# Ettayapuram estate

The Ettayapuram Estate was a Palayam (feudal administrative division) in the Tirunelveli district of present-day Tamil Nadu, India. Initially a vassal under the Vijayanagara Empire, it later came under British suzerainty. After India's independence in 1947, the Estate was integrated into the Indian Union. Ettayapuram is renowned as the birthplace of several eminent figures, including Muthuswami Dikshitar (one of the Carnatic music trinity), the revolutionary poet Mahakavi Bharathiyar, freedom fighter Maveeran Azhagumuthu Kone, the Tamil scholar Umaru Pulavar, and Somasundara Bharathiyar.
Geography
Ettayapuram is situated in modern-day Thoothukudi district, approximately 43 km northwest of Thoothukudi and 15 km southeast of Kovilpatti.
Demographics
At the turn of the 20th century, the Estate spanned 570 square miles (1,476 km$^2$) and comprised 374 villages with a population of 154,000. It held significant socio-economic importance in South India due to its administrative structure and cultural contributions.
Origin and History
The Ettayapuram Samasthanam traces its origin back to 803 A.D. from Chandragiri, belonging to the state of Andhra Pradesh. This makes it possibly one of the most ancient aristocratic families of southern India, with diverse culture and rich traditions.
The title of Ettappan, which holds the distinctive position of being both the family name and the oldest title bestowed upon the family, was conferred upon the 11th ruler, Nallamanayakkar, son of Kumaramuthunayakar, by the Sambhu Raja, who was then reigning at the Vijayanagar fort in the year 1342 A.D. Sambhu Raja was one of the allies of the Vijayanagar Empire, which was then ruled by Harihara I.
Nallamanayakkar, during a ceremonial visit to Sambhu Raja, was challenged at the southern gate of the Vijayanagar fort by a warrior named Soman. Soman had a chain of gold attached to his left leg, and it was customary for all visitors to choose one of two alternatives before gaining access to the Raja. They were required either to overcome Soman in a wrestling match or to pass underneath the golden chain in token of submission.
Nallamanayakkar chose to fight Soman. In the combat that ensued, he emerged victorious, defeating all his opponents and ultimately slaying Soman. He then proceeded with the trophies of his victory and stood before the king. Impressed by his prowess, the king asked him to have a golden head made and wear it as a badge on his left leg.
Upon learning that Soman had eight younger brothers, Nallamanayakkar, moved by compassion, adopted them as his wards. In honor of his strength and benevolence, the king conferred upon him the title of Ettappan, meaning 'father of eight.' He also bestowed upon him various gifts and privileges, including lands and villages.
Since that time, the name Ettappan has been used by all legitimate successors to the Ettayapuram Samasthanam.
Contributions to Tamil culture, heritage or politics
Patrons to various Tamil writers and poets such as Kadigai Muthu Pulavar, Umaru Pulavar, Somasundara Bharathi, Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathi (Bharathiyar), etc. The Ettayapuram Samasthanam were patrons to one of the Sangeetha Mumoorthis, Muthu Swami Dikshatar, whose final resting place is at Ettayapuram. Many of the Rajas of Ettayapuram were themselves prolific composers and musicians. Their contributions were mentioned by Subbarama Dikshatar, the grandnephew of Muthu Swami Dikshatar in his literary work called Vaggeyakara Charitramu. This was published in one of the oldest Telugu printing press Vidya Vilasini established by the Ettayapuram Samasthanam.
Notable Ancestors:
Nallamma Naicker (11th Raja) - The first to receive the title of Ettappan due to his valor.
Kumara Muthu Ettappa Naicker (14th Raja) - At the request of Pandiya Raja, he quelled outlaws and brought peace to a disturbed region. In recognition, the Pandiya King conferred upon him the title Sundara Pandiya Ettappa Naicker along with a golden bangle.
Kumara Ettappa Naicker (15th Raja) - Performed similar valorous acts at the request of the Pandiyas and earned the title Jegaveera Rama for the Ettappa Dynasty.
Jegaveera Rama Kumara Ettappa Naicker (20th Raja) - Founded the present town of Ettayapuram in January 1567. During his reign, Kumara Krishnappa Naicker, the ruler of Madurai, sought his assistance in a battle against Travancore at the Fort of Eraniel. He fought valiantly, conquered the fort, and was later treacherously killed by an arrow from a concealed enemy. Distressed by his demise, the Raja of Madurai granted his family the land of Kalugumalai and awarded them the title Ayyan as an adjunct to their existing name.
Jegaveera Rama Ettappa Naicker Ayyan (22nd Raja) - Accompanied the Madurai ruler Muthu Krishnappa Naicker to Travancore and helped establish peace. The reigning prince of Travancore, Vanji Marthanda, graciously invited him to his court and provided substantial support.
