The year 1529 AD marked the beginning of the rule of Nayak dynasty over Madurai. Those who ruled small portions of land called themselves as kings were made as chieftains (Palayakkars) The most important king in the Nayak dynasty was Thirumalai Nayakkar. It was during his period that such historical landmarks like Temple of Meenakshi Amman and Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahals were built. It was during his period the Dutch and the Portughese came to Tamilnadu for trading purpose and eventually they established control over the places held by them for living and trading.

Then followed the rule of Queen Mangamma who was the Royal consort for the young king Sokkanathar the second. She was supposed to be an able administrator in contrasd was the rule of Sokkanathar the second who came to power when he became a major. He wasted valuable resources and expired in the year 1731 AD. He had no issues and the onus of running the state fell onm the tender shoulder of his wife Meenakshi. In order to capture Madurai the Nawab of Arcot sent his troops under Chandha Sahib. Rather than being captured she chose the honourable way outsuicide. With that the rule of Nayaks came to a sad end.