoly during the various sieges, for which he had his country ravaged by the French in May 1754. He assisted the British again by sending 1,500 foot and 500 horse during the siege of Madras in 1759-1760, then formally accepted full British protection in 1763. A gifted musician and musicologist, who famously composed Pancharatnam or the Five Jewels. m. several wives including (a) Srimathi Rani Nallakatti Ayi Sahib Avergal. He d. at the Sivagnapuram Palace, Pudukkottai, 28th December 1769, having had issue, an only son.

   • Raja Sri Raya Raghunath Tondaiman, Raja of Pudukkottai (qv)

4. Raja Sri Raya Raghunath Tondaiman, Raja of Pudukkottai (1769-1789), b. at the Sivagnapuram Palace, Pudukkottai, May 1738, only son of Raja Sri Vijaya Raghunath Raya Tondaiman, Raja of Pudukkottai, by his wife, Srimathi Rani Nallakatti Ayi Sahib Avergal, educ. Privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 28th December 1769. Author of Parvati Parinyamu. m. eleven wives, including (a) 25th April 1761, m. (b) Srimathi Rani Kallakkottai Ayi Sahib Avargal. m. (c) Srimathi Rani Muttalaka Ammal Ayi Sahib Avargal. He d.s.p.m. at Pudukkottai, 30th December 1789, having had issue, an only daughter.

   • Srimathi Rajkumari Perumdevi Ammal Ayi Sahib Avargal. m. M.R.Ry. Sri Maupillai Pallavarayar Sahib Avargal, appointed as Manager of the State and Guardian to Raja Vijaya Raghunatha in May 1807. She d.s.p. having adopted a nephew of her husband.

     • M.R.Ry. Sri Rangan Pallavarayar Sahib Avargal. b. at Pudukkottai, 1807, educ. privately. m. at the Tiruchirapalli Palace, Pudukkottai, 15th May 1828, Srimathi Rajkumari Periya Rajammani Bayi Sahib Avargal (d. at Pudukkottai, 1836), elder daughter of H.E. Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Sri Raghunath Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (qv)

5. Raja Sri Vijaya Raghunath Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (1789-1807), b. at Pudukkottai, May 1759, elder son of M.R.Ry. Tirumalai Rai Tondaiman Sahib Avargal, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his first cousin without male heirs, 1789. Granted the hereditary title of Raja Bahadur, 17th October 1796. He assisted the British during the Poligar War in 1799, capturing and handing over the rebels Kattabommn and his brother to them. The fort and district of Kilanilai were ceded to him by the British in 1803 (originally promised by the ruler of Tanjore to his grandfather in 1750, but never honoured). m. (first) Srimathi Rani Brihannayaki Ayi Sahib Avargal. m. (second) Srimathi Rani Ayi Ammani Ayi Sahib Avargal (d. by sati at Karatope, 1st February 1807). He d. at Pudukkottai, 1st February 1807, having had issue, five sons of whom two survived him.

   • Raja Sri Vijaya Raghunath Raya Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (s/o Ayi Amma Ayi) (qv)

   • H.E. Raja Sri Raghunath Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (s/o Ayi Amma Ayi) (qv)

6. Raja Sri Vijaya Raghunath Raya Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (1807-1825), b. at Pudukkottai, 1797, elder son of Raja Sri Vijaya Raghunath Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai, by his second wife, Srimathi Rani Ayi Ammani Ayi Sahib Avargal, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1st February 1807. Reigned under a Council of Superintendence until he came of age and was invested with full ruling powers, 1817. During the regency, the British Guardian Lt-Col William Blackburn, completely raised Pudukkottai and rebuilt the town along modern lines, with wide and regular streets, white stuccoed and tiled houses and fine public buildings, all served by large tanks and irrigation wells. m. (first) 1812, a daughter of M.R.Ry. Sri Singappuli Aiyar. m. (second) 1812, a daughter of M.R.Ry. Sri Tirumalai Panrikondran, of Kallakurichi. He d. after a short illness, at Pudukkottai, 4th June 1825, having had issue, one son and one daughter.

   • Sri Yuvaraja ... Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman. He d. young, at Pudukkottai, 23rd December 1823.

   • Srimathi Rajkumari ... Rajammani Bayi Sahib Avargal. She d. young.

