Thanjavur Nayak dynasty were the rulers of Thanjavur
principality of Tamil Nadu between the 16th to the 17th century. The Nayaks
were appointed as provincial governors by the Vijayanagar Emperor who divided
the Tamil country into three Nayakships viz., Madurai, Tanjore and Gingi.
Thanjavur Nayaks were notable for their patronage of literature and the arts.
Obv: Bull
standing facing left with crescent moon above it.
Rev: Nagari
Legend si va pa / ra ya separated by lines. Above the legend, a dagger, sun
& moon are visible.
The Tuluva dynasty came to rule over the Vijaya Nagar
Empire as the third dynasty. Achyuta Deva Raya of the dynasty appointed his
wife's sister's husband Sevappa Nayak as the ruler of Thanjavur. Sevappa Nayak
– 1540 – 1580 AD. was the founder of Thanjavur Nayak dynasty
Before assuming power of the Tanjore kingdom, Sevvappa
had distinguished himself under Krishnadavaraya as an administrator and a
builder. Sevappa's wife Murtimamba was the sister-in-law of Achyuta Deva Raya
and the sister of the Vijayanagara Queen, Thirumalamba. Some sources suggest
that Sevappa acquired the Thanjavur Kingdom as stridhana (dowry) from
Achyutadeva Raya. Sevappa was also a ceremonial betel bearer to Achyuta Deva
Raya, the brother of Krishnadevaraya.
