Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 7, 2026

Sundem

Sundem, also called the 'Nayakas of Sonda', 'Sonda Raja' or 'Soundekar Raja' was a dynasty that initially ruled from Sonda in the hilly terrain of Uttara Kannada, and then moved to Goa in the 18th century.

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Jul 7, 2026
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Kingdom of Sundem
Sonda Raja
1555–1935
StatusVassal to Vijayanagara Empire, Maratha Empire and the Bijapur Sultanate at several times
GovernmentMonarchy
King of Sundem
(Rei de Sundem)		 
• 1555 - 1598
Arasappa Rajendra Wodiyar 1
• ? - 1935 (last)
Basavalinga II Rajendra Udaiyar
History 
• Established
1555
• Disestablished
1935
 Succeeded by
Portuguese India
Today part ofIndia

Sundem (Soundekar Dynasty), also called the 'Nayakas of Sonda', 'Sonda Raja' or 'Soundekar Raja' was a dynasty that initially ruled from Sonda in the hilly terrain of Uttara Kannada, and then moved to Goa in the 18th century.2

History

Nayakas of Sonda were feudatory vassals at various times to the Vijayanagara Empire, Maratha Empire and the Bijapur Sultanate. Finally they became vassals of the Portuguese Empire.3

In 1763, the Sonda state was attacked by Hyder Ali, forcing the reigning chieftain to seek asylum from the Portuguese Empire in Goa. The family was initially sheltered in Gouli-Moula, Tiswadi. On January 17, 1791, a formal treaty was signed between the Soundekar Raja and the Portuguese government. As a gesture of gratitude for their protection, the Raja bequeathed the territories of Ponda, Zambaulim, Canacona, and the Panchmahal to the Portuguese. This transfer of land significantly expanded the Novas Conquistas (New Conquests) of Goa. In return, the Raja was permitted to retain a three-acre estate in Bandora, Ponda, which remains the family's seat today. They were called the 'Rei de Sundem' in Portuguese.2

Religious & Cultural Patrons

The Nayakas of Sonda (also known as the Nayakas of Swadi) were significant patrons of the Dvaita and Jain traditions in the Malenadu and coastal regions of Karnataka from 1555 to 1763. Their patronage was characterized by a unique religious pluralism, where they supported multiple faiths to consolidate their regional authority.4

The Sodhe Matha

One of the most enduring legacies of the Sonda Nayakas is their support for the Sodhe Matha (one of the Ashta Mathas of Udupi). Arasappa Nayaka II was a devoted disciple of the saint Sri Vadiraja Tirtha, and it was under the Nayakas' patronage that the Matha was established as a major spiritual hub in Sonda.4

List of Rajas

Source:1

  1. Arasappa Rajendra Wodiyar (r. 1555-1598)51
  2. Ramachandra Rajendra Wodiyar (r. 1598-1618)6
  3. Raghunatha Rajendra Wodiyar (r. 1618-1638)
  4. Madhulinga Rajendra Wodiyar (r. 1638-1674)
  5. Sadashiva Rajendra Wodiyar (r. 1674-1697)7
  6. Basavalinga Rajendra Wodiyar (r. 1697-1745)8
  7. Immadi Sadashiva Rajendra Wodiyar (r. 1745-1763)
  8. Sawai Basavalinga I Rajendra Udaiyar 1763 - 18439
  9. Sadashiva II Rajendra Udaiyar 18439
  10. Vira Rajendra Udaiyar 1843 - 18939
  11. Sawai Basavalinga II Rajendra Udaiyar ?
  12. Sawai Vira Sadashiva Rajendra Udaiyar ?
  13. Basavalinga II Rajendra Udaiyar ? - 19353
References

References

  1. Ramanujachari, r Ed (1958). Proceedings And Transactions Of The All India Oriental Conference.
  2. Kerkar, Rajendra P (3 September 2017). "Blurring the lines between royalty and commoner". Times of India. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  3. Fernandes, Anzil (10 January 2013). "Goa's Last King". goastreets. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  4. "History of Sode Matha and Sri Vadiraja". Sri Sode Vadiraja Mutt. Retrieved 2026-04-11. Sri Vadiraja introduced periodical change in the Paryaya system... He was visibly present in Sode and received patronage from the local Nayaka rulers.
  5. Who's who in India, Burma & Ceylon. Who's Who Publishers (India) Limited. 1936.
  6. Who's who in India, Burma & Ceylon. Who's Who Publishers (India) Limited. 1936.
  7. Who's who in India, Burma & Ceylon. Who's Who Publishers (India) Limited. 1936.
  8. Who's who in India, Burma & Ceylon. Who's Who Publishers (India) Limited. 1936.
  9. Who's who in India, Burma & Ceylon. Who's Who Publishers (India) Limited. 1936.