Nayak dynasty
The Nayaka dynasty was formally started by Viswanatha Nayaka in Madurai. The Madurai Nayaks (Madurai Nayak dynasty) were rulers from around 1529 until 1736, of a region comprising most of modern-day Tamil Nadu, India, with Madurai as their capital.The Nayak reign was an era noted for its achievement in arts, cultural and administrative reforms, revitalization of temples previously ransacked by the Delhi Sultans, and inauguration of a unique architectural style. The Pandyan kingdom was divided into 72 palayams by the King Viswanatha Nayaka (1529-1563) and his minister Ariyanatha Mudaliar. Viswanatha Nayaka and Ariyanatha Mudaliar rebuilt and renovated the Madurai Meenkashi temple along with the thousand pillared hall.