Meenakshi (Nayak queen)

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Meenakshi (1700–1736) was the queen regent of the Madurai Nayak Kingdom. She ruled from Dindigul Fort between 1731 and 1736, acting as regent for her adopted son after her husband Vijaya Ranga Chokkanatha Nayak died without an heir. She was the granddaughter-in-law of Rani Mangammal and had married Vijaya Ranga Chokkanatha Nayak. When he died in 1731, she adopted the son of Vangaru Thirumalai, made him heir, and governed in his name. Meenakshi was the last ruler of the Madurai Nayak dynasty.