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List of Sethupathis

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{{Short description|Tamil Kingdom}}{{Other uses}}
[[File:Sethupathi coin.png|240x180px|thumb|An 18th-century copper coin made under an unidentified Sethupathi king depicting a horse and the word Sethupathi in Tamil.]]

The '''Sethupathis''' are a [[Tamils|Tamil]] clan of the [[Maravar]] community native to the [[Ramanathapuram district|Ramanathapuram]] and [[Sivaganga district]] of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b-LvAAAAMAAJ|title=Trends in history|last=N.Y.)|first=Institute for Research in History (New York|date=1982|publisher=Institute for Research in History|pages=134|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n2U9DwAAQBAJ|title=Possessed by the Virgin: Hinduism, Roman Catholicism, and Marian Possession in South India|last=Bloomer|first=Kristin C.|date=2017-11-10|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780190615116|language=en}}</ref> They were from the 17th century considered independent kings who ruled the [[Ramnad kingdom#Ramnad|Ramnad kingdom]], also known as ''[[Maravar]] country''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite thesis |last=Scherl |first=Richard Brian |title=Speaking with ''mariyatai'': A linguistic and cultural analysis of markers of plurality in Tamil. |date=December 1996 |pages=81, 83 |language=en |publisher=The University of Chicago |degree=Ph.D. |id={{ProQuest|304278470}}}}</ref> The male rulers of Ramnathapuram also bore the title of "Sethupathi" or "protector of the bridge", which was first granted to the first Sethupathi [[Raghunatha Kilavan]] by the [[Thanjavur Nayak kingdom|Thanjavur Nayak]]s, the bridge here referring to the legendary sacred [[Rama's Bridge]] (Adam's Bridge),<ref name="sethupathi_tondaimans">{{cite web|url=http://www.tamilnadu.ind.in/tamilnadu_history/sethupathis_thondaimans/sethupathis.php|title=Sethupathi Tondaimans|work=The History of Tamil Nadu}}</ref><ref name="holdersofhistory">{{cite web|title=Holder of History:The Ramnad Sethupathis|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1518390491.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023031602/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1518390491.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 October 2012|via=Highbeam}}</ref><ref name="bridgeofram">{{cite web|title=Sethupathi Dynasty of Ramnad - Guardians of Rama Sethu|url=http://www.bridgeofram.com/2008/02/sethupathi-dynasty-of-ramnad-guardians.html|publisher=Bridge of Ram|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006003201/http://www.bridgeofram.com/2008/02/sethupathi-dynasty-of-ramnad-guardians.html|archive-date=6 October 2011}}</ref> while female rulers bore the title '''"Nachiyar"'''. Among the seventy two [[poligar]]s (feudal title of chieftains under Nayaka rulers) of the region, the Sethupathi stood first. This special position was conferred not based upon the revenue that his kingdom generated but because of his military prowess. Back in the beginning of the 18th century, the Sethupathi ruler could mobilize a considerable army, about 30,000 to 40,000 strong at short notice (one week).<ref>{{cite book|title=Kingship and Political Practice in Colonial India|author=Pamela G. Price|publisher=Cambridge University Press, 14-Mar-1996 - History - 220 pages|page=26}}</ref>

Under the [[Madurai Nayak dynasty|Madurai Nayak]] king ''Muthukrishnappa Nayak,'' the first recorded Sethupathi, ''Saidaikan'' who assumed the title ''Udaiyan Rakunatha Sethupathi'' was installed as ruler from 1606–1621.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nl45AAAAIAAJ|title=Journal of Tamil Studies|date=1987|publisher=International Association of Tamil Research, International Institute of Tamil Studies|pages=79|language=en}}</ref> The Sethupathis who were under the [[suzerainty]] of the Madurai Nayak, gained its full independence in 1702. The Ramnad Kingdom lost its independence under [[British Empire]] and became a [[Zamindar]]i divided into the [[Ramnad estate]] also called ''Greater Marava'' and [[Sivaganga estate]] also called ''Little Marava''.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zjTneAGmatsC|title=History of Tinnevelly|last=Caldwell|first=Bishop R.|date=1989|publisher=Asian Educational Services|isbn=9788120601611|pages=210|language=en}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
The title ''Sethupathi'' is a [[Tamil language|Tamil]] term meaning "Lord of ''Sethu''",<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OpxeaYQbGDMC|title=The New Cambridge History of India: Vijayanagara|last=Stein|first=Burton|date=1989|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=9780521266932|pages=135|language=en}}</ref> where Sethu refers to [[Adam's Bridge]],<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=laIPgMQF_XsC|title=A Practical Sanskrit Dictionary with Transliteration, Accentuation, and Etymological Analysis Throughout|last=Macdonell|first=Arthur Anthony|date=2004|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn=9788120820005|pages=359|language=en}}</ref> a chain of [[limestone]] shoals from [[Rameswaram Island]] in [[India]] to [[Mannar Island]] in [[Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Adams-Bridge|title=Adam's Bridge {{!}} shoals, India|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=2018-10-17|language=en}}</ref> The Maravar clan from 5th century CE were patrons of the [[Ramanathaswamy Temple]], which is also known as ''Sethu'' and thereupon assumed the title ''Sethupathi''.<ref name=":1" />