7. H.E. Raja Sri Raghunath Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (1825-1839), b. at Pudukkottai, 1798, younger son of Raja Sri Vijaya Raghunath Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai, by his second wife, Rani Ayi Ammani Ayi Sahib Avargal, educ. privately. Appointed as Heir Apparent and successor by his elder brother on his deathbed, and succeeded him immediately thereafter, 4th June 1825. Installed on the gadi, at Pudukkottai, 20th July 1825. Granted the personal style of His Excellency, together with a salute of 17-guns, 2nd April 1830. m. (first) at the Tiruchirapalli Palace, Pudukkottai, 1812, a daughter of M.R.Ry. Sri Suryamurti Panrikondran, of Kallakurichi. m. (second) Srimathi Rani Kamalambal Ayi Sahib Avargal. He d. at the Tiruchirapalli Palace, Pudukkottai, 13th July 1839, having had issue, two sons and two daughters.

   • Raja Sri Brahadamba Das Raja Ramchandra Tondiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (s/o Kamalambal) (qv)

   • M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Tirumalai Tondaiman Sahib Avargal. b. at the Tiruchirapalli Palace, Pudukkottai, 1831 (s/o Kamalambal), educ. privately. m. 13th June 1845, Srimathi Rajkumar Rani Mathurambal Ayi, daughter of the Zamindar of Kallakkottai. He d. at Pudukkottai, 2nd May 1871, having had issue, two sons:

     • M.R.Ry. Sri Tirumalai Balasubrahamanya Raghunath Tondaiman Sahib Avargal, Jagirdar of Chinnaranmanai. b. at Pudukkottai, 1863, educ. privately. m. (first) Srimathi Brihadambal Rajayi (b. 1874; d. at Pudukkottai, 1909), eldest daughter of M.R.Ry. Sri Rangaswami Singappuliar Dorai Raja Avargal, Zamindar of Kallakkottai, by his wife, Srimathi Rajkumari Kamalambal Rajammani Sahib Avargal, second daughter of Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Ramachandra Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai. m. (second) Brihannayaki Ayi Sahiba (d. 1914) m. (third) Srimathi Rajkumari Janaki Ammani Rajayi Sahib Avargal (b. 1870; d. 9th January 1936), eldest daughter of M.R.Ry. Sri Kolandaswami Pallavarayar Avargal, by his wife Srimathi Rajkumari Brahadamba Rajammani Sahib Avargal, youngest daughter of Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Ramachandra Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai. He d. at Pudukkottai, May 1903, having had issue, two sons and one daughter.

       1. M.R.Ry. Sri Balasubrahamanya Raghunath Ramachandra Tondaiman Sahib Avargal. b. 19th February 1886 (s/o Brihannayaki Ayi), educ. privately at Pudukkottai and at Madras. Appointed as Heir Presumptive in 1915. Passed-over for the succession in 1928. m. (first) Srimathi Subbammal Ayi (d. 12th May 1920) of Sillattur Zamindari. m. (second) Srimathi B.K. Ammani Rajayi. He d. 25th May 1929, having had issue, two daughters.

          1. a d/o Subbammal Ayi.

          2. a d/o B.K. Ammani Rajayi.

       2. M.R.Ry. Sri Balasubrahamanya Raghunath Tirumalai Tondaiman Sahib Avargal (s/o Brihannayaki Ayi). He d.s.p. at Pondicherry, 6th January 1928.

       3. Srimathi Brihadambal Ammani Rajayi Sahib Avargal, Zamindarin of Kallakkottai (d/o Brihadambal Rajayi). m. M.R.Ry. Sri Vijaya Raghunadha Tirumalai Singappuliar Sahib Avargal, Zamindar of Kallakkottai (b. 1873; d.s.p. at Pudukkottai, 1914), eldest son of M.R.Ry. Sri Rangaswami Singappuliar Avargal, Zamindar of Kallakkottai, by his wife, Mathusri Raja Srimathi Rani Kamalambal Rajammani Avargal, eldest daughter of Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Ramachandra Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai - see below.

     • M.R.Ry. Sri Vijaya Raghunath Tondaiman Sahib Avargal. He d. young.

   • Srimathi Rajkumari Periya Rajammani Bayi Sahib Avargal (i.e. the big princess). m. at the Tiruchirapalli Palace, Pudukkottai, 15th May 1828, M.R.Ry. Sri Rangan Pallavarayar Sahib Avargal (b. at Pudukkottai, 1807), adopted son of Srimathi Rajkumari Perumdevi Ammal Ayi Sahib Avargal, and nephew of her husband, M.R.Ry. Sri Maupillai Pallavarayar Sahib Avargal, sometime Manager of the state. She d. at Pudukkottai, 1836.

