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by C. Manoranjithamoni (Author)
(In Colour) The history of Tamil̤ Nāḍu from the sixteenth century to the eighteenth is eventful with political developments which had far-reaching consequences. It was a significant period in which non-Tamil̤ rulers ruled the country which ultimately led to the establishment of foreign rule. The period commences with the appointment of the Telugu-speaking Vijayanagar governors in the Madurai, Tha jāvūr and Se ji regions. The decline of the Vijayanagar rule led to the rule of the Marāthas in Tha jāvūr and the Mughals in the Carnatic. The invasion of the Tamil̤ country by the Mughal general, Zulfikar Khan, made the Tamil̤ States tributaries of the Mughals and established the rule of the Carnatic Nawabs. This period witnessed the efforts of European powers to establish trade centres. The war of succession between the two dynasties of the Carnatic Nawabs and the wars between the competitive trading countries, the English and the French, had their impact on the native powers which thereby became weakened. By providing military and financial aid to native powers, the British gradually took over their territories and expanded the Madras Presidency. Another notable feature is that the success in getting political power in the Tamil̤ country encouraged the British to acquire political power in North India using their base in the Tamil̤ country as a springboard. Native rulers' military weakness and tendency to allow foreign powers to interfere in native politics and Muhammad Ali's total reliance on the English to control his subordinates and meet his financial needs necessitated by his extravagant lifestyle were contributary factors which helped the English, who came as traders, become rulers of the country.In this period, resenting the interference and oppression of the British, the poligars rose against them. The Poligar Rebellion under Pūli Thēvar and Kaṭṭabomman̤ and the South Indian Rebellion under Marudu Pāṇḍyan̤ are notable events of this period. The political development in the Tamil̤ country in this period had serious repercussions on the political future of India since they provided the British with experience and resources for the expansion of their rule in the rest of India. The year 1801 A.D. in which the Madras Presidency, the biggest in the British India, attained its total expansion is politically significant in the history of Tamil̤ Nāḍu and India.The rule of foreigners had its impact on the social life of the people and the economy of the country. The advent of Christian missionaries along with trading companies influenced the social life. The exploitation of native resources by the foreign rulers and the constant wars among them shattered the economy. In the midst of such turmoil, the Nāyaks and the Marāthas contributed to the developments of arts and culture. This book is a study of not only political events, but also the contemporary social, economic and religious conditions. The Nāyak architecture, which is the last phase of the Dravidian architecture, along with the contributions of the Marathas of Tha jāvūr, is highlighted. Besides its use to students and those who prepare for competitive examinations, it is an interesting study to those who are interested in the history of Tamil̤ Nāḍu. For the proper understanding of the details presented, maps and pictures are added at appropriate places.