The title ''"Sethu Kavalar''" meaning "Guardian of ''Sethu''" was a title used by the [[Aryacakravarti dynasty]] of [[Jaffna Kingdom]], who also used the term "Sethu" on their coin on account of being related to the Sethupathis.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Kj_aWm4DeFEC|title=The Sri Lanka Reader: History, Culture, Politics|last=Holt|first=John|date=2011-04-13|publisher=Duke University Press|isbn=978-0822349822|pages=83–84|language=en}}</ref>

== Sethupathis of Ramnad and Sivaganga ==
The rulers of Ramnad and Sivaganga region of early 17th century were called Sethupathis. The Nayak ruler Muthukrishnappa Nayak reestablished the ancient line of Sethupathys who were the chieftains under the pandyas in the beginning of 17th century as protector and guardian of the pilgrims to Sethusamudram and Rameswaram. The protector of Sethusamudram was called as Sethupathy. Sadaikkathevar was a loyal subordinate of the Nayaks. He emerged as the chief of the poligas. Sethupathis were maravas of Ramnad, Madurai and Tirunelveli. They had Ramnad as their official headquarters. Sadaikkathevar and his son KuttanSethupathi acted as Sethupathis and extended protection to the pilgrims who visited Rameswaram. Apart from giving protection two Sethupathis did religious services to the Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram. The Sethupathis also issued copper coins until they became Zamindar in the 18th century, the coins depict horses and peacocks with deity on the obverse and the name Sethupathi in Tamil on the reverse.<ref>11</ref>

==List of Sethupathis==
<ref> Alagappa University › uploadsPDFtamil civilization and culture from 1336 to ... - Alagappa University </ref>

* [[Sadaikka Thevar Sethupathi]] (1590–1621)
* [[Kootan Sethupathi]] (1621–1637)
* [[Dalavai Sethupathi]] (1637–1659)
* [[Raghunatha Thirumalai Sethupathi]] (1659–1670)

'''The independent kings were:'''

* [[Raghunatha Kilavan|Raghunatha Kilavan Sethupathi]] (1670–1708)
* [[Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi]] I (1708–1723)
* [[Sundaresvara Raghunatha Sethupathi]] (1723–1728)
* [[Kumara Muthu Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi]] (1728–1734)
* [[Muthukumara Raghunatha Sethupathi]] (1734–1747)
* Rakka Thevar (1747–1748)
* [[Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi II]] (1748–1760)
* [[Muthuramalinga Sethupathi]] (1760–1794)
* Ruler of princely state under the paramountcy of the British Raj
* Mangaleswari Nachiyar (1795–1803)

'''The zamindars are as follows:'''

* Mangaleswari Nachiyar (1803–1807)
* Annaswami Sethupathi (1807–1820)
* Ramaswami Sethupathi (1820–1830)
* Muthu Chella Thevar Sethupathi (1830–1846)
* Parvatha Vardhani Ammal Nachchiyar (1846–1862)
* [[Muthuramalinga Sethupathi II]](1862–1873)

'''Court of Wards (1873–1889)'''

* [[Bhaskara Sethupathi]] (1889–1903)
* Dinakara Sethupathy
* [[Raja Rajeswara Sethupathi]] (1903–1929)
* [[Shanmugha Rajeswara Sethupathi]](1929–1967)
* [[Ramanatha Sethupathi]] (1967–1979)
* [[Rajeswari Nachiyar]] (1979–present)

== Sadaikka Thevar ==
Sadaikka Thevar (1601–1645 CE), Kuttan Sethupathi made his adopted son Sadaikkathevar II as the next ruler. This was opposed by Kuttan Sethupathi's natural son Thambi, Thirumalai Nayak supported the claim of Thambi. The ruler Sadaikka thevar was dethroned and jailed. Thambi was made as Sethupathi. Thambi was not competent. Sadaikkathevar's nephews Raghunathathevar and Narayanathevar rebelled against Thambi's rule. Accepting the popular representation, Thirumalai Nayak released Sadaikkathevar from Jail and made him Sethupathi after dismissing Thambi from the throne Sadiakkathevar constructed a new Chokkanatha temple at Rameswaram. He did lot of Charitable and public works

== Raghunatha Sethupathi ==
[[File:Thirumalai Sethupathi.JPG|240x180px|thumb|Thirumalai Sethupathi]]

[[Raghunatha_Kilavan|Raghunatha Sethupathi]] (Raghunatha Kilavan) (1645 AD to 1670 AD) was loyal to the [[Thanjavur Nayak kingdom|Nayak ruler]]. He helped the Nayaks by defeating the Muslims under Kutbkhan and the poligar of Ettapuram. In appreciation help the Nayak ruler gave the privilege of celebrating Navarathri festival at the capital city. The Nayak ruler also gave places like Thirubhuvanam, Mannar Koil Tiruchuli to Sethupathi. He successfully annexed Devakottai and Aranthangi. He helped Thirumalai Nayak in his war against Mysore army. Thirumalai Nayak recognized the valuable military services of Raghunatha Sethupathi and conferred the title Thirumalai Sethupathi on him. Sethupathis loyalty towards the Nayaks was over with Thirumalai Nayak.