   • Srimathi Rajkumari Chinna Rajammani Bayi Sahib Avargal (i.e. the small princess). m. at the Tiruchirapalli Palace, Pudukkottai, 26th June 1831, M.R.Ry. Sri R. Raghunathswami Panrikondran Sahib Avargal. She d. at Pudukkottai, 1840.

8. H.H. Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Ramachandra Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (1839 - 1886), b. at Pudukkottai, 20th October 1829, eldest son of H.E. Raja Sri Raghunath Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai, by his second wife, Srimathi Rani Kamalambal Ayi Sahib Avargal, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 13th July 1839. Granted the personal style of His Excellency September 1839 (withdrawn for misrule 1859). Reigned under the guardianship of the British Political Agent until he came of age and was invested with full ruling powers, 1844. Received a sanad of adoption, 13th March 1862. Assumed the hereditary title of Brahdamba Dasa Raja in 1869 (recognised by special favour of the Government of India in 1881). Granted the personal title of Maharaja, a salute of 13-guns, and restored to the style of His Excellency, 16th February 1870 (all withdrawn for misrule 18th December 1873). Rehabilitated and promoted to the hereditary style of His Highness together with a permanent salute of 11-guns, 19th May 1884. The repeated promotions and demotions in titles and honours reflect the high favour, though poor financial acumen and administrative ability, of this otherwise popular ruler. A great friend of British princes and governors but the cause of great exasperation and consternation to their more responsible junior subbordinates. Rcvd: Prince of Wales's (1875) and KIH (1877) gold medals. m. (first), at the Tiruchirapalli Palace, Pudukkottai, 13th June 1845, H.H. Mathusri Raja Srimathi Rani Brihadambal Rajammani Bayi Sahib Avargal (d. at the Tiruchirapalli Palace, Pudukkottai, 4th December 1903), daughter of the Zamindar of Kallokottai. m. (second) at the Tiruchirapalli Palace, Pudukkottai, 31st August 1848, H.H. Srimathi Rani Janaki Subbammal Bayi Sahib Avargal, eldest daughter of the Zamindar of Neduvasal. He d. at Pudukkottai, 15th April 1886, having had issue, one son and three daughters (succ. by his grandson):

   • 1) Sri Rajkumar Sivarama Raghunath Tondaiman Sahib Avargal (s/o Janaki Subbammal), educ. privately. Appointed as Heir Apparent at birth. He d.v.p. at the Tiruchirapalli Palace, Pudukkottai, 1867.

   • 1) Mathusri Raja Srimathi Rani Brihadambal Rajammani Bayi Sahib Avargal. b. at the Tiruchirapalli Palace, Pudukkottai, 1852 (d/o Janaki Subbammal), educ. privately. m. M.R.Ry. Sri Kolandaswami Pallavarayar Sahib Avargal. She d. at Pudukkottai, 4th December 1903, having had issue, six sons and two daughters:

     • M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Vijaya Raghunath Dorai Raja Avargal. b. at Pudukkottai, 1872, educ. Madras Univ. (BA). Sometime Dep Collector Madras Civil Service, Mbr Pudukkottai State Council 1898-1909, Chief Minister 1909-1922, and Regent of the state from October 1922 to 31st February 1929. Rcvd: Delhi Durbar silver medals (1903 and 1911). He d.s.p. at Madras, 3rd April 1930.

     • Captain M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Bhairava Ramachandra Dorai Raja Avargal, CBE (m 30.12.1919). b. at Pudukkottai, 1873, educ. at Madras. Military Sec and Household Officer to the Raja. Cmsnd as temp Hon 2nd-Lieut ILF 1/2/1918, served in the Great War as Assist Recruiting Officer, prom temp Capt ILF 6/9/1918, and Hon Capt 16/12/1919. Presdt Kodaikanal Boat & Rowing Club. Rcvd: Delhi Durbar silver medal (1911), King's Indian Recruiting Badge (1918), MID (1920), Silver Jubilee (1935) and Coron (1937) medals.

     • M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman Bahadur, who was adopted by his maternal grandfather and subsequently succeeded him as H.H. Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Sir Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (qv)

     • M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Sankaranarayan Dorai Raja Avargal. b. at Pudukkottai, 1878. He d.s.p. 13th March 1931.

     • M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Dakshinamurthi Dorai Raja Avargal. b. at Pudukkottai, 1879, educ. Madras Univ (BA, LLB). Barr-at-Law, practised at the High Court at Madura and in Madras. Mbr Indian Jails Cttee 1919-1921. Rcvd: Delhi Durbar silver medal (1911). He d. 3rd September 1924.