Jegaveera Rama Ketchilla Ettappa Naicker Ayyan - The Third (25th Raja) - Formally provided protection to Roman Catholics, as evidenced by a stone inscription preserved at the church of Kamayanaickenpatti.
Jegaveera Rama Venkateshwara Ettappa Naicker Ayyan (27th Raja) - Assisted the Ramnad Raja by sending a force of 5000 men under the command of Serveikaran Alagumuthu Kone and Periya Muthu Pillai to conquer the Fort of Anumanthakudi. His reign saw the patronage of the great poet Kadigai Muthu Pulavar, who composed Samudhra Vilasam and Kamarasa Manjari. A legend states that, due to his devout nature and the blessings of Lord Ramalinga Swami of Rameshwaram, he miraculously restored vision to a blind pilgrim from Varanasi. This act earned him the title Kan Kudutha Ettappa Naicker, which is referenced in Samudhra Vilasam.
Jegaveera Rama Venkateshwara Ettappa Naicker Ayyan - The Second (29th Raja) - Fought against Mohammed Yusuf Khan(born as Marudhanayagam Pillai, later known as Khan Sahib), commandant in the British East India Company. His Serveikaren, Maaveeran Alagumuthu Kone, bravely fought against Khan Sahib at the Fort of Pethanayackanur but was captured and executed by cannon fire. This marked the first Polygar uprising against British rule and is considered an early act of rebellion in the Indian freedom struggle.
Jegaveera Rama Venkateshwara Ettappa Naiker Ayyan - The Third (32nd Raja) - A patron of music and the arts. The renowned composer Muthuswami Dikshitar visited Ettayapuram during his reign and chose to remain with the Ettayapuram rulers for the rest of his life.
Jegaveera Kumara Ettappa Naiker Ayyan - The Third (36th Raja) - A visionary with progressive thinking, he constructed schools, bridges, and roads in and around Ettayapuram. His schools provided education to both boys and girls, aiming for a progressive society. His charitable nature was even recognized by the British, who awarded him a certificate of appreciation. During the severe famine of 1877-78, he implemented extensive relief measures by opening feeding houses for the famine-stricken. He also provided significant support to farmers by constructing wells and assisting them in resuming agriculture post-famine.
Raja Jegaveera Venkateshwara Ettappa Naiker Ayyan (37th Raja) - Made notable contributions in infrastructure, including road construction, temple repairs, and irrigation work. He established an agricultural farm and schools for boys and girls of all communities, including the backward classes. He donated ₹50,000 annually for the maintenance of temples, charities, and public dispensaries. His donations included ₹20,000 to the American medical hospitals at Madurai and ₹7,000 for a septic ward at Victoria Cast and Gosha Hospital in Madras. His patronage extended to Indian music, as he published a rare treatise on music theory by Subbarama Dikshitar. He was invited by the Imperial Government to attend the Delhi Durbar coronations of 1903 and 1911. In recognition of his public service, the title Raja was conferred upon him by the Crown on New Year's Day, 1911. On his return from the Delhi Durbar, he stopped at Varanasi, met Subramania Bharati, and brought him back to Ettayapuram.
Jegaveera Rama Venkateshwara Ettappa Naicker Ayyan - The Fifth (38th Raja) - A connoisseur of culture and arts, especially music and drama. He conferred the title Bharathi upon Somasundara Bharathi and Subramania Bharathi, bestowing on the latter the title of Mahakavi Bharathi.
Politics:
The 39th Raja of the Ettayapuram Estate, Raja Jagaveera Rama Kumara Venkateswara Ettappa Nayakkar Ayyan, served as a member of the Madras Provincial Legislative Council (MLC) during the Justice Party Government.
Contributions to Tamil Culture and Tradition
Ettayapuram is a state that nurtured and nurtured various Tamil writers, poets and patrons like Kadiai Muthu Pulavar, Umar Pulavar, Somasundara Bharathi, Mahakavi Subramania Bharathiyar. Ettayapuram was also the final resting place of Muthuswamy Diksathar, one of the greats of music. Many of the kings of Ettayapuram were great composers and musicians.
Muthuswamy Diksathar's grandson Subbarama Diksathar has mentioned the contributions to the culture and tradition of the Ettayapuram state in his book "Sangeetha Sampradaya Pratharsini" - 1904, written in Telugu by Muthuswamy Diksathar (Source - Ettayapuram Samsthan Vidwan Sri Subbaramatheeshidhar).
Current Status of the Ettayapuram Principality
The tradition of the coronation ceremony continues in the Ettayapuram Principality. The 42nd Raja, Mr. Chandra Chaitanya, has been formally crowned, upholding the legacy of the royal lineage.