Damarla Chennapa Nayaka

Damarla Chennapa Nayaka also known as Damal Chennappa Nayakkar^[a] was a Nayaka ruler of Kalahasti and Vandavasi under the suzerainty of Vijayanagar emperor Venkatapati Raya (r. 1585–1614). He was also the Dalavoy or the Commander-in-Chief of the emperor.^[1][2]

The city of Chennai (originally called "Chennapatnam") was founded by his son Ayyappa, and named after him. It was established in order to separate the warring Europeans within the region, the Dutch based at Pulicat and the Portuguese based at Mylapore. Later the British establishment at Madras (Fort St. George) was set up to the south of Chennapatnam.^[3][b]

Biography

Chennapa Nayakar belonged to the Padmanayaka Velama caste.^[4] He married Akkamamba, the daughter of Venkatagiri ruler Velugoti Kasturi Ranga and younger sister of Velugoti Yachama Nayaka.^[5] The line of Nayakas were chieftains during the Vijayanagar empire and attained full power after its decline, becoming independent Nayaks.^[6]

He died in 1580.^{[citation needed]} He is believed to have originated from Damal, a village near Kanchipuram in present-day Tamil Nadu, which is traditionally associated with his family.

Notes

1. The last name is also found written as Nayakudu, Nayudu, or Nayakkar, depending on the language and orientation of the writers. The first name (which is a family name) is also written as Damal, a simplified form.
2. The city was known by the name "Madras" during the British rule and also after Indian independence. The Government of Tamil Nadu eventually ordered it changed to Chennai.