Raghunatha Sethupathi recaptured all the forts and places from the Nayaks and became an independent ruler. Raghunatha Sethupathi patronized art and literature. He made Tamil as official language of his court. He encouraged Tamil poets namely Alagiya Chitramabala Kavirayar and Amirtha Kavirayar. He constructed the Second ''[[prakaram]]'' (outer courtyard) of the Ramanathswami temple in Rameswaram. The famous poet Thayumanavar spent his last days under the Patronage of Raghunatha Sethupathi. After Raghunatha Sethupathi both Surya thevar and Athana thevar were in power for a very short duration in 1670.

== Raghunatha Sethupathi II alias Kizhavan Sethupathi ==
{{main|Raghunatha Kilavan}}
[[File:Kilavan Sethupathi.JPG|240x180px|thumb|right|Kizhavan Sethupathi]]

Kizhavan Sethupathi (1671 AD to 1710 AD) was the greatest ruler among the Tamil kings. He was the seventh king of Ramnad.<ref name="FM Sivaganga">{{cite web|title=Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu|url=http://financeminister.gov.in/sivaganga.html|publisher=financeminister.gov.in}}</ref> He was helpful to Chokkanatha Nayak. The Nayak king conferred him a title Para Rajakesari (Lion to alien kings). He annexed some territories of Madurai Kingdom. Aranthangi, Thirumayam, Piranmalai. He opposed the spread of Christian missionary activities. Kizhavan Sethupathi liberated the Marava country from the control of Madurai Nayak. After defeating Rani Mangammal's army, he declared independent Marava country in 1707. He shifted his headquarters from Pughalur to Ramnad.
Kilavan Sethupathi established the Nalcottal palayam (later Sivaganga) and appointed Udaya Thevar as governor. He served well for the development of Hinduism. He endowed villages to a temple at Thiruvadanai and Kalaiyar Koil. He constructed a fort around the Ramanathapuram, the capital city. He constructed a dam across the Vaigai. His rule was marked as the golden age of the Maravas. Kilavan Sethupathi was succeeded by Bhavani Shankarathevar and Thandathevar.

== Post Kilavan Sethupathi ==
[[File:Bhaskara Sethupathy of Ramnad.jpg|240x180px|left|thumb|Bhaskara Sethupathy]]

[[Vijayaraghunatha Sethupathi]] became the 8th King of Ramnad in 1710 after the death of Kilavan Sethupathy.<ref name ="FM Sivaganga"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Crumbling Glory|url=http://www.hindu.com/lf/2003/08/04/stories/2003080406750200.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125190506/http://www.hindu.com/lf/2003/08/04/stories/2003080406750200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2013|author=Suresh Kumar P S|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 August 2003}}</ref> After Kilavan Sethupathi the kingdom was divided into two new Sivaganga Kingdom emerged. During the later period of Sethupathi's rule, the Ramnad was reduced to a zamin level. Then it was brought under the control of the Britishers. Finally it became a part of the Indian Union. Among the later Sethupathis, [[Bhaskara Sethupathy]] was an exceptionally enlightened zamindar. And his brother Raja [[Dhingara Sethupathi]] were English educated rulers.

[[File:Ssthupy.jpg|240x180px|thumb|Swamy Vivekananda Memorial Pillar]]
Raja Dhinagara sethypathy become the zamindar after Bhaskara Sethypathy passed away from 1903. He honored Swami Vivekananda who attended the parliament of Religion at Chicago. on return of Swami Vivekananda both zamindars maeda great agenda on that day, for this they made a memorial pillar on ''Sigil Raha'' Street, Now the street is named after the ''"Swamy Vivekanandga Salai"''. The social life under Sethupathi's rule was good.

== See also ==
* [[Ramnad_estate#Ramnad|Ramnad Kingdom]]
* [[Maravar]], community to which Ramnad / Sethupathi kings belonged
* [[Thanjavur Nayak kingdom]], once and ally and later adversary of Sethupathis
* [[Madurai Nayak dynasty]], once and ally and later adversary of Sethupathis
* [[Marava War of Succession]], war of succession after Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi

== References ==
{{reflist}}
* http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?topic=23229.0
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sethupathi}}

[[Category:Lists of Indian monarchs]]

Sethupathi - Revision history

Ajit3011: enhanced lead also and updated info

imported>N.K.BALA: /* List of Sethupathis */