Tirumalai Nayak was a 17th-century king of the Nayak dynasty in southern India, known for his significant contributions to architecture and culture. He ruled from 1623 to 1659 and is best remembered for the construction of the magnificent Tirumalai Nayakkar Mahal in Madurai, which showcases a blend of Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles. Under his reign, the kingdom flourished in arts and literature, attracting scholars and artists. Tirumalai Nayak also played a crucial role in promoting the Hindu religion, supporting temples and festivals, which helped strengthen the cultural identity of the region.