Muthu Virappa Nayaka
Coins
Muthu Virappa Nayaka was a ruler of the Madurai Nayak dynasty who succeeded his father Muttu Krishnappa Nayaka in 1609. He sought greater independence from the declining Vijayanagara Empire by ceasing regular tribute payments to the imperial center. During his reign, a major succession crisis and civil war broke out in the Vijayanagara Empire after the death of Venkatapati Raya in 1614, involving factions that included Madurai, Gingee, and the Portuguese supporting one side, and Thanjavur and other Nayaks supporting the other.Muthu Virappa Nayaka supported the faction led by the nobleman Gobburi Jagga Raya but was defeated in the decisive Battle of Toppur in 1616 by forces loyal to Rama Deva Raya. As a result, he was forced to pay a large tribute to the Vijayanagara center. Subsequently, he shifted the Madurai capital to Tiruchirappalli in 1616 to better position himself for potential military campaigns against the neighboring Tanjore Nayaks, although these plans did not succeed. Despite challenges, his diplomatic efforts ensured the loyalty of his Pandyan vassals, which helped repel a Mysore invasion of Dindigul in 1620. Muthu Virappa Nayaka died in 1623 and was succeeded by his brother Tirumala Nayaka, who moved the capital back to Madurai and strengthened the kingdom militarily and administratively.
Chokkanadha Nayaka
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Chokkanatha Nayak was a ruler of the Madurai Nayak dynasty who reigned from 1659 to 1682 CE. He succeeded his father, Muttu Alkadri Nayak, when he was about sixteen years old. His reign marked one of the later periods of the Madurai Nayak dynasty, which was known for its contributions to arts, architecture, and administration in Tamil Nadu.