     • Captain M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Krishnaswami Dorai Raja Avargal. b. at Pudukkottai, 1882, educ. privately. Cdt Pudukkottai State Forces, Supt of Stamps, etc. Rcvd: Delhi Durbar silver medal (1911). He d. at Madras, 10th August 1937.

     • Srimathi Sri Rajkumari Janaki Ammani Rajayi Sahib Avargal. b. at Pudukkottai, 1870. m. as his third wife, M.R.Ry. Sri Tirumalai Balasubrahamanya Raghunath Tondaiman Sahib Avargal, Jagirdar of Chinnaranmanai (b. at Pudukkottai, 1863; d. there, May 1903), eldest son of M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Tirumalai Tondaiman Sahib Avargal, by his wife, Srimathi Rajkumar Rani Mathurambal Ayi, daughter of the Zamindar of Kallakkottai. She d. 9th January 1936 - see above.

     • Srimathi Sri Rajkumari Minambal Ammani Rajayi Sahib Avargal. b. 1873. m. M.R.Ry. Sri Rajagopala Tondaiman Sahib Avargal, eldest son of M.R.Ry. Sri Radakrishna Tondaiman Sahib Avargal, by his wife second wife, Srimathi Kamalambal Ayi Sahib Avargal. She d. 11th October 1933, having had issue, one son and one daughter - see above.

   • Srimathi Rajkumari Kamalambal Rajammani Bayi Sahib Avargal (d/o Brahadamba Bayi Sahib). m. M.R.Ry. Sri Rangaswami Singappuliar Sahib Avargal, Zamindar of Kallakkottai, in Pudukkottai state. She d. at Pudukkottai, 24th January 1903, having and had issue, two sons and two daughters.

     • M.R.Ry. Sri Vijaya Raghunadha Tirumalai Singappuliar Sahib Avargal, Zamindar of Kallakkottai. b. 1873, educ. privately. m. Srimathi Brihadambal Ammani Rajayi Sahib, Zamindarin of Kallakkottai, only daughter of M.R.Ry. Tirumalai Balasubrahamanya Raghunath Ramachandra Tondaiman Sahib, by his first wife, Srimathi Brihadambal Rajayi Sahib Avargal, eldest daughter of M.R.Ry. Sri Rangaswami Singappuliar Dorai Raja Avargal, Zamindar of Kallakkottai. He d.s.p. at Pudukkottai, 1914.

     • M.R.Ry. Sri Muttu Vijaya Singappuliar Sahib Avargal. He d.s.p. at Pudukkottai, 1906.

     • Srimathi Brihadambal Rajayi Sahib Avargal. b. 1874. m. as his first wife, M.R.Ry. Sri Tirumalai Balasubrahamanya Raghunath Tondaiman Sahib Avargal, Jagirdar of Chinnaranmanai (b. at Pudukkottai, 1863; d. there, May 1903), eldest son of M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Tirumalai Tondaiman Sahib Avargal, by his wife, Srimathi Rajkumar Rani Mathurambal Ayi, daughter of the Zamindar of Kallakkottai. She d. at Pudukkottai, 1909, having had issue, one daughter - see above.

     • Srimathi Mathurambal Rajayi Sahib Avargal. m. M.R.Ry. Sri Pandarathar Sahib Avargal, Zamindar of Gandharvakottai, in Pudukkottai state. She had issue, two sons and two daughters.

       1. M.R.Ry. Sri Balasubramania Raghunatha Rangaswami Singapuliar Sahib Avargal, Zamindar of Kallakkottai. b. as Balasubramania Pandarathar, at Pudukkottai, 24th August 1918. Adopted by the widow of his maternal uncle, Srimathi Brihadambal Ammani Rajayi, renamed as Balasubramania Raghunatha Rangaswami Singapuliar and succeeded as to her late husbands estates.

       2. M.R.Ry. Sri Ramachandra Pandarathar Sahib Avargal, Zamindar of Gandharvakottai. b. at Pudukkottai, 25th September 1921. Succeeded to his fathers estates.

       3. Srimathi Kamalambal Rajayi Sahib Avargal. b. at Pudukkottai, 30th October 1919.

       4. Srimathi Mathurambal Rajayi Sahib Avargal. b. at Pudukkottai, 17th December 1922.

   • Srimathi Rajkumari Mangalambal Rajammani Bayi Sahib Avargal (d/o Brahadamba Bai Sahib). m. M.R.Ry. Sri Ayyaswami Panrikondran Sahib Avargal. She d.s.p. at Pudukkottai, 1873.

