Economic Conditions and Development under the Nayak Rule in Tamil Nadu (A.D. 1529– 1736)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66635/e5t5pk69Keywords:
Nayaks, Tamil Nadu, Agrarian Economy, Land Revenue, Irrigation, Palaiyakkarar, Temple Economy, Trade, Economic DevelopmentAbstract
The Nayak rule in Tamil Nadu marked a significant period in the socio-economic and political history of South India. Emerging from the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire after the Battle of Talikota (1565), the Nayaks established independent kingdoms in Madurai, Thanjavur, and Senji, laying the foundations for regional governance and economic development. Their administration emphasized agricultural expansion, irrigation, taxation, temple-centered economic organization, trade promotion, and decentralized governance through the Palaiyakkarar system. Economic prosperity was closely linked to effective management of land resources, maintenance of irrigation tanks, encouragement of cultivation, and integration of rural and urban markets. This article examines the economic conditions and developmental policies pursued by the Nayaks by analyzing agrarian structures, revenue administration, irrigation works, commercial activities, artisanal production, temple economies, and foreign trade. Drawing upon inscriptions, archival records, scholarly books, journal articles, and doctoral theses, the study argues that despite political instability during the later phase of Nayak rule, their economic policies contributed substantially to the prosperity of Tamil Nadu and influenced subsequent Maratha and British administrative systems.
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