9. H.H. Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Sir Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (1886-1928), GCIE (1.1.1913). b. at Pudukkottai, 27th November 1875, third son of M.R.Ry. Kolandaswami Pallavarayar Sahib Avargal, by his wife, Mathusri Raja Srimathi Rani Brihadambal Rajammani Bayi Sahib Avargal, eldest daughter and heiress of H.H. Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Ramachandra Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai, educ. privately. Adopted by his maternal grandfather and invested as Heir Apparent with the title of Sri Rajkumar Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman Bahadur, 2nd March 1877 (recognised by the Government of India 15th January 1878). Succeeded on the death of his adopted father, 15th April 1886. Installed on the gadi, at Pudukkottai, 8th July 1886. Reigned under a Council of Regency until he came of age and was invested with full ruling powers by the Governor of Madras, Lord Wenlock, in person at Pudukkottai, 27th November 1894. Attended the Coronation Durbar at Delhi in 1903 and the Coronation of the King-Emperor George V and Queen-Empress Mary at Westminster Abbey in London in 1911. He lived abroad for several months in the year due to ill health, before deciding to live outside India on a permanent basis in October 1922. Appointed his eldest brother, Rajkumar Vijaya Raghunath Dorai Raja, as the Regent of the state during his absence. Settled in France. Rcvd: Delhi Durbar (1903 and 1911), and Coron (1911) gold medals. m. at Sydney, Australia, 10th August 1915 (morganatic), Esme Mary Sorrett (Mol) [Rani Tondaiman] (b. at Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 15th September 1894; d. at Cannes, France, 20th November 1967, bur. Golders Green Cemetery, London), educ. Lauriston Girl's Sch, Melbourne, never formally recognised as an official wife or accorded the usual styles and titles of that status by the British authorities, youngest daughter of Wolfe Fink, Esq. of "Windella", Malvern, Melbourne, Australia, by his wife, Elizabeth, daughter of James Hamilton Watt, of co Wicklow, Ireland. He died at Villa La Favorite, Cannes, France, 28th May 1928, having had issue, an only son.

   • M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Martanda Sydney Tondaiman Bahadur. b. at "St Mervyns", Sydney, Australia, 22nd July 1916, educ. Le Rosey, Switzerland, and Clare Coll, Cambridge. Excluded from the succession by the GOI, his mother being a lady not conforming to the requirements of Hindu custom or the traditions of the family. He became a US citizen, 1st September 1943. Later deprived of his citizenship and deported on suspicion of embezzlement or spying for the enemy! m. in the USA, 1943 (div. shortly afterwards). He died s.p. at Florence, Italy, 20th January 1984 (buried at Golders Green Cemetery, London).

10. H.H. Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Sri Rajagopala Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (1928-1997), born at Pudukkottai, 23rd June 1922, eldest son of M.R.Ry. Sri Rajkumar Ramachandra Tondaiman Sahib Avargal, by his second wife, Mathusri Raja Srimathi Rani Janaki Ayi Sahib Avargal, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his kinsman under a special decree of the Government of India, 24th October 1928. Installed on the gadi, at Pudukkottai, 19th November 1928. Reigned under the regency of Rajkumar Vijaya Raghunath Dorai Raja until 31st February 1929, then under a Council of Regency until he came of age and was invested with full ruling powers at Pudukkottai on 17th January 1944. Signed the instrument of accession to the Dominion of India, August 1947. Merged his state into the Madras Presidency, 3rd March 1948 (when he ceased enjoying sovereign powers). He subsequently donated most of his palaces and properties in Pudukkottai for public use and settled at Pudukkotttai Palace in Trichinopoly. The GOI amended the Indian Constitution to remove his position as a "ruler" and his right to receive privy-purse payments, 28th December 1971. Presdt Tamil Nadu Cricket Assoc (TNCA), Pudukottai Recreation Club (PRC), Kodaikanal Boat & Rowing Club, etc. Rcvd: Silver Jubilee (1935), Coron (1937) and Indian Independence (1948) medals. He d.s.p. unm. at Madras, 16th January 1997, having adopted his paternal nephew as his son and successor.

    • (A) H.H. Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Rajagopala Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai (qv)

11. H.H. Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Rajagopala Tondaiman Bahadur, Raja of Pudukkottai since 1997 (see above)

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